Leg Makeup for Spider Veins: Is it Worth it?

Makeup has been dominating U.S. wellness markets for decades: global data platform Statista estimates that the industry will create nearly $129 billion in revenue by 2028. Foundations, concealers, toners, and tints can improve quality of life simply by providing a temporary confidence boost. As the market continues to evolve, wearers have expanded on this theory by using similar products to cover up spider veins — small, damaged clusters of red, blue, or purple blood vessels — as well as scars and other leg imperfections.

While the best investment for long-term results is to seek spider vein treatment from one of the board-certified physicians at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), using makeup to cover problem areas can be a manageable way to feel better about how you look — but is it truly worth it? Keep reading as we discuss how cosmetics are used for spider veins and other skin problems.

Cosmetics and Spider Veins: What Works?

When appropriately applied, the right products can provide all-day coverage for spider and even varicose veins. People Magazine recently compiled a list ranking eight body makeup products from big-name brands that are formulated to do exactly that. The list includes a summary of each product, as well as “star qualities” and “red flags.” Many products’ “star qualities” seem promising at first glance, such as lack of smudging, smooth application, lightweight feel, shade variety, and all-day wear potential. The “red flags,” however, reveal what the labels won’t tell you.

Several cosmetics’ criticisms include lack of suitability for certain skin tones, product transfer, lack of complete coverage, greasy feel, and shimmery appearance.

That’s not all: consistently relying on cosmetics to improve the look of spider veins and varicose veins has some other important drawbacks to consider:

1. It’s expensive: It may seem like a budget-friendly part of your beauty routine compared to medical spider vein treatments, but purchasing products that repeatedly run out will add up faster than you might think. This ongoing cost comes only after you’ve found the proper products in the perfect shades, which can be a drawn-out, experimental, and costly.
2. It’s messy: Smudging can leave permanent stains on clothing and other pieces of fabric. Even powder cosmetic products can prevent users from getting a clean feel during their wear. Do you really want to worry about whether your legs will leave a mark on your clothing after you cover them in greasy foundation or toner?
3. It takes time: Applying a full face of makeup in the morning can easily take at least 20 minutes, depending on which products you’re using. This time is likely doubled when any body makeup is added to the equation, especially if you use a different combination of cosmetics. Multiple layers are often required to get the full effect, as well. If you frequently hit the snooze button on your alarm clock, you may want to think twice about the time you’re willing to commit to cosmetic customizations.
4. It can worsen symptoms: Many cosmetics are created with harsh ingredients, which can exacerbate any existing symptoms. Repeated exposure to these harsh chemicals only increases the chance of a bad reaction.

Spider Vein Symptoms: What Makeup Doesn’t Solve

Spider vein symptoms can range from nonexistent to highly uncomfortable. Left untreated, they can also cause complications. According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms are often felt after standing for long periods of time.

Some of the common spider vein signs to look for include itching, cramping, burning, pain, and tiredness in the legs — all symptoms that even the highest quality cosmetics can’t resolve. Varicose vein symptoms can be even more bothersome, which means they’re more likely to react badly to the severe chemicals that are routinely added to cosmetics.

To make matters worse, cosmetics can’t do a thing about spider vein complications. Spider veins are often an early sign of chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when the valves in the leg veins start to have trouble pumping blood back to the heart, resulting in swelling, skin changes, and other problematic, potentially debilitating symptoms. When left untreated, chronic venous insufficiency can progress into leg ulcers and other serious conditions that require immediate medical intervention.

According to Penn Medicine, risk factors for chronic venous insufficiency include older age, obesity, family history, and pregnancy. It’s also more common in women. Wouldn’t it be preferable to choose a treatment method that lasts longer, doesn’t require daily application, and can address the root of the problem all at the same time?

Spider Veins: Achieving Long-Term Relief

Instead of using makeup to cover spider and varicose veins daily, consider opting for one of CVR’s minimally invasive outpatient procedures. They provide higher quality, longer-lasting cosmetic improvements and can mitigate physical symptoms, too. For example, sclerotherapy takes between 30 and 45 minutes, requires no anesthesia, and can eliminate an estimated 50 to 80 percent of injected veins, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Relief Through Self-Care

If you’re looking for temporary relief from uncomfortable symptoms of spider and varicose veins but you’re not as concerned with their appearance, remember to keep these simple tips in mind for a smooth and effective self-care regimen, whether or not you decide to seek out sclerotherapy or another treatment method:

• Exercise: Developing and sticking to a regular fitness routine can ward off spider vein symptoms since it helps increase circulation in the legs. Make sure your physician approves your workout.

• Elevate your legs: Elevating your legs at least as high as your heart for at least 30 minutes twice a day improves blood flow.

• Wear compression stockings: Purchasing a pair of medical-grade compression stockings helps prevent blood from pooling in the legs due to chronic venous insufficiency. They’re often used by athletes, those who are bedridden, and those at risk for lymphedema. Talk to your expert CVR physician for help measuring for a perfect fit.

Makeup for Spider Veins: Final Considerations

Ultimately, using cosmetics — any type and for any reason — is a matter of personal preference. While makeup can provide day-to-day superficial improvements and add a boost of confidence, solving the root of the problem can require professional treatment.

If you’re committed to achieving results that last longer than a cumbersome makeup routine that washes off at the end of the day, the board-certified physicians at CVR are here to help. We’re dedicated to improving our patient’s quality of life each and every day, starting with the moment you enter our clinic for a consultation.

Ready to learn more? Call our hotline today to schedule an appointment and explore your treatment options at 240-512-4945. You can also schedule ONLINE.