Broken Capillaries & Redness: Treatments That Actually Work
- Penn Smith
- 1 hour ago
- 6 min read
Redness and broken capillaries are some of the most common skin frustrations I hear about, especially from those of us over 40 (or over 50 in my case 🙃). As our skin thins, blood vessels can become more visible and more fragile. The good news? In 2025, we have both professional treatments that can actually remove them and at-home strategies that help calm and prevent new redness. Let’s dive in.
What Are Broken Capillaries?
Broken capillaries - the medical term is telangiectasias - are tiny blood vessels just beneath the surface of your skin. They aren’t “broken” like a cut, but instead dilated or damaged so they stay visible rather than collapsing back down.
Common triggers include:
Genetics
Sun damage
Rosacea and chronic inflammation
Hot showers, sneezing, or trauma
Lifestyle factors (alcohol, smoking, steroid creams)
They aren’t dangerous, but they can be frustrating - especially if makeup never seems to fully cover them.
In-Office Treatments: What Really Works
Here’s the truth: if you want a capillary gone, only in-office treatments will remove it. Topicals can support and calm redness, but they won’t erase visible vessels.
1. Laser Therapies (please see the link below each image to explore more. These are examples and I wanted to link the source of each pic).
This is the gold standard. Lasers target the hemoglobin in blood vessels and heat them until they collapse and are reabsorbed by the body.
Pulsed Dye Laser (Vbeam): Excellent for facial redness and rosacea.
KTP (532 nm): Great for smaller, superficial vessels.
Nd:YAG (1064 nm): Reaches deeper vessels, often used for larger or thicker ones.
Excel V: A new(ish) device that combines KTP + Nd:YAG in one system, so it can treat both superficial and deeper vessels.
What to know:
Expect quick results with just a few treatments.
Some downtime (redness, swelling, or bruising) is possible.
Cost varies, but these treatments are an investment.
👉 Pro tip when choosing a provider: Ask specifically which laser they use. Not every clinic has the latest dual-wavelength technology (like Excel V) or V-beam, and not every device is right for your concern.
2. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Excellent for diffuse redness and rosacea.
Uses broad-spectrum light, not a laser, but still effective for flushing and uneven tone.
Usually requires multiple sessions with less downtime than lasers.
3. Sclerotherapy
Most common on the legs, but occasionally used for stubborn facial veins.
Involves injecting a solution directly into the vessel to collapse it.
4. Electrosurgery / Thermocoagulation
Uses heat to seal vessels.
Less common today, but still effective for very fine, superficial capillaries.
Bottom line: If you want lasting results, lasers (especially Vbeam or Excel V) or IPL in the hands of an experienced provider are your best bet.
At-Home & Preventive Strategies
While you can’t erase vessels at home, you can calm redness and prevent new ones.
SPF daily: Sun weakens vessel walls. Protection is non-negotiable.
Damage correction: DNA Repair Enzymes daily
Photozyme Youth Recovery and Photozyme Vitamin CEF repair sun damage
Gentle skincare: Avoid harsh scrubs, aggressive exfoliation, or very hot water.
Lifestyle habits: Heat, alcohol, spicy foods, and long hot showers can worsen redness.
Barrier-boosting ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice extract, centella.
Color correctors: Makeup doesn’t fix the vessels, but green-tinted correctors neutralize redness beautifully. I love the Rosalique color corrector (and somehow we can get it in the states with its superior euro filters!) Find it on Amazon https://amzn.to/46G4PqF
Vitamin K: The Under-the-Radar Hero
How it works: In the body, Vitamin K supports clotting. In skincare, it strengthens capillary walls and reduces leakage of red blood cells into tissue.
Why it helps: It won’t erase visible capillaries, but it can calm redness, minimize bruising, and shorten recovery after treatments like microneedling or laser.
Science corner: Vitamin K activates proteins like prothrombin and matrix Gla protein — which help keep vessels strong and less “leaky.”
Expectations: Think subtle improvement, not dramatic erasure. Over weeks of use, redness softens, bruises heal faster, and skin looks calmer.
Product Spotlights
Here are a few ways you might see Vitamin K in action:
Redness-calming serums and creams: Great for diffuse redness, supporting capillary walls and rosacea-prone skin. Often paired with niacinamide or DNA repair enzymes.
Under-eye formulas: Can help with vascular dark circles.
Revision Serum: $69 (Find it here: https://amzn.to/4grGRmB) At its core is Phytonadione (Vitamin K), a potent form of vitamin K that helps strengthen fragile capillaries and support skin resilience. Paired with Arnica Montana Extract, a botanical well known for its ability to soothe and visibly reduce redness, the formula helps skin feel calmer and more comfortable.
Beyond calming effects, the serum delivers antioxidant protection and gentle hydration, making it a versatile option for everyday use. The texture is fast-absorbing and non-greasy, so it layers easily under other products or makeup. This is something that I will spot treat with (it is a small .5 oz bottle, I will use around my nose, on my chin and under my eyes as needed).
Key benefits:
Helps calm redness and sensitivity
Provides antioxidant defense against daily stressors
Soothes and lightly moisturizes without heaviness
Best for: All skin types - especially those prone to redness or irritation.
Sanitas Vita K: $32 Vitamin K serum/lotion (this is a great alternative to the Revision if that is out of budget) Find it Here: https://amzn.to/3KbkvcK
This lightweight cream is designed to bring relief while supporting a healthier skin barrier.
The star (again) is Vitamin K, a lipid-soluble antioxidant that helps target two of the biggest culprits behind visible redness and vascular dark circles: fragile capillaries and swelling. By strengthening and calming the skin, Vitamin K supports a brighter, more refreshed look.
It’s paired with Rutin, a powerful antioxidant and bioflavonoid that provides hydration and helps ease the appearance of redness.
Key benefits:
Visibly reduces redness and under-eye dark circles
Helps calm puffiness and swelling
Strengthens the skin barrier while hydrating
Leaves the eye area smoother and more radiant
Best for: Anyone looking to calm redness, refresh tired under-eyes, or give their skin barrier a gentle, antioxidant-rich boost.
Dr Ceuracle: $20 Vitamin K Liposome Ampoule. Find it here: https://amzn.to/4nbHL9g
This ampoule was designed with post-treatment skin in mind - whether you’re recovering from a laser treatment or simply looking to calm redness and uneven tone.
What makes this formula interesting is its liposomal delivery system, which helps Vitamin K penetrate more effectively into the skin for maximum benefit. Liposomes act like microscopic carriers, ensuring the active ingredients are protected and delivered right where they’re needed.
It’s also infused with a powerhouse blend of six vitamin K-rich green vegetable extracts - broccoli, kale, cucumber, celery, cabbage, and parsley. These botanicals provide antioxidants, minerals, and calming benefits to reduce bruising, improve circulation, and restore glow.
Key benefits:
Helps relieve post-treatment bruising and redness
Supports blood circulation and strengthens vessels
Promotes a more even skin tone
Infuses skin with antioxidant-rich plant extracts for added nourishment
Best for: Redness-prone skin
Final Thoughts
If redness or broken capillaries are bothering you, here’s the roadmap:
For true removal → lasers or IPL with a dermatologist or trained provider.
For prevention, improvement & support → SPF, gentle skincare, and ingredients like Vitamin K.
You don’t have to accept redness as an inevitable part of aging. The combination of smart in-office treatments and thoughtful at-home care can make a visible difference.
FTC: Links in this post are affiliate. Please note that all links on this page are affiliate, and I participate in the Amazon Associates program which is an affiliate program. Any time you see an Amazon link, it is an affiliate. If you choose to use my links, please know that I appreciate it!
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin-related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this website should not be considered a substitute for advice from a healthcare or skin professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this website are not to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home, consult a healthcare or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you.