BROKEN CAPILLARIES: How to Treat & PreventUpdated 2 days ago
Over time, our skin naturally becomes thinner, causing the capillaries to appear closer to the surface. This happens for a few key reasons:
- We lose collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and resilient.
- Our fat pads (the cushioning layer under the skin) shrink, leaving the skin more fragile.
- With this thinning, our tiny capillaries—those delicate blood vessels near the surface—become more exposed and vulnerable to damage.
Everyday factors like sun exposure, weather changes, hot showers, rubbing the skin, or even genetics can trigger broken capillaries (also called telangiectasia). This is why they often show up more prominently as we age.
How Do We Treat and Prevent Them?
The key to healthier capillaries is strengthening and repairing the skin itself. Here’s the two-step plan:
Step 1: Rebuild and Protect the Skin Barrier
- Boost collagen with professional-strength skincare. Retinol is especially beneficial because it stimulates collagen production and helps rebuild a stronger, thicker skin barrier. iS Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3% is an excellent choice.
- Support fat pad health with plumping ingredients like Volufiline or peptides. We love the combination found in HOP+ Caviplla Premier Caviar & O2 Multi Serum and HOP+ PLLA Promoter Repair Eye Cream.
- Apply SPF daily to prevent further breakdown of collagen and capillaries caused by UV damage.
Step 2: Calm and Soothe Existing Capillaries
- Use soothing and anti-inflammatory products to reduce redness and irritation.
- Colorescience Total Eye Concentrate Serum with Adavine 5x is an excellent option—it actively supports capillary health while visibly reducing the appearance of redness and broken capillaries over time.
- Pro tip: Apply Total Eye Concentrate Serum anywhere on the face where capillaries are an issue. At Aos, we often use it around the nose.
The Bottom Line
Strengthening your skin from within while soothing inflammation is the most effective way to protect against broken capillaries and improve their appearance. Combine collagen-building products, gentle skincare, and daily sun protection for the best long-term results.