Why Do I Get Broken Capillaries On The Face? We Explain + Tips

Everyone's skin is unique, and that's the beauty of it. Even if Photoshop has you convinced that there's someone out there with "perfect" skin, there's no such thing. If you've noticed breakouts, fine lines, texture, or tiny red veins on your skin, you're not alone.

If the latter of the list sounds familiar, you might be dealing with what's known as broken capillaries. These can show up for a variety of reasons (some you may not even be aware of!).

If you've noticed tiny red lines on your skin that resemble mini veins, you might actually be looking at dilated capillaries, not necessarily broken ones. "Actual broken capillaries result in bruising as blood is allowed to leak out into surrounding tissue," board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, M.D., FAAD, tells mbg.

"Dilated capillaries, on the other hand, result in tiny red blood vessels that are visible at the skin's surface," she says. These fine branchlike vessels are always underneath the surface but may appear more pronounced in certain areas—oftentimes around the nose and on the cheeks.

While these are most common on the cheeks, nose, and the chin, you can get broken blood vessels anywhere on the face. What's more, they show up on the body too.

As mentioned above, those with rosacea may see dilated or broken capillaries more often. "​​Rosacea-induced inflammation and repeated episodes of flushing lead to dilated capillaries that can become permanent," Marcus explains.

"These broken blood vessels at the surface are often a hallmark of this skin condition," board-certified plastic surgeon Jaimie DeRosa tells mbg. So if you're seeing these tiny vessels on a regular basis, you may want to consider visiting a dermatologist to rule out rosacea before attempting to reduce them via at-home treatment.

Just as harsh scrubs can damage the skin and lead to broken capillaries, so can other forms of physical damage, such as picking at or popping pimples. Plus, there are even more problematic side effects including scarring, dark spots, infection, and so on.

Squeezing the skin too hard is considered an "external trauma," DeRosa says, even if you're just trying to manually clear out minor blackheads.

"Extreme heat causes blood vessels near the skin to dilate as a way of trying to help maintain cooler temperatures at the body's core by releasing heat through the skin," Marcus notes.

"UV radiation can damage blood vessels close to the surface of the skin, causing their walls to thin and making capillaries more likely to break," Marcus explains.

She adds that this kind of damage to the skin may lead to bruising, "Causing persistent redness and visible capillaries on the surface of the skin." 

Just as skin conditions like rosacea can be triggered by certain foods, so can broken capillaries. "Alcohol can cause capillaries to dilate, making them more fragile and also more visible at the surface of the skin," Marcus notes.

If you've noticed these tiny vessels regardless of any of the causes above, you may be particularly prone to broken capillaries. "There can be a genetic component to the development of dilated or broken capillaries, so some people are more prone than others to this condition," Marcus says.

"In addition, there are certain genetic disorders whose symptoms include fragile blood vessels," she adds.

So while you may not be able to control the formation of these broken capillaries, you can reduce their appearance—more to come next.

If you're not already doing so, switch to gentle, soothing, and anti-inflammatory skin care products. "I suggest using a gentle exfoliation such as a low percentage lactic acid or a gentle manual exfoliation such as washcloth with a cream cleanser," Ross notes.

Look for serums and moisturizers with colloidal oat, calendula, and peptides, Ross suggests. Picking up a vitamin C serum may also help, "One of the benefits of vitamin C is that it is an anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid, which helps to stabilize and repair weakened blood vessels," DeRosa explains.

If you're unsure which steps in your skin care routine could be triggering broken capillaries, visit your dermatologist or a licensed esthetician to talk about the best possible swaps.

Even if you don't splash steaming hot water on your face, you may still be subject to heat-induced inflammation. Try to avoid taking hot showers that produce excessive steam, and consider opting out of saunas for the time being. If you really must hit the heat, you may want to have a cool washcloth on hand to keep your facial temperature down. 

Remember when we mentioned lactic acid as an A+ ingredient? Well, yogurt is packed with this gentle exfoliant, making it a perfect base for a natural mask.

While Greek yogurt tends to have the best consistency for face masks, you can also choose coconut or soy yogurt for a vegan option—just try to find one that includes added probiotics so your skin microbiome can still reap the benefits.

Let's be real—nobody can avoid heat at all times. So if your skin feels inflamed post-workout or after being in the sun, opt for an aloe vera ice pop to cool it down. Think of it like a refreshing ice pop for your skin.

If you want something low-lift, this one is for you. DeRosa recommends a cold compress whenever your skin feels inflamed. You can either soak a clean wash rag in a bowl of cold water or even pop it in the freezer for a few minutes.

Place the rag over your face and leave it there for a few minutes, or until your skin feels soothed. Avoid rubbing the cloth on your face as the physical abrasion may cause a rash or further irritation.

Red spider veins on the face and the body have a list of causes, from rosacea to UV induced damage to general inflammation. The best way to ease the appearance of these tiny vessels is to prioritize gentle skin care products, avoid heat when possible, practice good UV protection, and consult a dermatologist for more information and perhaps topical prescriptions.

But remember: These tiny lines are just that: tiny. There's a good chance you're noticing them more than other folks, so try not to let them bother you too much in the meantime.

As a bonus, if you're looking for more ways to soothe the skin, here are 10 all-natural tips to get you started.