Broken capillaries, how do we get them and how can we get rid of them?
Broken capillaries particularly on the face is an extremely common problem which can lead to self esteem issues. Those of us suffering this annoying problem get fed up having to constantly conceal with make up; firstly rest assured you are a completely normal human being, there are many measures available to get rid of these veins and prevent them from reoccurring.
What are they?
Capillaries are the smallest of blood vessels that connect the smallest arteries (arterioles) to the smallest of veins (venules). They form a network throughout the body delivering nutrients and oxygen to tissues and remove waste products like carbon dioxide and water.
Telangiectasia is the medical name for broken capillaries, or sometimes referred to as Spider Veins or Thread Veins, these will develop because the walls of the veins are delicate and are just below the surface of the skin, which makes them more susceptible to damage especially on the face. If the veins get damaged they become weak and dilate causing the veins to enlarge.
Why do we get broken capillaries?
Genetics can play a part, although veins are more common in sensitive skin types.
Sun damage can enlarge the blood vessels drawing them closer to the skin.
Temperature changes either extreme heat or extreme cold will agitate the condition.
Harsh weather conditions.
Rosacea is a condition causing redness of the face often associated with lumps. It mainly effects fair skinned individuals and we often find sufferers also have developed thread veins
Smoking causes a narrowing of blood vessels, the nicotine in cigarettes causes the blood vessels to constrict and your heart rate beats faster, which temporarily raises your blood pressure.
The risk increases of getting Telangiectasia during pregnancy.
Tips
Prevention is better than cure, avoid using very hot water on the skin, washing your face in tepid water is a kinder option.
Avoid too much sun exposure and particularly during the hottest part of the day.
Saunas can aggravate broken capillaries on the face making the condition worst.
Using gentle products on the skin can help. Avoid abrasive (mechanical) exfoliants, there are options available to you so that you can still exfoliate.
Avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking can help.
Recommended products
Dermalogica Barrier Repair is a unique shield against environmental damage helping to reinforce the skin’s natural protective barrier, giving all day protection.Contains Vitamins C and E which aids with stimulating collagen formation.This gentle moisturiser contains no artificial fragrance or colour. Reduces sensitivity, redness, irritation and inflammation.
Environ Colostrum Gel is a highly concentrated revitalising serum to help provide essential nutrition to the skin. The key ingredients of Vitamins C & E provide anti-oxidant protection.
You may be fed up hearing about the benefits of using an SPF but here it is again, RAD SPF by Environ is our top selling SPF and feels lovely on the skin. Using an effective sunscreen can prevent the development of further thread veins.
Jane Iredale mineral makeup is a make up that is good for the skin, it contains zinc oxide which is a natural SPF , the products are free of perfume, chemical additives, alcohol and artificial dyes. My ‘can’t live without product’ is the pure pressed base which gives great coverage but feels really light on the skin.
Recommended Treatments:
The only real way to get rid of them is with Laser therapy. The Ellipse Sirius Laser system targets the Telangiectasia by directly aiming the laser light onto the blood vessels helping to remove them. A course of 3 treatments are recommended to target the face area but depending on the size of the area on the face being treated sometimes 1 or 2 treatments are sufficient to improve the appearance. A patch test is required prior to treatment to ensure suitability for treatment. These treatments can range from £80 to £125 per treatment and are best carried out during the Autumn/ winter months as can cause photosensivity for 4 weeks after treatment, thus you need to avoid sun exposure throughout your course of treatments.
If you require any further information on any of the products or treatments discussed here please give us a call 02890666628.