Leg Veins in Summer

The nemesis of many women over 40! What can we do about these unsightly leg veins? It seems that in the spring and summer our legs come out of hiding, and we start noticing them again.

The summer is the time to make the plan and the appointments in the fall so your legs will look great for your winter holiday and next summer. Summer is also the time to cover these with a great self-tanner and some leg make-up like the Lorac Tantalizer Body Bronzing Illuminizer.

When you get your leg veins treated there is often some bruising and discoloration for 1-3 weeks, and occasionally longer. Also, more than one treatment is usually needed. That’s why this is a good time to plan, but not treat.

leg veins in summer

Types of Leg Veins and Treatments

Unsightly leg veins come in two types, the bulgy varicose-type veins, and the smaller spider veins.

If you want treatment for the bulgy varicose veins, you’ll probably need to see a vascular specialist. They treat these larger veins by threading a tiny catheter with a laser on the tip into the vein. When the catheter is withdrawn, it heats the inside of the vein, which causes it to collapse. Or, sometimes, ultrasound is used to guide a small needle into the vein for injection.

But your cosmetic dermatologist can treat your spider veins, spider veins on the face, spider veins on the nose, and the small blue veins (usually less than a half centimeter). He or she will recommend either laser treatments for spider veins or sclerotherapy, which involves injections of a solution into the veins that makes them shrink up. With either treatment, you’ll need one to three sessions and then maintenance every one to three years.

Doctors have different post-care recommendations. Some want you to wear support hose for awhile, and there may be exercise restrictions as well. Your dermatologist will go over this when you’re seen for your consultation.

See Dr. Irwin’s in depth article on varicose veins, spider veins, laser leg vein treatments, and sclerotherapy.

Find a great cosmetic dermatologist in your city.

Covering Your Leg Veins in Summer

I mentioned the Lorac product to cover leg veins. What is it? It’s a body makeup. Yuk you say! Doesn’t it wear off on clothes and everything?

It absolutely does NOT! The first time I used it, I was so sure it would rub off that I put sweats on to test it. After 2-5 minutes, it doesn’t budge. I’ve even gone swimming with it on, and it wears off gradually and evenly. I’ve lotioned my legs and then put it on, and it still stays put. Covers leg veins and bruises pretty well.

If you have a bit of tan or color already, it gives you a perfect little glow/shimmer. And, if you don’t have any color, it gives you color, a little shimmer and looks natural! The Lorac is about $30.00 online.

How to Apply? Just take a small glob, and rub it all over your legs (either dry or over lotion), smooth it for about 30-60 seconds well especially around the ankles and the knees and you’re done. Set 2-5 minutes before clothes. It lasts until you wash it off with cleanser. Great with a little on the shoulders or the chest too.

Next, learn about Color and Texture Issues, including brown spots, redness, blotchiness.

See Dr. Irwin’s expert answers to other’s reader’s questions on leg veins in Summer:
Leg Veins in Summer
Why you don’t want to get sunburned?