You look in the mirror one day and notice tiny red lines around your nose or across your cheeks that weren't there before.
At first, you think they'll disappear.
But weeks, months—even years—go by, and they're still there.
So what are they?
Those tiny red veins are called broken capillaries, also known as spider veins or telangiectasia. Despite the name, they usually aren't actually "broken." They're tiny blood vessels that have become enlarged and permanently visible beneath the surface of the skin.
The good news? They're incredibly common—and they're treatable.
WHY DO THEY APPEAR?
Broken capillaries develop when tiny blood vessels lose their elasticity and remain dilated.
Over time, they become visible through the skin, especially in areas where the skin is naturally thinner, like around the nose and cheeks.
Several things can contribute to them, including:
- Genetics
- Sun damage
- Rosacea
- Aging
- Frequent temperature changes
- Excessive sun exposure
- Smoking
- Repeated facial flushing
- Trauma to the skin
For many people, it's simply a combination of genetics and years of environmental exposure.
WHY ARE THEY SO COMMON AROUND THE NOSE?
The skin around the nose contains many tiny superficial blood vessels.
This area is also exposed to constant movement, rubbing, blowing your nose during allergy season or colds, and repeated changes in temperature.
Over time, these blood vessels can stretch and become permanently visible.
It's one of the most common areas we treat.
WILL THEY GO AWAY ON THEIR OWN?
Unfortunately, no.
Once a capillary has become permanently enlarged, skincare products can't make it disappear.
While some products may help reduce redness or calm inflammation, they cannot close or remove visible blood vessels.
That's why many people become frustrated after trying countless creams that promise to "erase redness."
WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT?
One of the most effective treatments for broken capillaries is BBL (BroadBand Light).
BBL uses advanced light energy to specifically target the visible blood vessels without damaging the surrounding skin.
The light energy is absorbed by the blood vessel, causing it to safely collapse and be naturally cleared away by your body over time.
The result?
A clearer, more even-looking complexion with less visible redness.
CAN THEY COME BACK?
Once a treated vessel is gone, it typically won't return.
However, your skin can develop new broken capillaries over time due to aging, genetics, sun exposure, or ongoing rosacea.
That's why maintenance treatments and daily sunscreen are so important.
Protecting your skin today helps prevent new damage tomorrow.
HOW CAN YOU HELP PREVENT THEM?
While genetics play a role, you can reduce your risk by:
- Wearing SPF every single day
- Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure
- Avoiding extreme heat whenever possible
- Managing rosacea flare-ups
- Treating your skin gently instead of aggressively
- Investing in medical-grade skincare that supports your skin barrier
Healthy skin is often more resilient skin.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Those tiny red veins around your nose aren't dirt, irritation, or something you did wrong.
They're tiny blood vessels that have become permanently visible over time—and they're one of the most common concerns we see.
The good news is that they don't have to be permanent.
With advanced treatments like BBL, we can safely target those visible vessels, reduce redness, and help restore a clearer, more even complexion.
So if you've ever found yourself asking, "What are those little red veins around my nose?"
Now you know.
And even better—you know they can be treated.