Vanishing Veins
The weather is heating up, and that means the season for skirts, shorts, and swimsuits is near. Yet for many women, showing some leg is the last thing on their mind … all thanks to varicose veins. Although these blue and purple bulges are generally benign, their presence can cause some women to feel self-conscious about their appearance.
Varicose veins can’t technically be cured, but there are several things you can do to hide them temporarily. Here, we offer up our best tips and tricks to making those pesky veins less visible.
The Quick Fix
Body Makeup: Just like applying concealer to cover up a breakout, you can also cover up varicose veins using concealer specifically designed for the legs and body. Your best bet will be a waterproof product, especially if you’re planning to be poolside or at the beach. To make the concealer less noticeable, you can apply a layer of body foundation over the length of your legs – this will ensure an even skin tone.
Self-Tanning Lotion: Although not as quick of a solution as makeup, self-tanning lotion can help camouflage your varicose veins over time; plus, by using self-tanning lotion regularly, you’ll benefit from a healthy glow and moisturized skin.
Compression Stockings: Worn under your clothing or integrated into your outfit, compression stockings are a classic example of having your cake and eating it too. Not only do they help cover up your veins, but they also promote improved blood flow in your legs, which could prevent varicose veins from developing further.
Long Term Solutions
Boosting Your Circulation: Talk to your doctor about starting an exercise program. Yoga and walking are two low-impact activities that could really make a difference in your circulation while also reducing the appearance of varicose veins. Other ways to improve your circulation include staying hydrated, avoiding long periods of sitting or standing, elevating your legs when resting, and wearing compression socks during the day.
Medical Procedures: If your varicose veins are particularly bothersome, you may want to seek professional treatment. Medical procedures such as sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and vein surgery – also referred to as ligation and vein stripping – can remove any present veins; however, these treatments cannot prevent veins from becoming varicose in the future.
