What is vasoprotective?

The term vasoprotective refers to substances, either natural or synthetic, that strengthen and protect the walls of blood vessels, especially capillaries, improving their resistance and regulating vascular permeability.

Vasoprotectors constitute a family of agents that protect vascular function and structure through multiple pathways: they improve venous tone, stabilize capillary permeability, and possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Their application brings benefits both in classical venous pathologies and in the aesthetic field. In aesthetic medicine, they are used to minimize bruising and edema after procedures and to improve skin microcirculation, thereby optimizing the final result.

Mechanisms of action of vasoprotectors

Vasoprotectors act through several complementary mechanisms:

• Increased venous tone and vasoconstriction: they improve the tonicity of the vascular wall, reducing venous dilation. For example, diosmin induces venous vasoconstriction and increases vein resistance.
• Stabilization of capillary permeability: they decrease plasma leakage into the interstitial space, reducing edema and capillary fragility. Centella asiatica and diosmin, for example, increase collagen in the matrix and reduce capillary permeability. Together, these effects limit the formation of edema and bruising.
• Anti-inflammatory and fibrinolytic action: many formulations contain coumarins (such as melilotus coumarin) or escin (from horse chestnut), which block inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins) and facilitate the degradation of extravasated proteins. This mechanism helps dissipate local inflammation and promotes the absorption of small clots.
• Antioxidant effect: several vasoprotectors are flavonoids or phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. Recent studies highlight that these plant compounds “support healthy blood flow” and possess vasoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting the vascular endothelium from oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory mediators.
• Improvement of microcirculation: some agents (e.g., topical heparin) locally increase oxygenation and capillary perfusion. It has been documented that the application of topical heparin raises venous capillary oxygen saturation, increases blood filling, and enhances flow velocity in microvessels. This facilitates bruise reabsorption and accelerates edema resolution.

These mechanisms, often combined in a single product, explain their usefulness in reinforcing vascular integrity after trauma or aesthetic procedures. In summary, vasoprotectors decrease capillary permeability, increase venous tone, and combat local inflammation, thus promoting the vascular recovery of damaged tissue.

Examples of vasoprotectors

There are numerous vasoprotective agents, ranging from medications to herbal extracts, which are used depending on the indication. Some representative examples include:

• Diosmin and hesperidin (micronized flavonoid fraction): synthetic or purified compounds from citrus fruits, widely used in chronic venous insufficiency. They are classic venotonics that constrict veins and reduce permeability. They are marketed in combinations (e.g., Daflon®).
• Escin: a saponin with venotonic, anti-edematous, and anti-inflammatory action. It decreases capillary permeability and edema.
• Ruscus: a plant extract that exerts venoconstrictor and anti-inflammatory effects. It improves venous tone and prevents the formation of edema.
• Asian pennywort: an herb that stimulates collagen synthesis in the extracellular matrix and reduces capillary permeability, strengthening the structure of the skin and vessels.
• Melilotus: rich in coumarins (dicumarol) and flavonoids. It has a venotonic and mild anticoagulant effect, promoting lymphatic drainage.
• Topical heparinoids (e.g., sodium heparin, dextran): they promote the lysis of superficial clots and improve fibrinolysis. Although their systemic absorption is low, they provide local benefits in post-traumatic bruising.
• Other flavonoids and plant compounds: extracts of red vine, blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), ginkgo biloba, witch hazel, etc., which provide antioxidant effects and strengthen capillary resistance.

In cosmetic practice, combined formulas (e.g., oral supplements or topical gels) are sometimes prepared with several of these active ingredients for a synergistic effect.

Vasoprotectors in aesthetic medicine

In aesthetic medicine, vasoprotection plays a specific role in post-treatment improvement and the care of skin microcirculation. Professionals aim to reduce complications such as bruising, edema, and erythema, and for this, they turn to both systemic and topical vasoprotectors. Their applications include:

• Reduction of ecchymosis (bruising): after injections (botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, mesotherapy) or minimally invasive procedures, it is common to apply gels or creams containing heparin or active ingredients such as arnica and vitamin K. Consensus guidelines recommend the topical application of arnica, vitamin K, or bromelain to reduce the risk of ecchymosis and accelerate its disappearance.
• Reduction of post-surgical edema: after aesthetic procedures (liposuction, blepharoplasty, facelift, etc.), combined vasoprotectors are used to accelerate the resolution of edema.
• Edematous cellulite and lymphedema: in edematous type cellulite (skin with “water column” retention), vasoprotective and anti-edematous agents are used along with lymphatic drainage and compression.
• Improvement of skin microcirculation: skin with capillary fragility (diffuse redness, erythema) benefits from vasoprotective compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Topical preparations with flavonoids (e.g., from red vine or ginkgo) or vitamin C can strengthen dermal capillaries.
• Other complementary uses: after vascular laser procedures, vasoprotectors can be administered to optimize recovery; before corrective under-eye tattoos or ophthalmological treatments, capillary supplements are used; in body mesotherapy, melilotus and vitamin K are included to improve local circulation, etc. In all cases, the goal is to strengthen the vascular integrity of the treated area and shorten the inflammatory phase.

Overall, vasoprotectors are useful elements in peri-treatment aesthetic protocols. They allow for faster recovery and less discomfort for the patient, which leads to greater satisfaction. While some of these practices are based on clinical experience and trials with lower levels of evidence, there are controlled clinical studies that support statistically significant positive effects. Furthermore, recommendations from experts in aesthetic medicine routinely include vasoprotective supplements and anti-bruising topicals after treatments, as part of comprehensive patient care.

Antioxidant

Asian Pennywort

Vitamin K