Dear Kate, how do I get rid of the red veins that are appearing all around my nose?
Lizzie W.
Dear Lizzie,
Fear not my dear for you are not alone, broken capillaries happen to us all! So you know how to treat them, its best to know what they are and what causes them. Broken capillaries are permanently dilated blood vessels. They are caused by sun exposure, extremes in temperature, overzealous exfoliation, heavy handed facial treatments, even blowing your nose can cause them! Alcohol and spicy foods can also play they're part; as they can cause the face to flush and if indulged in a little too often that flush remains!
Keep It Cool (but not too cool!)
Skin does not like extremes of temperature, so alway ensure when cleansing skin do keep the temperature nice and tepid. Never, ever, ever steam your face or let anyone else steam it for you. I cannot believe that therapists still offer this treatment! A client came to me through her friends' recommendation to help her solve her ongoing battle with facial redness and dry skin. I was shocked to discover that her previous therapist regularly treat her skin with brutal facial steams "to encourage the skins natural oils to flow". During the steam treatment she would also slather the client with petroleum jelly to protect the skin. So an intensive heat treatment combined with skin clogging petroleum; not really the recipe for a dewy glow! I am also angry when clients are given heat treatment facial masks. Heat is NOT GOOD for skin, it might feel good but it really irritates the skin. Treat your skin with lovely tepid temperatures and your skin will thank you.
Can Creams Cure It?
I cannot believe how many creams get away with saying that they remove broken capillaries. Wouldn't you be wary of putting something on your skin that would penetrate deep down into your veins and dissolve them, wouldn't that be kind of dangerous!! No fear, they don't do that, in fact they don't do anything but smell nice and feel good. The only way to get rid of broken capillaries is by a laser treatment. The laser basically zaps the broken capillary and dissolves it,removing it forever. It is very simple and very effective. It should just take one treatment to get rid of the broken capillaries around the nose area, but it isn't unusual to need a second treatment. This procedure must ONLY be undertaken by a qualified medical professional, it is not (I REPEAT, NOT) a salon treatment!
Dealing With The Problem
You can easily disguise the broken capillaries with a yellow tinted concealer. I find that mineral make up is a wonderful tool to camouflage any areas of redness. Please always use a sunblock and always treat your skin with care. Treat your skin with lovely tepid temperatures and your skin will thank you. If you enjoy outdoor pursuits such as sailing and skiing, where you really are facing the elements, it is advisable to use a soothing skin balm under your spf just to add a little bit more protection. I created my Rose Otto Skin Balm to protect my skin from a brutal Calgary winter. Rose Otto essential oil is wonderfully soothing and has a great healing action on even the most sensitive of skin. I come Rose Otto with my infused Rose Petal Almond Oil, a rich and glorious skin protecting oil.