Have you ever noticed tiny red or purple lines on your face or body that won’t go away? That’s probably a broken blood vessel, also called thread vein or spider vein. They’re harmless, but stubborn and once they appear, they don’t fade on their own.
A broken blood vessel means that a tiny capillary just beneath the surface of the skin has become stretched or dilated beyond its normal capacity. When this happens, it stays permanently enlarged, creating that visible red streak.
A mix of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors all play a role in broken capillaries. Sun exposure weakens blood vessel walls over time, making them more likely to dilate permanently. Temperature extremes, like going from a hot shower to freezing wind, put stress on capillaries, forcing them to expand and contract fast. Certain skin types are also more prone to broken blood vessels, especially those with fair or sensitive skin.
Rosacea sufferers will know the struggle all too well, as their skin is naturally reactive and prone to redness. Other common triggers include hormonal changes, alcohol consumption and smoking. And believe it or not, even blowing your nose too hard can cause a tiny capillary to burst!
If your skin is naturally prone to thread veins, you can’t completely stop them from forming, but you can reduce the risk. Daily SPF is important and being gentle with your skin helps. If you love a steaming hot shower, turning the temperature down just a bit can save your blood vessels from unnecessary stress.
Once a blood vessel has become permanently dilated, skincare products won’t fix it. The only real solution is professional treatment. Options include sclerotherapy (an injection that collapses the vessel), IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), or laser technologies.
At The Hampton Clinic, we use the Harmony XL Pro, a cutting-edge machine that treats spider veins quickly and effectively.
This laser works by delivering targeted energy directly into the vessel, causing it to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body. It’s very precise, meaning it can treat even the tiniest capillaries without damaging the surrounding skin. Compared to other methods, it’s more comfortable, requires fewer sessions (sometimes only one or two), and has no downtime.
Many clients see results after just one treatment, though deeper or more widespread veins may need a second or third session.
Unlike some older laser and light treatments that carried a risk of pigmentation issues, particularly for darker skin tones, the Harmony XL Pro is designed to be safe and effective across a wide range of skin types.
Laser therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat broken blood vessels, but keeping your skin in good condition afterward is key. Sun protection, a gentle skincare routine, and avoiding excessive heat exposure will help prevent new thread veins from forming. If they do appear again over time, a quick maintenance session can keep them under control. Book your laser vein removal consultation.