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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 branch-like vessels are always underneath the surface but may appear more pronounced in certain areas—oftentimes around the nose and on the cheeks. 

There’s a long list of potential causes for dilated and broken capillaries, some occasional and others not so much. Those with rosacea frequently have these tiny red vessels on display, but more on that in a bit.

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. 

You may have heard the term, “spider veins,” to describe broken capillaries spotted on the legs or upper arms—these are extremely common and often appear due to similar causes. These visible vessels may also be referred to as telangiectasias in medical terminology. 

As mentioned above, those with rosacea may see dilated or broken capillaries more often. Plus, these capillaries may last longer. “​​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. 

In order to minimize the occurrence and appearance of broken capillaries, those with rosacea should focus on limiting triggers that lead to inflammation—more on that to follow. 

Just as harsh scrubs can damage the skin and lead to broken capillaries, as 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. 

In short, don’t pop your pimples—even if they seem “ready.” 

“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. 

This can be both internal and external heat. So if you’re noticing these capillaries show most after a hard workout, a hot summer day, or after you wash your face with warm water, that may be the cause. 

“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 on the skin.” 

In addition to broken capillaries, “UV radiation causes DNA damage that results in loss of collagen, loss of elasticity, and discoloration,” Marcus notes. So if you’re noticing hyperpigmentation or “sun spots in addition to broken capillaries, you’ll want to practice safe sun from here on out. 

Just as skin conditions like rosacea can be triggered by certain foods, as 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. 

Things like spicy foods and caffeine can also contribute, Ross explains, because they can cause stress and inflammation in the body which then leads to, “Skin stress,” he says. 

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. 

1.

Switch to a soothing, anti-inflammatory skin care routine. 

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. 

To sum up, try your best to include a few of these ingredients in your topical care: 

• Peptides
• Oat oil 
• Niacinamide (although balance is key: when used in excess, this can cause flushing — stick to using 5% per day or less.)
• Calendula 
• Vitamin C
• Lactic acid (rather than stronger exfoliants) 

2.

Avoid heat when possible. 

Even if you don’t splash steaming hot water on your face, you’re still 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. 

Instead, focus on cooling the skin. Marcus recommends using an ice roller for a gentle and soothing dose of chill—Here’s a list of the 9 best options on the market if you’re ready to adopt this step. 

4.

Mind what you eat and drink. 

5.

Consider LED light therapy. 

6.

Visit a derm for professional treatment. 

3 Products Safe For Broken Capillaries

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. 

Once you have your yogurt base, you can add in honey, oatmeal, avocado, or even certain herbs—here’s a breakdown with a few different mask recipes and their benefits if you’re ready to whip something up. 

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 popsicle for your skin. 

You can either blend fresh aloe vera or use a pre-made product—here’s the exact recipe and a bit more about the benefits if you’re curious. 

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 complex list of causes, from rosacea to inflammatory foods and more. The best way to ease the appearance of these tiny vessels is to prioritize gentle skin care products, avoid heat when possible, and consult a dermatologist for more information and perhaps topical prescriptions. But remember: These tiny line 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’s 10 all-natural tips to get you started.