You may know them as spider veins, thread veins or more officially, telangiectasias, or just be able to recognise their presence through small red, purple or blue “webs” on the legs and face.
Smaller than varicose veins which are large, raised and swollen, spider veins are caused by damage to the smallest blood vessels. They are typically harmless - caused by genetics, hormones, birth control, occupationally from jobs that require a lot of standing or obesity - but can have a real impact on your confidence, especially when they appear on the face.
But instead of causing you stress, you can take a multi-pronged approach to healing or concealing their presence. We called on the experts to find out more.
Do creams work for spider veins?
Lucy Xu, founder of Premier Laser & Skin Clinic, explains that “While creams can improve appearance and provide temporary relief, it’s important to note that they shouldn’t be your only solution”. She continues “It’s unlikely that a topical treatment can penetrate deeply into the skin to address those veins. Spider veins, characterised by small, dilated blood vessels near the skin's surface, would be best treated with aesthetic treatments that can offer longer-lasting results”.
NY-based board-certified dermatologist at Spectrum Skin and Laser, Dr. Kristen Miller, also stresses that topical creams should be secondary to in-clinic treatments, she explains, “Standard treatment for spider veins includes laser treatment or sclerotherapy, which is a treatment where a solution is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse and scar so that it no longer fills with blood. Laser treatments directly destroy the vein by targeting it from outside the skin”.
What else can you do?
Both Xu and Miller highlight the efficacy of lasers. “Clearskin Pro’s technology combines non-ablative laser, vacuum technology and contact cooling to treat spider veins and other skin concerns effectively. IPL Skin Rejuvenation by M22 uses intense pulsed light to improve the appearance of many skin concerns. Both treatments are non-invasive, gentle on your skin and pain-free”, says Xu.
Miller also reveals that “larger varicose veins can be treated by surgery or through endovenous laser ablation, where a probe is threaded directly into the vein to destroy it from within”. She adds, “Radiofrequency ablation is another form of endovenous ablation that is used to destroy larger varicose veins”.
What ingredients should you look out for?
“You could look for a product that contains Vitamin K or Arnica, which may help prevent bruising” advises Dr Miller. “Arnica is anti-inflammatory and may also help reduce swelling and bruising post-procedure. Horse chestnut contains aescin, which, when taken orally, some studies suggest may improve symptoms associated with varicose leg veins including swelling, itching, and discomfort”.
She concludes “The most important preventative measure to take to prevent worsening spider or varicose veins is to wear compression stockings, although this should not be done without consulting your physician”.
The latter is hugely important. For long-lasting results, seek the advice of a medical professional.
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Dr Organic Organic Royal Jelly Leg & Vein Cream
This cooling, soft cream texture is not only immediately soothing as soon as it is applied on the legs, but it is rich in moisturising ingredients, all of which are organic. As the brand’s name suggests, the product is made up of all-natural ingredients free from nasties like parabens, SLS and the like.
Instead, in this formula, Dr Organic has opted for royal jelly as the main component that is brimming with plant hormones and amino acids to restore tired legs and calm the appearance of spider veins. It is combined with bioactives that care for the skin. The packaging is also recycled or recyclable, made using ocean-bound recycled plastic.
Buy now £6.69, Amazon
Skin Doctors Capillary Clear
The intention of this cream is clear, it is on hand to help minimise the look of broken capillaries, redness and age-related blood spots. It is designed for the face and contains vitamin K as the star ingredient that works to fade and calm the result of damaged blood vessels. This is set alongside bearberry, an ingredient chosen as it is a natural source of lightening hydroquinone.
There is also arnica to improve blood circulation and thus disperse the dried blood under the skin and soothe swelling. To round off the supercharged combination is bioflavonoids, sourced from citrus fruits to fortify the capillary walls. It is not a quick fix and results are dependent on usage, but your skin will be left silky smooth in an instant.
Buy now £16.60, lookfantastic
Vegavero Organic Horse Chestnut Extract
While we admit that it’s not a cream, Dr Miller pointed to studies in which horse chestnut consumed orally impacted spider veins and this is one of the most highly rated of its type. Vegavero combines this component with red vine leaf extracts and vitamin C in order to support the healthy functioning of blood vessels. The brand uses high-quality, organic forms of all the ingredients, eliminating the need for additives to remain all-natural. The supplement is designed to help with all circulation-related concerns and vascular disorders.
Buy now £20.95, Amazon
Holland & Barrett Leg Vein Formula 30 Tablets
Part of Holland & Barrett’s hardworking own-brand label, these supplements are formulated specifically to help with circulation in the legs. Harnessing the power of red vine leaf extract, this daily dietary add-on promotes blood flow. It is combined with grapeseed extract and vitamin C and is suitable for all – vegans and vegetarians alike. These small but mighty tablets have been reported to minimise the appearance of veins as well as reduce swelling and pain.
Buy now £7.99, Holland & Barrett
New Nordic Wonder Legs Veins & Blood Vessels
Another supplement created to support the legs, New Nordic calls on the power of nature and more specifically, French maritime pine park, red wine leaf and vitamin C in order to breathe new life into your limbs. To counteract that feeling of heavy, swollen and painful legs, these daily add-ons are on hand. It may take a couple of weeks to feel the reduction in throbbing and fatigue.
Buy now £38.49, Holland & Barrett
5Kind Varicose Veins Horse Chestnut Cream
It may not be the most stylish packaging on your bathroom shelf but what this cream from 5Kind lacks in style, it makes up for in substance. The topical treatment is made for supporting those with varicose veins and it works for spider veins too. It uses natural ingredients, namely horse chestnut, arnica, urea, and zinc oxide to combat itchiness and provide relief. Take a moment of self-care to massage it onto your limbs.
Buy now £16.77, Amazon
Kräuterhof Red Vines Leaf And Horse Chestnut Foot Cream for Varicose Veins
Kräuterhof will be your best-kept secret in soothing aching legs and feet. The horse chestnut-enriched cream reduces swelling, relieves pain and encourages better circulation when massaged onto your limbs. It also helps minimise the appearance of spider veins. It’s easily absorbed and has a pleasant aroma.
Buy now £5.15, Amazon
Tan-Luxe Instant Hero Illuminating Wash Off Tanning Gel
The Skin Perfector will not provide a lasting effect on the appearance of spider veins, but it can be applied ahead of a special occasion to even skin texture and conceal the result of damaged blood vessels. This extends to all redness and even cellulite. It has an adaptable formula that adjusts to your skin tone. The gel texture glides onto the limbs, leaving an instant glow that can last for up to 24 hours.
Buy now £18.00, Space NK
Pharmaceris N Capinon K 1% Vitamin K Face Cream
Within the very drugstore packaging is a moisturising cream containing the highly recommended ingredient of vitamin K. It was created to be used in tandem with laser treatments, offering a soothing topical accompaniment that also plays a part in reducing redness and regenerating, supporting and strengthening the vessels.
Buy now £14.50, Sephora
