Best Dermatologist for Treating Spider Veins on the Face in San Francisco

What are Broken Blood Vessels on the Face?

Broken blood vessels are small, red veins that resemble spider webs, on the surface of the skin. They can appear on various parts of the body, most commonly on the face, chest, and legs. When present on the face, this condition is considered a type of rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition where the face is constantly red or flushed and inflamed or sensitive. On the legs, this condition is commonly called varicose veins. Varicose or leg veins are usually much larger veins than those seen on the face. In general, these visible veins are harmless and do not cause any pain or discomfort. Most people who decide to treat them ultimately do so as they can cause problems with discoloration of the skin.

What are the Causes?

Broken blood vessels on the face, also known as telangiectasia or spider veins, can be caused by various factors.

Some common causes include:

• Sun damage: Excessive exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can weaken the blood vessel walls, leading to their dilation and the appearance of broken blood vessels.

• Rosacea: This is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause redness, flushing, and small visible blood vessels on the face. It can contribute to the development of broken blood vessels.

• Aging: As we age, the blood vessels in the skin become weaker and more prone to damage. This can result in the appearance of broken blood vessels on the face.

• Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing broken blood vessels on the face. If other family members have them, there is an increased likelihood of developing them as well.

• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow, putting extra pressure on the vessel walls. This can lead to the development of broken blood vessels.

• Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during pregnancy or menopause, can impact blood vessels and contribute to the development of broken blood vessels on the face.

• Trauma or injury: Trauma to the facial area, such as a blow to the face or a surgical procedure, can damage blood vessels, leading to their rupture and the appearance of broken blood vessels.

How Do You Get Rid of It?

The most effective treatment for broken blood vessels on the face is laser or energy based device treatments.

Lasers such as pulsed dye laser (PDL) and energy devices such as intense pulsed light (IPL), can effectively target and treat broken blood vessels. In both of these cases, the laser or energy device emits intense light energy that is preferentially absorbed by the blood vessels, causing them to congeal and eventually fade away after getting reabsorbed by the body.

• Skin care products: The use of specially formulated skin care products, such as serums and moisturizers that contain Green Tea extracts, can help temporarily conceal broken blood vessels on the face by causing them to constrict or become smaller. This leads to an improvement in the red discoloration of the face. The use of tinted sunscreens or moisturizers are also a great tool for camouflaging redness from broken blood vessels while also protecting your skin from more sun or UV damage. These tinted products are designed to conceal redness in the skin by using color theory. Since red is opposite to green on the color wheel, the green pigment typically used in the formulation of a good tinted sunscreen is used to effectively neutralize redness on the skin.

• Prevention and lifestyle changes: protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure, wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, and avoiding triggers that worsen facial redness such as hot beverages, spicy foods, and excessive alcohol intake, may help prevent further development of broken blood vessels.

Do I Need Prepare for Treatments

Preparing for laser and energy-based device treatments for facial broken blood vessels will help ensure optimal results and minimize potential risks. Here are some general guidelines for preparing for these treatments:

1. Avoid sun exposure: It is crucial to avoid excessive sun exposure before the treatment, as it can make your skin more sensitive and increase the risk of complications. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

2. Avoid tanning beds and self-tanning products: Similar to sun exposure, tanning beds and self-tanning products can also increase skin sensitivity. Avoid using them for at least two weeks before your scheduled treatment.

3. During your consultation visit, disclose any medications, supplements, or topical skincare products you are currently using, as some medications or products may increase the risk of adverse effects during or after the treatment. Your dermatologist may advise you to stop using certain skincare products such as retinoids or exfoliants for a specific period before the treatment to minimize skin irritation or other complications.

4. Cleanse your skin: On the day of the treatment, ensure that your skin is clean and free of any makeup.