Everything you need to know about broken capillaries

For years I suffered from broken capillaries around my nose without even knowing it.
I have fair skin with mild rosacea, and always just thought the little spidery veins on the sides of my nose were part of that.
It wasn’t until I started getting regular facials that my clinician brought the condition to my attention, explaining that those little red veins were called broken capillaries. And unfortunately, as with most skin conditions, getting older has only made it worse.
As I enter my late-20s, my broken capillaries are starting to spread farther around my nose and are becoming increasingly difficult to cover up.
It’s something I’ve become very self conscious about, which is why when I had the opportunity to try the DMK Enzyme Therapy Treatment or “Game of Thrones facial” a few weeks ago, I was so excited to learn that the facial actually helps prevent broken capillaries!
After my treatment, I had the chance to chat with Debbie Dickson, Australia's Director or Education at DMK, about my skin concerns and got the lowdown on all things broken capillaries. So if you’re suffering from those pesky broken capillaries too, keep reading!
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What are broken capillaries?
“Even though people call them ‘broken capillaries’ most of the time they are not actually broken, they are just weakened vessels known as fragile capillaries,” Debbie explains. They are most commonly found on the face, specifically around the nose and cheeks. They occur when a blood vessel swells and contracts too quickly, creating a tear in the capillary wall which allows blood to seep out.
Why do we get broken capillaries?
Debbie says the main reason broken capillaries occur is because blood vessels become weakened when transitioning between extreme temperatures or from sun damage. “It could also be a case of extra vessels growing underneath the skin and becoming more visible, this is called vascular matting and can be due to poor circulation,” she adds.
There are some other factors that can contribute to broken capillaries, such as having sensitive skin, a genetic predisposition, trauma to the face, hormonal changes, or medical and skin conditions.
Can we treat broken capillaries?
Unfortunately broken capillaries don’t go away on their own, and do require treatment if you’re looking to get rid of them. The most effective way to treat them is with IPL or laser treatments. Topical treatments that contain vitamin A are a less invasive option if you’re looking for an at-home remedy.
We recommend: Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Serum, Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Booster, Dermalogica Age Smart Overnight Repair
RELATED: Everything you need to know about retinol
How can we prevent broken capillaries?
You can’t always prevent broken capillaries, especially if you have a genetic predisposition or skin type that is more susceptible to the condition.
However, aside from staying out of the sun and avoiding extreme temperature changes, ensuring your skin has sufficient oxygen flow is important for preventing broken capillaries in the future. “The skin is fed through blood supply, so when we don’t have good circulation and oxygenation to the skin, the body is always trying to restore equilibrium or haemostasis so it grows more blood vessels (angiogenesis) to try to get more oxygenated blood flow to the skin,” Debbie explains.
Getting frequent treatments that promote blood and oxygen flow through the skin, like the DMK Enzyme Therapy Treatment, can help prevent broken capillaries. It is also imperative to keep skin extremely hydrated especially during the summer when you run the risk of getting sun damage and are exposed to more environmental stressors.
Do you suffer from broken capillaries?
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49 Member Comments
Thanks for the info. Darn winter sports
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Very interesting article.
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for years iv had reddish nose and some other various areas... dermatologist told me last week they were broken capillaries...... wow! glad i know now as i can look at ways to minimise further areas.
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I've got them right near the bottom of my nostril. My charming childen, keep saying you have a blood nose!
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Ooh this is helpful
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I developed broken capillaries on my cheeks and some on my nose in my early twenties. I assume this was due to sun exposure when I was a teenager trying to get a tan like my friends.
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Such an interesting article! I wonder if a cream for this will be on the market in the future.
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laser treatment has not helped much maybe because mine are so bad, but when I lived in Adelaide there was a lady who used to inject saline solution, and that fixed a few but in one place it caused some scaring.
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I have a few small ones on the side on my nose. They are rather light and hardly noticeable.
One lady I used to work with had lots of them and they were thick and vibrant, she said she got it from squeezing blackheads.
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Good there are some treatments for this
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I have some from cystic acne. It covers up with makeup but I would love to get rid of it.
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I have a few and mostly on and around tip of my nose which can make me look like I have a sunburn when I don’t. Makeup neutralises the redness but if it were to get any worse I may look into some treatments.
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Good to know... Mine tend to be in my legs though...
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I have so many but I can't be that bothered with them
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Thanks, a very informative article.
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Very informative.
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I find laser does help to reduce the appearance but you need a few treatments before you see results.
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I have a broken blood vessel on the left side of my nose. It's not quite a capillary because I can't see tiny red veins coming out of it, but it's a red dot & it's very annoying to cover up when I wear makeup. I know I could have laser done but it wouldn't get rid of it completely. I do have sensitive skin & I possibly have some signs of rosacea too.
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Interesting article
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Mine can be sensitive, and reactive, who knows on the day
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I don't have any that I'm aware of, but it's an interesting article regardless.
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Sclerotherapy people!!!! You get the veins injected with a fine needle of saline and it collapses the veins and they are gone and it’s permanent. Not expensive either, lots of the skin clinics do it. I’m surprised this isn’t discussed in the article!
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Have you had this done duality? I've been thinking about it on my spider veins on legs but I'm scared of needles and many people say it doesn't work either.
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Yes I have, I had some done on my nose when I took out my piercing I got a series of spider veins and it got rid of them first go. Bigger veins like legs can take several sessions. Watch videos on YouTube, it’s amazing!
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I'm scared to watch videos LOL!! Are you in Sydney do you have someone you would recommend?
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