Direct high-frequency machines are great for treating broken capillaries. These machines utilize a hand-held, tiny, blunt probe; imagine an ink-pen with a needle-sized tip and then gently tapping it on the surface of the skin above the broken capillary. The radio frequency generates a pulse of heat deeper into the skin to cauterize the vessel. In a few days, the body will recognize that the vessel has collapsed and it will absorb and disintegrate it. Sclerotherapy and Nd:YAG lasers can be used on the body for larger veins. High frequency grants professionals a certain amount of control and intricacy, even when close to delicate areas around the eyes, nose, and lips, which cannot be done with chemical- or light-based treatments.

For diffuse, tiny veins on the cheeks, which are often seen in clients with rosacea, IPL is an ideal treatment. Its flash of light easily targets all the subtle redness that would not be easily treated individually with a high-frequency probe. Avoid treatments that increase circulation through suction or vacuum, including microdermabrasion and cupping facials. Some professionals argue that microdermabrasion and cupping facials create a suction around the broken capillaries, allowing for fresh blood, lymph, and oxygen to rush through the veins, thereby forcing away the old and deoxygenated blood cells; however, this theory is debatable.

For exfoliation on this type of client, chemical peels or enzyme masks are preferable. For an increase in circulation, a gentle facial massage or even an outdoor walk to get the heart pumping blood and the lungs intaking fresh air should do the trick.

To prevent further broken capillaries from presenting, skin care professionals must get to the root cause of the condition: is it due to rosacea, sun damage, or smoking? Professionals must educate clients on lifestyle changes and expectations of treatment results including the possibility of reoccurrence. To keep the blood vessels and skin integrity strong as a whole, prevention is the best weapon. Clients with broken capillaries should start every morning with topical vitamin C, followed by a broad-spectrum, Skin Cancer Foundation-approved daily sunscreen. This combination not only prevents sun and oxidative damage, but also repairs and strengthens capillaries. At night, clients should also use a corrective product that contains alvadine, which is a derivative from algae; this ingredient is a potent vasoconstrictor that helps to reduce inflammation and redness.

Skin care professionals can easily and safely treat broken capillaries with direct high frequency and then prevent future ones with thoughtful treatments and product selection.