Just hearing the phrase ‘spider veins’ sends an eight-legged shiver down our spines, but the condition it describes is really not as sinister as it might seem. Yep, that’s right, we’re talking about broken capillaries and – being the masterminds of skincare that we are – are here to conclude our mini-series by talking all things IPL for broken capillaries.
What are Spider Veins or Broken Capillaries?
Let’s start here, shall we? The face has an extensive, ahem, web of veins and tiny blood vessels, collectively known as capillaries, and sometimes (actually, quite commonly!), after succumbing to certain pressures, the walls of these blood vessels will dilate, leaving them damaged and visible through the surface of the skin.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins are caused by skin trauma catalysts everywhere.
Aging, genetics, hormonal changes (such as menstruation and pregnancy), environmental (including exposure to pollen, dirt, extreme climates) and lifestyle habits (excessive alcohol and smoking) can be major contributors, as well as existing skin conditions (like acne or rosacea) that can further trigger skin trauma.
On the contrary, this can also be caused “simple”, seemingly harmless things like sneezing, popping spots/zits on your face, or scrubbing a little bit too intensely.
But perhaps the most well-known culprit of damaged skin is sun exposure. That’s why knowing the importance of sun protection, and incorporating SPF tips and treatments into your daily routine are crucial.
Whatever the case, when it comes to spider veins, it’s the result of a double-edged sword: Broken capillaries and weakened skin, which allows the spider veins to creepy-crawly their way through.
Where Do Spider Veins Appear?
If broken capillaries are going to be anywhere, they’ll probably be around your nose, cheeks, mouth and chin. Basically – and annoyingly – your face.
IPL for Broken Capillaries on Face
Fortunately for us, there is a non-invasive, breakthrough treatment out there that works wonders – IPL, also called IPL Photofacial or IPL Skin Rejuvenation.
Having made significant progress in reducing broken capillaries over the last few years, IPL is one of the safest methods out there for this skin condition.
It stands for Intense Pulsed Light, which in itself, is a basic explaination of how it works. Using multiple wavelengths of intense pulsed light with pinpoint accuracy, the protein in the red blood cell (hemoglobin) absorbs the light, before being destroyed by the subsequent heat energy which is produced. The great thing about it is that it does all this without damaging the surrounding healthy skin and blood vessels. In simpler terms, IPL minimises the redness caused by the capillaries – quickly, easily, and precisely.
If that wasn’t impressive enough, a side benefit of IPL is that it also boosts collagen production, meaning you’re left spider-vein free and with a youthful, glowing complexion. This explains why an IPL Facial is also known as an effective treatment for skin tone issues like pigmentation and rosacea, as well as skin texture issues like wrinkles and acne scars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is IPL?
Contrary to the many misconceptions out there, IPL is quick, relatively pain-free (patients describe a sensation of a rubber band lightly popping against the skin) and requires minimal downtime (give it around 10 days to clear up) – pretty neat for a skin condition that sounds so scary, hey?
What can I expect after IPL for broken capillaries?
First thing’s first: Expect your skin to go through various changes after your IPL treatment. Now, this may sound alarming, but trust us! It’s completely normal and all part of the skin’s healing process.
Some people may experience slight bruising, redness, and swelling afterwards. In the rare cases where certain capillaries are located near the epidermis (the surface layer of the skin), minor scabbing or blistering may occur as well. However, others may walk away with nothing more than short-term pinkness.
Either way, just allow your skin to do its thing and you’ll soon enjoy all the fresh, flawless benefits!
As an added safety measure, your aesthetician should conduct a skin consultation and patch test beforehand. That way, you’ll get the peace of mind you need before your session.
What are the IPL healing stages?
As mentioned, everyone who undergoes an IPL treatment will go through skin changes in different forms and varying degrees. While some people may only notice slight redness, others may experience discolouration and bruising.
For you to get a better understanding, these are the different healing stages after IPL that you should keep in mind:
- Redness: A few hours after treatment and may persist up to 5 days
- Darkened spots: Up to 7 days
- Crusting: Up to 10 days
- Slight bruising: Up to 2 weeks
How long does it take for broken capillaries to disappear after IPL?
You should know that IPL is not one of those “instabeauty” treatments, but the wait will definitely be worth it!
As a general rule, the smaller the capillaries, the quicker they are to clear up. Typically, you won’t start seeing results until two to four weeks after the first treatment, as it can take the body’s lymphatic system that long to remove the dead material.
Moreover, you typically need to go through multiple sessions to achieve the best results – which leads us to our next question:
How many IPL treatments for broken capillaries?
This will depend on how mild or severe your case is. But generally speaking, we usually recommend up to four consecutive treatments for broken capillary reduction to ensure progressive results.
Does IPL permanently remove broken capillaries?
Like most cosmetic treatments, IPL cannot guarantee permanent results. However, most clients enjoy long-term benefits that can last for years!
Broken capillaries, in particular, have a pesky habit of popping up again – especially if you tempt them by continuing certain lifestyle factors that caused their arrival in the first place! In that case, you can maintain results but getting IPL treatments every few years. Again, this may differ per person so it’s best to consult with your aesthetician!
Is IPL safe for everyone?
IPL for broken capillary removal may not be the most successful on darker skin, because the light will have trouble pinpointing the spider veins in question.
You should also steer clear if you’re on certain acne medication.
If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate, we recommend booking a consultation with our qualified therapists and we’ll let you know the best treatment for you!
Book IPL at Lovoir Day Spa Christchurch
Here at Lovoir Day Spa in Christchurch, our IPL Skin Rejuvenation is ideal for people struggling with unwanted blemishes like spider veins, pigmentation, dark spots, and acne. You’ll leave each session noticing clearer, more vibrant skin. And after the full treatment plan, you’ll experience the best results!
Non-invasive, safe, affordable and effective – an IPL Facial is definitely worth considering.
If you’re interested in trying IPL yourself, start by booking a consultation with our licensed aestheticians, and we’ll guide you from there.
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