Thread veins on cheeks and ruddiness

[Beangarda]

Prompted by another thread I didn't want to hijack. I have an unevenly ruddy complexion on my cheeks, and some red thread veins - is there anything I can do to lessen this? Longterm issue, and it don't think it's rosacea or anything like that.

I believe you can have thread veins zapped, for instance - has anyone done this? Or is there anything less interventionist I could do, apart from covering it with makeup?

I think the only thing that will actually shift it is laser treatment. I developed a lovely splotch of thread veins on my face in my last pregnancy and am considering zappage once I finish breastfeeding (read somewhere that the hormones can affect the efficacy of the laser).

In the meantime I just use a bit more coverage (concealer or a bit more base) around the splotchy bit and blend it in, it doesn't make it vanish completely but looks a lot better. The rest of my skin is pretty good for an old lady so I don't want to end up in a full-coverage mask of foundation.

Oh well, I suppose I need to consider laser, then. Is this, as far as you know, something that would be done by a high-street beautician chain, or somewhere more specialist?

I seem to always end up with a slightly mask-like 'dull' effect when I cover the redness properly, but that's more about my ineptitude with cosmetics. Or maybe the effect of trying to cover both cheek ruddy ness and my genetic-and-toddler-caused dark circles...

are you using the correct shade foundation?
It should be matched to an even toned, not red, part of your face.
Lisa Eldridge explains it well, and since then I have chosen the correct shade

video

I am using the right tone, Vegan, it's just that I also need concealer to tone down the redness - I think that's what makes it a bit mask-like. And on an everyday basis, I don't necessarily want to do a full coverage and then add colour back in with rouge...

Pretty sure it needs to be done by someone more specialist than a regular beautician, alas.

As VeganCow says, you need to be very careful about matching your foundation shade. Even though I have red splotches I'm actually quite pale/sallow skinned, so I need a relatively yellow-toned foundation.

PS, it might be also that I'm quite pale-skinned apart from the ruddiness, so there's quite a contrast between the rest of my face and the ruddy patches.

Maybe consider a different concealer? The Nars one in the tube with a wand is pretty good at not looking mask-y.

Also do not fear blusher! I definitely need it, especially when I'm tired, but it just puts a bit of colour back where it should be, rather than a big red patch. Also avoid anything too pink in the blusher department, I normally go for corally/peachy or neutral tones.

I have had a treatment called Veinwave administered at a cosmetic surgery clinic , administered by a trained and qualified nurse . I checked the qualifications etc . It was extremely effective and got rid of my broken capillaries on my cheeks and around my nose . I have fair , delicate skin prone to Rosacea . Worth considering ? I also recommend the Nars concealer in a tube, Radiant Creamy Concealer, shade Vanilla. Excellent coverage but natural looking . Hope this helps !

A friend of mine had great results when she had some broken capillaries on her face zapped. It's quite a standard procedure these days so do as gonegrey did and research the salons in your area that provide this.

Makes more sense than covering them up, especially if you're someone who'd prefer not to wear makeup on a daily basis.

Maybelline dream matte mousse foundation covers mine no problem and gives fantastic coverage without heaviness. I'm NW20 in Mac and their nude shade is perfect.

I had mine zapped. Only had a few but its fantastic.

Thanks, everyone. I will definitely consider experimenting with different foundation/concealer as I research lasering. I do usually wear makeup so as not to frighten the cows and passing small children, but would prefer it to be a tinted moisturiser, mascara and slick of coloured lip balm, rather than anything full face on the average morning.

Gonegrey, did your treatment take one session or several, and were the effects immediate? Any temporary unpleasant side effects? Your skin sounds like mine - do you feel it really changed the appearance of your face?

Arlagirl, can I ask you the same questions about the procedure as Gonegrey?

I just needed one treatment...they were quite isolated...by nose and on cheeks.
No side effects...it was like being flicked with an elastic band.

Hi there,
I only had one Veinwave treatment , and my red veins literally disappeared with no "downtime ". It has allowed me to now wear only a very light foundation . I am really thrilled with the result . And no, I am not advertising ! Just sharing my own experience . I did carefully research where to go, and I am sure that is important . My complexion has remained free of broken veins, but I wear a sunscreen and hat in the sun and protect my face .

Thanks, Arla and Gonegrey. Could I ask how you went about researching where to have the procedure done? I've just been googling Veinwave and seen very mixed reviews, with some people saying they needed 4-6 treatments, others claiming the veins had come back, or that sessions had left them with scabbing!

Well I only had the one treatment so there it is and it worked well for me . The nurse I used was very experienced and maybe this was why I had such a good outcome . I do take good care of my skin and have been especially disciplined after having the treatment . I would be happy to recommend the clinic if you want to pm me .

I have gone to a reputable salon for 15 years and so had it done there.

I can recommend the Avene anti-redness cream - it has a green tint to it which disguises some of the red. If you sign up to the Avene website and answer their questionnaire on your skin type, they will send you some free samples. www.avene.co.uk/Antirougeurs-Jour-Cream

I use a tinted fake suntan moisturiser. I think it's a Olay one for fair skin. Tends to even out my complexion and the redness fades a bit.
I'm sure Boots No 7 do an anti redness base cream, but I'm not a big foundation wearer.

I've had zappage on them, too. Like they cauterise the broken capillaries. Needs to be done in mid winter and each cauterisation causes a tiny scab to form which you must to dislodge. All a bit of a pain.

i really wish i could afford laser for broken veins and ruddiness. I have to use a really thick concealer and loads of powder (though Seventeen's Phwooar paint is amazing)
Avene did nothing for me, green is too transparent

Careless, you mean you were having facial acupuncture for unrelated reasons? Because I had six sessions to turn a stubbornly transverse baby almost three years ago, and my complexion didn't change...?

Nor did the baby turn....