We work, play, enjoy the sun, we party, sometimes a lot, other times not so much; stress, career, relationships, family life, hormonal fluctuations, any number of medical issues; life throws us curve balls. Or, it just gets so busy we forget about self-care.
Who am I kidding, self-care? I know, who’s got time for that?
That’s life, right?
But then you take a moment and notice the life you’ve lived is showing up on your face; it can be unsettling. Blotchy patches of pigment, lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture and facial redness all show up in annoying succession.
None more troubling than the little road map of blood vessels that lead to nowhere in particular and often referred to as spider veins or broken capillaries that usually appear around the nose, chin and cheeks or a blotchy red patch that, like an uninvited long-lost relative, turned up one day and never left.
In most cases, the spider web of broken capillaries is permanent; however, if you visit a skin care professional such as a skin therapist or dermatologist, they can advise you on the aesthetic devices suitable for removing them.
One such device is an IPL machine: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) which is a preferred option among many skin care professionals for effectively eliminating broken capillaries, spider veins, and facial redness.
In this article, we’ll look at the undeniable power of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy for addressing facial redness, broken capillaries, and spider veins. We’ll explore the triggers and causes, how therapy with an IPL laser machine works, and the preventive measures you can take to minimise the occurrence of facial redness.
So, what are broken capillaries?
Spider veins or broken capillaries are a cluster of dilated or damaged blood vessels leading to leakage of blood into the surrounding tissue resulting in small red or purple lines on the skin, known as broken capillaries or spider veins, which makes them noticeably visible.
Broken capillaries are a common vascular condition, and anyone at any age can develop them; however, they are especially prevalent in those with fair skin, rosacea or sensitive skin conditions.
What causes them?
Broken capillaries, also known as spider veins or telangiectasia, can occur due to various factors.
The most common causes of broken capillaries include:
Ageing: As we age, the walls of our blood vessels become weaker and less elastic, making them more prone to breaking or expanding.
Sun exposure: Prolonged or excessive exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun weakens the walls of blood vessels, developing broken capillaries.
Rosacea: Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterised by facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. Over time, the dilation and fragility of blood vessels associated with rosacea can contribute to the formation of broken capillaries.
Trauma or injury: Any kind of trauma or injury to the skin, such as a cut, bruise, or impact, can damage the delicate blood vessels, resulting in broken capillaries.
Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing broken capillaries. If your parents or close relatives have a history of spider veins, you may also be more likely to develop them.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, can affect blood vessel integrity and increase the risk of broken capillaries.
Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can dilate blood vessels and weaken their walls, making them more susceptible to breaking.
Regardless of the cause, facial redness can affect our confidence, and while skincare and an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen are essential in keeping the skin healthy and resilient, treating and minimising facial redness will require intervention with medical aesthetic devices such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).
How does Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) work?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses broad spectrum wavelengths of light to target and treat various skin concerns, including facial redness and broken capillaries.
It is commonly referred to as photo rejuvenation or a photo facial, but today we’ll refer to it as an IPL treatment session.
During an IPL treatment session, high-intensity pulses of light are emitted and absorbed by targeted areas of the skin with a professional IPL laser machine.
The light emitted by the IPL laser is absorbed by the haemoglobin (red blood cells) within the blood vessels and skin. The absorbed light converts into heat, which selectively damages the targeted blood vessels responsible for the redness.
Over time the body’s natural healing response clears the damaged vessels, reducing facial redness and broken capillaries.
All this is done with micro precision; in other words, light and heat target and eliminate what we don’t want without disrupting or damaging the surrounding skin tissue; normal skin is unaffected and remains intact.
IPL vascular therapy is unique in its ability to address various skin conditions simultaneously, so while treating facial redness, other skin conditions such as sun damage, pigmentation and fine lines can also be improved.
There is minimal downtime after an IPL treatment session, and you can usually resume your normal activities straight away post-treatment. Your skincare professional will advise you of any post-treatment homecare aftercare and the continued use of broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Typically, IPL treatment sessions provide gradual results as the body’s healing processes gradually remove the targeted blood vessels.
Depending on the severity of facial redness, you may need multiple treatment sessions to achieve the desired outcome with an IPL device and follow-up sessions to maintain your results.
Are there any risks and side effects?
While IPL vascular therapy is an excellent option for removing and minimising the appearance of broken capillaries and spider veins, as with any medical procedure, risks or side effects can be involved, and skin sensitivity or hyperpigmentation can occur. However, in most cases, these side effects are temporary.
Choosing a qualified and experienced skin care professional reduces the risk of adverse effects and increases the likelihood of achieving optimal results.
Your chosen provider will evaluate your skin, determine the most suitable treatment plan based on your needs and medical history, ensure your safety during the procedure and advise you on the necessary post-treatment aftercare.
IPL vascular therapy, before & after.
Images courtesy of The Global Beauty Group show before IPL vascular therapy and after two IPL treatment sessions.
How to prevent facial redness and broken capillaries.
While any one of us can experience broken capillaries and spider veins, they’re often caused by factors outside of our control, such as genetics, our natural skin tone, and medical conditions such as rosacea; even so, there are steps you can take to prevent facial redness and maintain the results of your IPL treatment session.
- Consistent sun protection: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every day to prevent the recurrence or exacerbation of facial redness. UV rays can trigger redness and damage blood vessels, so wearing sunscreen and seeking shade is crucial if you want to minimise facial redness caused by broken capillaries.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Your inner health will impact the skin’s overall health and resilience. Minimising the factors contributing to facial redness includes eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients, trace minerals and essential fatty acids, staying hydrated, managing stress as best you can to keep cortisol levels at bay, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- LED Red Light Therapy: Ask your skin care professional about the healing effects of LED Light Therapy to assist in treating and maintaining your results. Specifically, the healing effects of the yellow light spectrum are highly beneficial, as well as complementing any IPL treatments.
My final thoughts
Whilst broken capillaries and spider veins may not be harmful to your skin, they can certainly impact your overall confidence and self-esteem.
If these vascular issues bother you, IPL vascular therapy is a proven, reliable, and safe method to minimise and eliminate them. Not only that, it’s a multi-functional device that offers additional benefits for your skin’s overall appearance with improved tone, texture and a softening of lines and wrinkles.
If you’re still wondering if IPL Therapy is for you or if you have more questions, you can get in touch with me here.
Or, you can go directly to the beauty supplier, The Global Beauty Group, where they’ll answer all your questions and direct you to a skin clinic with the credentials and training to allay any fears you may have.
If you found this blog article helpful, consider sharing it with friends or anyone you know looking for relief from facial redness.
See you next time,
This article was produced in partnership with The Global Beauty Group. To learn more about any of the treatments or skincare mentioned in this article, contact the beauty salon suppliers, The Global Beauty Group, on 1300 006 607 to find a treatment specialist in your area.