Broken blood vessels — also called “spider veins” — occur when they’re dilated, or enlarged, just beneath your skin’s surface. This results in small, red lines that spread out into a web-shaped form. They can develop anywhere on the body, but they’re more common on the face and legs.

While harmless, broken blood vessels can become a nuisance if they make you self-conscious. The good news is that spider veins are typically treatable. You first need to figure out the underlying cause.

There are many causes of broken blood vessels on the face. They include:

• Heredity and genetics. For unknown reasons, spider veins tend to run in families. Individual risk factors also increase with age.
• Pregnancy. An increase in estrogen hormones during pregnancy can lead to broken blood vessels. Pregnancy-related spider veins heal on their own after delivery. Skin changes are common in pregnancy.
• Rosacea. This common skin condition leads to excessive redness and flushing. With erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, broken blood vessels are common.
• Sun exposure. Excessive sun exposure can enlarge your blood vessels. If you get a sunburn, the top layer of skin may peel and temporarily make some of the blood vessels in your face more noticeable.
• Weather changes. Hot weather increases blood vessel dilation.
• Environmental or chemical irritants.
• Alcohol consumption. Moderate or occasional alcohol consumption can cause your skin to flush due to the enlargement of blood vessels. Binge drinking and heavy alcohol use can eventually lead to spider veins.
• Injuries. Minor to significant injuries can lead to bruising. With bruises on your face, broken blood vessels may also be noticeable.
• Vomiting or sneezing. Sudden, extreme pressure in your face from a violent sneeze or a vomiting spell can break the blood vessels in the skin.