Spider veins can be unsightly, as they look like small spider-web like red, blue, or purple veins. While they can occur anywhere on the body, when they happen on the face, they can be especially noticeable. Men and women alike are bothered by this cosmetic problem, but thankfully, the veins themselves do not cause any harm.
The medical term for spider veins is telangiectasia, and they are broken capillary blood vessels underneath the skin. Having light-colored or fair skin make telangiectasia’s more visible—areas around the nose, under the eyes, or on the cheeks are common locations.
What causes spider veins on the face?
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The causes of spider veins on the face may differ from spider veins elsewhere on the body. The following are some of these causes:
Venous deficiency: This occurs due to a deficiency in backflow of the blood in the veins, causing increased pressure and damage to the vessel walls. Venous deficiency can occur from prolonged inflammation, high blood pressure, and obesity. A non-medical condition such as rubbing or washing the face too hard may also lead to broken capillary vessels.
Age: As we get older, our blood vessels become weaker and thinner, causing aged skin to make spider veins more noticeable. Aging capillaries have a greater tendency to break compared to younger ones.
Rosacea: Inflammatory skin conditions can lead to the development of spider veins due to prolonged dilation or irritation.
Free radicals: These can cause oxidative damage to blood vessels. Excess sun exposure can be a cause of spider veins on the face or under the eyes. Cigarette smoking is a cause of premature aging, which can make spider veins more visible. Smoking is also known for prolonging blood vessel repair.
Lifestyle: The choices you make on a day to day basis can affect how well your veins function and their ability to repair themselves. Factors in our lives such as stress, insomnia, eyestrain, or a lack of exercise can affect our health in negative ways, and spider veins can develop as a consequence.
Other: These include obesity, high blood pressure, consuming birth control pills, and pregnancy. Northern European descendants are also seen to have a higher prevalence of telangiectasia.
Natural treatment for spider veins on face
Ginkgo Biloba
Useful for strengthening tissues that form blood vessel walls. This herbal supplement is known to help widen blood vessels, helping to increase blood flow. Therefore, it helps with tissue oxygenation and improving blood circulation. This makes using Gingko Biloba a great remedy for spider veins. You should use Gingko Biloba extract made from the veins of the herb because it gives you the most medicinal value. You just need to take 100–130 mg of this extract daily, divided into three to four doses.
Apple cider vinegar
This treatment helps to get rid of spider veins by improving blood supply to the affected area. It is considered one of the easiest ways for getting rid of them. This can be done by applying apple cider vinegar with a clean cloth. Simply soak the cloth and apply it the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes daily for at least two months.
Horse chestnut seeds
They are rich in tannins and saponins and have good circulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Horse chestnut seeds are also great for relieving itching, swelling, pain, and fatigue. Horse chestnut seeds help to strengthen veins that have lost their elasticity. It can also help with reducing inflammation. To use horse chestnut seeds, take about 12 tbsp. of distilled witch hazel and add 1 tbsp. of horse chestnut tincture to this. Now mix it and apply it to the area with facial spider veins.
Witch hazel
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Having astringent properties, witch hazel can be a great choice for reducing the appearance of spider veins. Previous studies have also shown that it can strengthen blood vessels. To use witch hazel, dip a small cotton ball in a witch hazel solution, apply this on the affected area, and repeat several times until you get rid of your facial spider veins.
Bilberry
Traditionally used to treat mouth and throat inflammation, diarrhea, eye problems, diabetes, and poor circulation, bilberry can also be great at getting rid of spider veins due to its blood circulation promoting properties. It is also rich in proanthocyanidins, tannins, phenolic acid, and flavonoids. When choosing Bilberry to help get rid of spider veins, take just 30 milligrams of bilberry extract two to three times a day. Use an extract that has 30–40 mg bilberry and 25 percent anthocyanidins. It is recommended to avoid bilberry if you are taking blood-thinning medication or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Carrot essential oil combined with spinach essential oil and jojoba oil
This combination of essential oils is known for helping reduce spider veins. To make and use this mixture, combine 1 tsp. carrot essential oil, 1 tsp. spinach essential oil, and 2 tsp. jojoba oil. Apply a small amount onto a clean cotton pad and dab on the affected area, leaving the mixture on the skin for about 20 to 25 minutes or until nearly dry. Then rinse with cool, clean water. This treatment can be done twice a day.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
