Overview
Spider veins are small yet enlarged blood vessels which may be unsightly or cause mild physical discomfort. Spider veins on the face can result from complications with blood flow due to skin damage, hormonal changes or substance use. Through lifestyle changes and medical procedures, individuals can discourage the development and minimize the appearance of spider veins.
Physical Properties of Spider Veins
Spider veins are closer to the skin’s surface than varicose veins and may appear either red or blue. These veins may appear blue because of subcutaneous fat, which absorbs shorter light frequencies and reflects the blue shades of the spectrum. All veins have one-way valves that maintain the flow of blood from the body toward the heart. When the flaps become weak, blood can leak back through the valve and pool within the vein.
Spider Veins and Skin Damage
Repeated sun exposure can damage top layers of the skin, making veins on the face more visible. Individuals with fair skin are more susceptible to this problem. Regular use of sunscreen and wearing protective clothing (including hats) may minimize the development and appearance of spider veins on the face. Individuals should also refrain from using abrasive cleansers on the face, which may also damage the skin’s top layer.
Spider Veins and Women
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that spider veins occur more frequently in women. Pregnant women have an increase in blood volume and circulation, which puts additional pressure on blood vessels. Moreover, hormonal changes that prepare the body for childbirth can weaken the valves of the blood vessels. Most of these spider veins recede after delivery. Women taking birth control medications or undergoing hormone replacement therapy may also be prone to developing spider veins.
Spider Veins and Medication or Alcohol Use
People who use topical steroids or consume a lot of alcohol may develop a skin condition known as acne rosacea, in which the face flushes and blood vessels in the face dilate very easily. Medications for acne rosacea may minimize skin redness without removing the spider veins.
Spider Veins and Obesity
As in pregnancy, obesity can increase the pressure on blood vessels, leading to complications with blood flow. In addition to other lifestyle factors, individuals should reduce sodium intake, as it can lead to further bloating. While researchers debate whether there is a genetic predisposition towards obesity, they concur that a tendency towards enlarged veins tends to run in families.
Spider Vein Therapies
Folklore remedies include creams with vitamin K and vitamin C, but this approach is not backed by medical organizations. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends medical procedures for spider veins, which it says can greatly improve their appearance. Laser therapy treats veins with intense light to instigate fading. Electrodessication is the application of electricity to veins to cause them to close and heal over. Sclerotherapy is the injection of solutions into veins to cause them to close and heal. New York University’s Cardiac and Vascular Institute notes that while people may wish to reduce the appearance of spider veins, medical treatment may not be necessary and therefore may not be covered by health insurance.
About this Author
Trina Lion has been a literacy consultant for 14 years: writing, proofreading and copyediting for an array of industries, and spearheading grant-funded literacy programs for families. Lion has written for Braille Bug, the children’s website of the American Foundation of the Blind, and “Acupuncture Today,” a journal for practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine.
