If it were up to us, closely inspecting your skin in a mirror would be illegal. It doesn’t matter who you are or what genetically blessed cards you’ve been dealt, upon close examination, you’re bound to be met with open pores, blackheads, bumps and on occasion, small spidery veins otherwise known as broken capillaries. 

So to avoid this unexpected discovery from ruining your day, we spoke to Dr Geoffrey Heber, cosmetic physician and founder of Ultraceuticals, on why broken capillaries aren’t actually broken at all and how to visibly reduce their severity with skin care.

What exactly is a broken capillary?

Despite their name, these small red and purple branch-like markings “aren’t actually broken, they’re just enlarged, visible capillaries,” Dr. Heber explained. 

What are they caused by?

Unfortunately for us, the causes of broken capillaries are far more straightforward than the cure. 

Much like most skin conditions, the two major contributors include a blend of genetics and external factors. From sun damage to smoking, extreme disturbances and trauma to the skin can often result in the surfacing of red and splotchy veins. 

In terms of genetics, inflammatory conditions like rosacea make people more susceptible to having “lots of fine, very enlarged capillaries”.

What professional or medical treatments work to treat this condition?

Interestingly, Dr Heber recommends an anti-fungal cream or antibiotics as two effective methods in shrinking blood vessels. 

As for his favourite professional, in-clinic treatments, he recommends the non-invasive IPL (intense pulsed light) to undo visible damage, as well as laser therapy. 

Are broken capillaries treatable from home?

In terms of prevention, taking basic precautions like washing your face with lukewarm water and consistently shielding yourself from sun damage will help to safeguard your skin. But for those of us who’ve already missed the bus on prevention, Dr Heber recommends the following three skin care ingredients: 

1. Retinol 

As retinol is a popular ingredient for treating acne, it can also help reduce the intensity of spider veins, promote cell turnover and boost collagen production.

We recommend: 

Ultraceuticals Ultra A Skin Perfecting Serum Mild 

“After a month of continued use on alternating nights my skin has adapted and no longer reacts with redness. My face looks smooth and fresh the next morning after using this at night.” – Shannon Iris

$118, Ultraceuticals

BOOST LAB Retinol Night Renewal Serum

“I found after using it consistently nightly, my skin texture has smoothened, feels softer, my pores softly blurred, fine lines on my forehead appears minimised and softened as well. Overall my skin appears supple and nourished.” – Caryl567

$29.95, Adore Beauty

2. Vitamin C

“Vitamin C reduces the appearance of blood vessels as well,” notes Dr Heber. While he explained that it’s not exactly known why, he believes the reason to be “by thickening or strengthening the walls of capillaries.”

We recommend: 

Ultraceuticals Ultra Protective Antioxidant Complex

“Since using this serum the barrier of skin has slowly begun to repair and heals very well. The skin itself is a lot smoother and calm and less irritated.” – Kimberley286

$95, Ultraceuticals

Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum

“Since finding this product my skin routine has been minimised. Now I just use this serum, and then moisturiser and I am done!” – Rinsully 

$29.99, Chemist Warehouse

3. Niacinamide

Last but not least, an ingredient that we’ve long admired: niacinamide. Dr Heber praised vitamin B2 for being very good in “reducing redness from sun damage and rosacea.”

We recommend: 

​​Ultraceuticals Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum 

“I felt the hydrating effects of this serum instantly and it gave my skin an overall dewy glow without any sticky residue, leaving my skin perfectly smooth for layering my usual face oil on top afterwards.” – Mrs K

$108, Ultraceuticals

Can you completely get rid of them?

As far as broken capillaries caused by rosacea go, in short, no.

“Rosacea is incurable, unfortunately, but it can be controlled,” explained Dr Heber. 

As for broken capillaries caused by lifestyle factors? 

A disciplined skin care routine will have lasting and visible benefits. “Enlarged capillaries formed by sun damage can be removed by retinol, vitamin c and niacinamide. As long as you keep using them, the results won’t just be temporary.” 

Main image credit: @hoskelsa

Have you experienced broken capillaries? If so, do you have any tips to fade them?