I am a 42 year old female and have noticed that I have several fine broken capillaries on my cheeks, nose and chin.
These are probably not noticeable to others to a significant degree, but I am concerned about them becoming worse, more noticeable and more widespread.
I have heard that broken capillaries are caused by things that cause blood flow to increase to the face for example hot spicy foods, hot or cold water or air exposure, alcohol and sun exposure. Is this true?
I do drink wine regularly, how much is too much for my skin?
Does it matter what type of alcohol - red/white wine, spirits?
I have usually tried to use moisturisers and foundations that have sun protection, although it probably has only been 15 SPF.
I have been sporadic with my skin care routine but always remove my makeup at the end of the day (often with a cleansing wipe) and wash my face in the mornings in the shower (but do not let the water "rain" on my face) I don't usually use a toner, but do use a moisturising lotion.
I am interested in any information about the causes of broken capillaries, and also the treatment.
How quickly do they happen? Is 42 young to have this problem? I do know of laser treatment but do not feel this is necessary for me at this stage. I am really concerned with what I can do to slow down the development of more broken capillaries and if I could get rid of the ones I have that would be great.
Broken capillaries are usually a hereditary problem, exacerbated by age and environmental conditions.
If you are prone to flushing, you may have rosacea, and that would also predispose you to developing broken capillaries.
White wine and spirits are more likely to cause flushing than red wine.
Unfortunately most moisturizers, and certainly no make ups, offer effective sun protection.
Please overview the article on what constitutes effective sun protection to ensure you're adequately protected.
Broken capillaries often appear from the mid 20s onward, and become more noticeable as the skin begins to thin with age, which it is prone to doing to varying degrees even after the age of 25.
The preventative treatment is appropriately formulated skin care in general, with an emphasis on topical vitamin c and sunscreens, both of which serve to substantially delay skin aging and increase firmness as secondary effects to broken capillary treatment.
We recommend Jan Marini C-ESTA (available in Cream, Serum and Oil-Control Serum) once or twice daily and either Bioglycolic SPF 15 (non chemical block) or Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30 (chemical block, which is also available in a tinted sunscreen variant) in the mornings.
Topical vascular epidermal growth factor, as used in Jan Marini TGF Serum, Cream and Eye Cream, are also excellent in ensuring the structural integrity and functioning of newly developing capillaries.
Large, older and purple broken capillaries are best removed with intense pulsed light (IPL, a form of laser).
IPL should not however replace topical maintenance, without which the problem will recur in time.
Summary of topical skin care for broken capillaries:
AM
Jan Marini C-ESTA (Serum is most suited to daytime use) to provide stable Vitamin C that's able to be absorbed.
Jan Marini Bioglycolic SPF 15 or Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30 to protect against the sun, even on cloudy days, and complement the benefits of topical Vitamin C, in particular the benefit that confers near perfect UV protection.
Optional: Jan Marini TGF Serum or Cream. for their VEGF (Vascular Epidermal Growth Factor) content, and for additional hydration.
PM
Jan Marini C-ESTA (Cream is most suited to evening use, although the Serum can certainly be used both morning and night to good effect).
Optional: Jan Marini TGF Serum or Cream as above.
Benefits of this treatment will continue to accrue for up to a year, however immediate improvement is produced by the DAE contained within C-ESTA which produces a dramatic plumping of the skin that leaves capillaries better padded and less visible.
Additional professional (clinical, non-laser and laser) treatments are available for broken capillaries, however it is preferable to use appropriate skin care for at least a few months to see how you respond first, and to better condition the skin for any ensuing laser treatment.