We’re currently in the peak of summer. This means your wardrobe has likely switched from pants and long sleeves to sundresses, shorts, and swimwear.
However, for people with varicose and spider veins, this time can also come with a lot of discomfort and self-consciousness.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between your confidence and your summer style. There are plenty of ways to camouflage your varicose and spider veins.
As a vein clinic in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, we meet people every day who are self-conscious about their leg veins. Here are some tips we’ve learned about how to handle them — and, eventually, how you can get rid of them.
How to Hide Your Leg Veins
There are a few options for those who don’t want to wear pants or longer skirts and dresses to cover their leg veins.
First, for a quick cosmetic boost, one can consider applying body makeup or waterproof concealer to the impacted area. This will adequately disguise varicose and spider veins while evening out your skin tone in the area.
Second, some have found that self-tanning lotion or bronzer also helps in hiding the severity of varicose and spider veins. This offers a double benefit: not only are your leg veins hidden, but you also have a sun-kissed glow that embraces the summer spirit.
Next, while you might think that compression garments are unsightly, that idea is largely out-of-date. Modern compression stockings and compression sleeves come in breathable, lightweight fabrics that are not only stylish but also perfect for warm weather. These garments can hide spider veins while also promoting healthy blood circulation, even helping to prevent swelling during active summer days.
Summer-Friendly Vein Care Tips
While you can hide your leg veins, that doesn’t mean that you should ignore them completely.
In the summer, it’s recommended to always wear and use sun protection. UV rays can weaken skin and make spider veins more noticeable — therefore, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher will protect your skin and assist in preventing your leg veins from becoming more visible.
Next, it’s important to stay cool. Heat causes veins to dilate, which can make your varicose veins and spider veins more visible. In response, you might want to consider swimming, walking in the water, or simply elevating your legs while relaxing in order to improve leg circulation and reduce swelling.
Finally, once your time in the sun is over, it’s a good idea to rinse off any residual sweat or saltwater and apply a moisturizing lotion. This will help maintain your skin’s elasticity. Drinking water also plays a role in this, as staying hydrated supports vascular health and keeps skin looking and feeling fresh.
How to Keep New Spider Veins from Forming
In addition to the aforementioned tips, there are a few things you can do to prevent the formation of new spider veins.
Exercise plays an important role. Avoid long periods of sitting or standing while also taking the time to do things like walking, stretching, or doing calf raises. These all encourage healthy blood circulation and reduce pressure on your leg veins.
On that same topic, try your best to make healthy lifestyle choices. This can include eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated. For those concerned about swelling, reducing one’s salt intake may assist in the reduction of swelling.
Finally, those concerned about their leg veins may also want to consider compression wear, as mentioned above.
How Do I Solve Spider and Leg Vein Issues in the Long Term?
While quick fixes can help you feel confident in the moment, addressing the underlying cause of spider veins is the only way to achieve long-lasting results.
Modern vein treatments are safe and minimally-invasive. At clinics like ours, we help people significantly reduce or remove visible veins, often with little to no downtime — helping improve both the appearance and comfort of the legs over time.
Summer shouldn’t mean hiding your legs or feeling self-conscious about spider veins. By pairing smart summer style choices with proactive vein health habits, you can enjoy the season with confidence.
However, if you want to go for a more long-term solution to your vein problem, reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.
