Treating Visible Veins
Visible veins, such as spider veins, broken capillaries, and general redness, can appear across the face and body, often due to genetics, sun damage, rosacea, or lifestyle factors. These broken or enlarged vessels can make skin appear red, blotchy, or uneven. Fortunately, at The Institute of Dermatologists we offer fast, non-invasive solutions to reduce the appearance of vascular lesions and restore a clearer, more even complexion.
Top Treatment for Veins: Excel V+
Excel V+ is the gold standard laser for vascular concerns, offering fast, effective, and safe results for treating visible veins, redness, and discolouration. This state-of-the-art dual-laser system can target over 20 skin issues, including spider veins, reticular veins, rosacea, and redness, delivering a dramatic improvement in skin clarity in just 1–3 sessions.
How It Works: Excel V+ uses two precise wavelengths of laser energy to selectively heat and collapse abnormal or broken blood vessels without affecting the surrounding skin. This triggers the body’s natural healing response, gradually clearing the treated veins and improving skin tone.
Treats: Spider veins, rosacea, broken capillaries, age spots, acne scars, and redness
Comfort: Most patients describe the sensation as a rubber band snap. A cooling tip ensures added comfort.
Downtime: Mild redness and swelling may occur for 24–48 hours; brown spots may darken before flaking away in 3–5 days. Most people resume normal activities straight after treatment.
Results: Brighter, more even skin tone with visibly reduced redness and vein appearance, without needing to rely on concealer.
Other Recommended Treatment: IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL is another excellent non-invasive treatment option for reducing the appearance of veins, redness, and pigmentation. It uses pulses of broad-spectrum light to break down unwanted vascular lesions while also improving overall skin texture. IPL is especially beneficial for diffusing redness and early-stage rosacea.
Best Skincare for Visible Veins
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 – Tinted
An essential for anyone dealing with visible veins or redness-prone skin, this oil-free sunscreen helps calm and protect sensitive skin while defending against sun-induced pigmentation and broken capillaries.
- Contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid to promote healthy skin
- Lightweight, silky finish – perfect under makeup
- UVA/UVB protection
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free, non comedogenic
This tinted version offers sheer coverage while protecting and soothing inflamed or reactive skin types. Also available in an untinted option - EltaMD UV Clear Untinted.
We Also Recommend:
- EltaMD UV Restore Broad Spectrum SPF 40: A 100% mineral sunscreen that goes beyond protection, this multitasking formula helps repair sun damage that contributes to the development of visible veins and pigmentation.
- Packed with Squalane, Ginger Root Extract, and Saccharide Isomerate for hydration and collagen support
- Helps fade dark spots and reduce fine lines
- Dye-free, oil-free, fragrance-free and noncomedogenic
Ideal for all skin types, especially mature, dry or sun-damaged skin.
- EltaMD Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44: This multitasking, 100% mineral sunscreen offers powerful protection against UVA/UVB rays and indoor blue light (HEV), while visibly improving signs of photoaging like fine lines and redness.
- Tinted formula with antioxidants to neutralise free radical damage
- Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps for smoother, more youthful-looking skin
- Bisabolol and Ginger Root help calm irritation and visibly reduce redness
- Water-resistant (40 minutes), fragrance-free, and suitable for all skin types, including post-procedure
Ideal for everyday use on mature, sensitive, or environmentally stressed skin.
Recommended Skincare
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Frequently Asked Questions
Visible veins are often caused by sun damage, rosacea, genetics, lifestyle factors or temperature extremes. Over time, capillaries can become dilated or break, appearing as red or purple veins on the skin’s surface.
Most clients see significant results within 1–3 sessions, depending on the severity of the concern and area being treated. Results continue to improve over several weeks.
Most people describe it as a mild snapping sensation, like a rubber band. The device uses a cooled tip to ensure comfort throughout the treatment.
Excel V+ is typically preferred for targeting specific, visible veins and capillaries which may be stubborn, especially around the nose, while IPL is great for treating general redness, fine broken capillaries and rosacea. A treatment consultation with our experts will determine which option is best for your needs.
Excel V+ is also used to treat thread veins on the legs with minimal to no downtime and a minimum of 3 sessions are required depending on the extent of thread veins being treated.