You may be able to slightly reduce your risk of developing varicose veins by avoiding constrictive pants and tights, getting regular exercise and trying not to cross your legs, but in the end, your genes will be the most likely factor in whether you develop spider veins, says dermatologist Seth Matarasso in "Allure" magazine. Spider veins show up when the valves in your blood vessels weaken, causing small, vein-popping pools of blood to accumulate.
Step 1
Schedule a sclerotherapy session with a dermatologist. Your doctor will inject saline into your veins to shut down the blood vessels, making spider veins disappear. Matarasso that says slerotherapy is effective for treating almost spider veins, though you'll need to have about four sessions to get full results and your legs will need two weeks after the last session to completely heal.
Step 2
Strengthen your leg muscles and your blood vessels by participating in at least three 20-minute cardiovascular workout sessions every week, recommends Luis Navarro, the founder and director of the Vein Treatment Center in NYC, in "Elle" magazine.
Step 3
Sit or lean instead of standing as much as possible. Long periods of time on your feet can tax your blood vessels, making your valves weaker and prone to damage.
Step 4
Reduce the amount of sodium in your diet. Navarro warns that eating too much salt can make you retain water, which means your circulatory system has to work harder.
Step 5
Choose loose-fitting or stretchable clothes for your lower body since tight garments make it hard for your blood to flow naturally.
Step 6
Sleep with your legs elevated, which can improve circulation in your legs and reduce your risk for developing new spider veins.
Tips and Warnings
- If you're not ready to try sclerotherapy, hide spider veins by slathering on a shimmery body lotion, recommends Mally Roncal, Sephora national makeup artist, in "Marie Claire" magazine. Roncal says the subtle shimmer will reflect light, making imperfections like spider veins less noticeable.
