Summer is here! The sun is out, holidays are happening and the long warm evenings are perfect for relaxing with a cold drink. However all of these things can lead to broken blood vessels, so we asked Assoc Prof Greg Goodman from the Dermatology Institute of Victoria what to do about broken blood vessels and how to avoid them.
Blood vessel on the nose treated by Assoc Prof Greg Goodman with a vascular laser.
*All results shown on our website have been achieved by our team members. Please note that results are individual and may vary.
The 5 main causes of broken blood vessels.
1. Sundamage: The sun is our skin’s #1 enemy it causes blood vessels to become inflamed, which makes them dilate and in some cases burst and leak. Remember slip, slop, slap when in the sun.
2. Rosacea: Pronounced "roh-ZAY-sha", is a common skin condition that may begin as a rise in skin sensitivity and a tendency to flush or blush easily, then progress to persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. Click here to learn about Rosacea.
3. Alcohol: Regular abuse of alcohol can cause broken blood vessels to appear. This is because vascular control in the brain fails with ongoing and excessive alcohol intake.
4. Age: This one we have no control over. Unfortunately females over the age of 50 are the group most likely to experience broken blood vessels.
5. Hormones: Specifically an increased level of oestrogen (the primary female sex hormone), which means it’s common for pregnant women to experience broken blood vessels.
ARE BROKEN BLOOD VESSELS SOMETHING TO WORRY ABOUT?
‘In most cases broken blood vessels won’t affect your health,’ explains Assoc Prof Greg Goodman, ‘but before using skincare or having any treatment it’s important to consult with a professional, this is because skin diseases such as rosacea can make your skin very sensitive which might make your condition worse.’
CAN SKINCARE ACTUALLY HELP BROKEN BLOOD VESSELS?
‘Also look for skincare products that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients which are going to calm down the appearance of diluted vessels and reduce redness. Antioxidants are great for this so look for ingredients such as Sea Buckthorn a little known fruit that contains both Vitamin C and E and which is found in Aspect Dr’s Redless serum (RRP$99.00).'
Click here to read why we are pro...antioxidants in skincare.
'Yes’ says Alani Fowler The Dermatology Institute of Victoria’s skincare specialist, ‘in particular it can help prevent you getting anymore. Sunscreen plays an important preventative role and one that has a tint in it can also help camouflage any existing blood vessels.'
We love La Roche-Posay’s Uvidea XL SPF 50+ BB cream with added coverage sold at DIV (RRP$32.95).
and if skincare isn't enough?
It’s probably time to seek the help of a professional. There are a number of treatment options available for those that have broken blood vessels from a prescription strength topical gel to specialised laser and light machines designed specifically to target blood vessels. Click here to learn more about how vascular lasers work.