Facial veins

One of the many symptoms of ageing is facial veins.  Those are the little red fine lines are usually seen just under the skin on the side and tip of your nose, chin or cheeks.  Thirty to sixty percent of the population have them, and facial veins are more common in women than men!  Luckily, in most cases they are only cosmetic concern and not a health issue.  Facial veins are also known as Telangiectasia, spider veins, thread veins and Rosacea.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that often includes flushed facial redness.  People who have Rosacea most likely will have facial veins, but there are people who will only have facial veins and not have Rosacea.

Facial veins are normally caused by genetics, alcohol, acne, Rosacea, smoking and over exposure to the sun.  Second-hand smoke and pollution are also possible causes of facial veins.

The worst scenario is over exposing one’s skin to the sun and smoking.  Add in a little too much alcohol and you get pre-mature skin ageing.  As skin ages, it becomes thinner making the facial veins more visible giving the face a much older appearance. But you can turn the clock back!  When treated with lasers that are attracted to the red color of the facial veins, they can be made to disappear.

The long-pulsed Nd: yag laser (l064-nm) has been approved for the treatment of both facial and leg vein of less than 4mm in diameter.  What is great about the long pulsed Nd: 1064 laser is the ability to target the vein and leave the top of the skin or epidermis undamaged. The treatments take 15 to 20 minutes and 1 to 4 treatments may be needed.  Costs run from $150 to $200 per treatment.  Post treatment there will be some redness and mild swelling. This usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours.  A small bruise is possible which will dissipate as a normal bruise. Make up can be applied the next day.  There is no downtime with these treatments!

Sunscreen is an extremely important part of the treatment when clearing the skin of superficial spider veins.  The recommended sunscreen has a minimum SPF30 with both UVA and UVB protection.  It must be worn all year round, rain, snow or shine, especially if you redden easily. This combination of laser and sunscreen has proven to be extremely successful for anyone considering treatments for facial veins.

Good skin care that includes a moisturiser , retinol, Vitamin C and sunscreen is easy maintenance. Over time these products will improve skin health resulting in a younger and fresher look, while protecting your skin from further damage.

by Joyce M. Palmer