Facial veins, or spider veins, are broken capillaries located just below the surface of the skin. They are dilated blood vessels that have a red or purple colour to them and look like thin strands, branches, or clusters on the skin. Facial veins commonly form on the legs, chin, nose, and cheeks, but can develop anywhere on the body. On the surface of the face, these can appear as red splotches that won’t go away, on the nose, cheeks, and chin.
Facial veins form for a multitude of reasons such as aging, sun damage, and inflammatory skin conditions. They affect approximately 70% of women and 30% of men and women are more susceptible to developing facial veins due to hormonal shifts in childbirth, pregnancy, birth control, and menopause, among other changes.
They can also be more prevalent in people with sensitive skin, rosacea, and acne. However, there is also a genetic component, especially for those with fairer skin, that can lead to the appearance of facial veins. External environmental factors like UV damage and chemicals, as well as alcohol consumption, can also be a factor in the presence of spider veins.
Ultimately, there are multiple possible causes for facial veins, that may or may not be able to be prevented. However, there are some tried and true methods that can help reduce the occurrence of facial veins and help protect your skin from further damage.
While certain causes of facial veins, such as the genetic component, can’t be prevented, there are things you can do to help prevent other causes or reduce the instance of new broken capillaries. These include the following suggestions:
-avoiding extreme heat or hot water that can be damaging to the skin
-gently cleaning your face and avoiding extreme pressure treatments like microdermabrasion
-using sun protection regularly and limiting sun exposure
-wear protection for activities like motorcycling that can cause skin damage
-avoid vasodilators like caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol that may make blood vessels more visible
While facial veins are not dangerous in any way, they can be a cause for concern or self-consciousness. As such, they are often removed for cosmetic reasons and are very easily treatable, both at home or at a cosmetic clinic.
Once facial veins appear, there are few ways to remove them without direct laser treatments, though there are some home treatments and skincare remedies that can help reduce their appearance.
When it comes to treating facial veins, there are a variety of different methods, though some are more effective than others. These can be subdivided into three categories: home remedies and skincare, non-laser treatments, and laser treatments. Each of these contains a variety of different treatment methods with varying efficacy.
While home remedies and skincare can’t reverse the effects of facial veins, they can help reduce their appearance and act as a preventative measure.
Skincare treatments such as those that reduce redness, promote smoothness, and protect against environmental stressors can be a big help, as well as cooling masks that focus on hydration and brightness. Evening the skin tone is key to reducing redness and the appearance of facial veins if you don’t want to seek more permanent treatment methods.
Other popular at-home remedies include cold compresses, arnica oil, apple cider vinegar, and witch hazel to reduce the appearance of facial veins, and aloe vera to reduce redness, as well as Vitamin C. However, these are all temporary fixes and should not be considered a permanent treatment method and will need to be repeated regularly.
Non-laser treatments provide an alternative to at-home remedies that can prove slightly more effective and targeted to specific issues. Retinoid creams can help reduce the appearance of veins, though they may cause redness or itching with some. Sclerotherapy is an invasive method that involves injecting the skin with sclerosing agents to help seal blood vessels, causing the appearance of the veins to be reduced. Intense pulsed light is a therapy similar to laser treatments that penetrate deep into the skin to help heal broken blood vessels, though it may take several treatments to be successful.
However, laser treatments, such as those offered at Fairview Laser Clinic, are proven to have the most effective results against facial veins.
There are two types of laser treatments for facial veins offered at Fairview Laser Clinic. They are Pulse Dye Laser and KTP Laser.
Pulse Dye Laser – The Pulse Dye Laser uses a concentrated light beam of 595nm to target the blood vessels under the surface of the skin. It does not damage healthy tissue or cells because the laser light is absorbed by the oxyhemoglobin in the blood vessels rather than by the surrounding tissue. No anesthesia is needed and treatment can typically be completed in 1-3 sessions.
KTP Laser – The KTP Laser is effective for reducing the appearance of facial veins close to the surface of the skin. By emitting an intense ray of green light that absorbs the red-pigmented hemoglobin, the target veins will be eliminated without causing damage to surrounding cells and tissue.
The laser will gently heat the targeted cells to stimulate the body’s natural repair systems. While smaller vessels may clear up immediately, it may take up to four weeks for full results, as they reduce over time. For more severe cases, additional sessions for more significant veins to disappear. Treatment periods will be determined on an individual basis with your advisor.
If you’re considering seeking treatment for your facial veins, Fairview Laser Clinic in Toronto is here to assist. With over 25 years of cosmetic experience, Dr. Jain will be able to provide expert treatment for any of your skin concerns, including facial veins. If you’d like to learn more about how Fairview Laser Clinic can treat your facial veins using one of these laser technologies, you can book your free consultation here.
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