Home skincare cannot get rid of these vessels. Cold compresses and cold face rollers offer, at most, temporary changes rather than removal. There is no useful essential oil application routine or waiting period to recommend for this purpose. A skincare purchase is not a shortcut to an office procedure, however much the bottle would like the promotion.1

What are those visible facial vessels?

Telangiectasia means visible small red blood vessels, often called broken capillaries. Small blue vessels involve venules, a type of small vein, and are called venulectasia. Facial spider veins commonly appear around the nose and cheeks. They are usually harmless and rarely cause symptoms.12

Sun damage is the most common cause of facial spider veins. Rosacea, hormonal changes and skin injury can also contribute. Visible facial vessels can be a normal family trait, and pregnancy or prolonged corticosteroid use can be associated with them. Their appearance alone does not identify the cause.12

What actually treats facial spider veins?

Vascular lasers target blood vessels with heat, causing them to close. Intense pulsed light, or IPL, also treats enlarged facial vessels by heating and destroying them. IPL is a light treatment rather than a true laser, so the names are not interchangeable just because they share a booking desk. Other facial red vein treatments include electrosurgery and sclerotherapy; a dermatologist can decide which approach fits the vessels being treated.123

How long does treatment take?

Expect a course of treatment rather than one appointment. Facial telangiectasias can require three to four laser sessions, spaced three to four months apart, with touch ups every six months to one year as needed. Vessels can reopen, so treatment does not prevent recurrence. Most patients need no downtime, although bruising can last a few days.13

What should you do instead?

Protect your face from the sun daily and limit direct sun exposure to help prevent new facial spider veins. Avoid harsh skincare products and exfoliants, and do not overuse topical steroids. Prevention and removal are different jobs: protecting your skin does not erase vessels already visible.1

See a dermatologist if you want removal or if the vessels bleed. An examination can distinguish telangiectasia from other vascular conditions. For laser treatment, choose a board certified dermatologist; darker skin is more prone to burns and dark marks, so experience treating darker skin matters.23

Before treatment, tell the dermatologist about all your skincare, medicines and supplements. Some medicines increase sensitivity to laser light. You may need to pause topical retinoids under their instructions. Avoid tanning, seek shade and use a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin.3

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1How To Remove Spider Veins on Your Facehealth.clevelandclinic.org
  2. 2Telangiectasiadermnetnz.org
  3. 3Skin conditions that lasers can treataad.org