Spider veins, also known as telangiesctasias, are a relatively common condition affecting at least one in five adults.
Although this is largely a cosmetic condition with few if any severe effects, many people look for ways on how to get rid of spider veins and to minimize the unsightly skin appearance.
Read on to learn more about effective ways to get rid of spider veins.
What Are Spider Veins
Spider veins are groups of small blood vessels that show through the skin. These veins typically look blue, red, or purple and commonly appear on the legs or face.
Causes of Spider Veins
Veins play an important role in transporting blood to the heart. Along the length of these veins are valves that prevent blood from flowing back from the heart.
However, these valves can stop working normally, therefore, allowing blood to flow back through the veins. This backflow mechanism increases the pressure in the vein, weakens the walls of the blood vessels, and increases the risk of vein dilation and rupture.
Risk Factors
Women face a higher risk of developing spider veins. Other risk factors include:
- Standing or sitting for long durations
- Pregnancy
- Hormone therapy
- Vein surgery
- Birth control pills
- Family history
Symptoms
The most common symptom of spider vein is a cluster of reddish, bluish, or purplish tiny blood vessels that appear on the surface of the skin.
Other symptoms that accompany spider veins though very rare include:
- Heaviness in the legs
- Cramping in the legs
- Tingling sensation
- Aching
- Itching
Other rare effects include wounds and skin discoloration.
Best Treatments For Spider Veins
Numerous treatments claiming to cure spider veins are available and selecting the best one can be a bit challenging.
We have done some research and looked at some user reviews and comments in an effort to discover the best products to help get rid of spider veins.
Below are our top three recommendations for topical treatments for spider veins.
Many users with skin problems such as broken capillaries and blemishes from rosacea swear by Arcona Desert Mist.
Arcona Desert Mist is a hydrating mist that claims to protect your skin from the effects of free radicals that could cause both structural and cellular damage to your skin.
This mist further claims to restore your skin’s hydration level, boost collagen and elastin production, enhance rapid skin renewal, and minimize the signs of aging.
A major plus for Arcona is its ingredient list, which is mainly made up of plant-based compounds. These include witch hazel, glycerin, mucin, glutathione, ascorbic acid, and vitamin E.
Witch Hazel regulates the production of sebum, leaving the skin surface clean and vibrant.
Glycerin helps to condition and moisturize the skin while mucin, derived from snail mucus, minimizes the signs of aging, heals damaged skin and blood vessels, and restores youthfulness to premature skin.
Vitamin E helps to retain skin moisture, mitigate the effects of free radicals, and strengthen the skin.
L-ascorbic acid rejuvenates dull skin and gives your skin a youthful appearance while glutathione has powerful antioxidant properties that lighten your skin tone and minimize the appearance of blood vessels.
On the downside, Arcona Mist comes in a small 35ml container and some users have pointed out that this serum is a bit pricey for its small amount.
Second in line is the E’shee Serum Cellular Repair, which also contains an impressive list of ingredients aimed at minimizing the signs of aging, which could include the appearance of spider veins.
In particular, the skin repair serum contains FGF1, an artificial growth factor. Aging diminishes the skin’s natural growth factor.
Serums such as E’shee, which contain manmade growth factors and proteins, can help to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and broken capillaries.
This serum also contains horse chestnut whose seeds contain escin, a compound that works to strengthen blood vessels by preventing the production of hyaluronidase, an enzyme known to corrode the walls of blood vessels.
E’shee further contains Tinocare GL, a moisture retaining compound that keeps your skin looking hydrated and plumper, therefore, doing a good job hiding those spider veins.
Another amazing ingredient on the list is mulberry, which acts as a skin-lightening compound. This can be especially helpful for those with severe cases of spider veins resulting in skin discoloration.
StriMedix-K Spider Vein Treatment Cream Repair has some pretty good reviews although some users have had mixed results.
The cream repair ointment claims to minimize the appearance of rosacea, bruises, and spider veins.
In particular, StriMedix contains some fascinating ingredients including aloe butter, emu oil, jojoba oil, vitamin K, and phytotonine.
These ingredients work to repair vein walls, heal broken capillaries, and minimize discoloration caused by spider veins or varicose veins.
For best results, apply this ointment on damp skin and on the precise target area. Ideally, you should apply this cream two times a day.
According to some users, StriMedix delivers better results when used consistently over a long period of time.
How To Get Rid Of Spider Veins: Alternative Treatments
Sometimes, management of spider veins requires specialized cosmetic procedures. Some of these include:
Sclerotherapy
This non-painful procedure involves your doctor injecting a liquid medication into the abnormal veins. This causes the veins to rapture and fade away eventually. For best results, you may need several sclerotherapy sessions. Possible side effects include discoloration, bleeding, bruising and swelling.
Laser Therapy:
Your doctor may recommend laser therapy in addition to sclerotherapy for optimal results. Laser therapy utilizes a focused beam of light to collapse the affected veins, which eventually disappear after weeks or months following several treatment sessions.
Summary
Spider veins are common but it is understandable why you may want to get rid of this skin condition. You will come across plenty of products claiming to treat spider veins.
Opt for products with natural ingredients, as these are less likely to irritate your skin and exacerbate the appearance of broken blood vessels.
Both topical and medical treatments for spider veins require consistent use over a duration of time in order to deliver any tangible results. So be patient and follow through with treatment and your spider veins will eventually resolve.