Going tanning or using spray tan might seem like a good way to improve your skin’s appearance, but it could have the opposite effect. When you have spider veins, tanning can make them look worse. If you’re planning on spray tanning or laying out in the sun, keep the following information in mind.
The Relationship Between Spider Veins & Sun Exposure
Sun can make spider veins darker and more visible to see in some patients. This is important to keep in mind if you’re thinking of tanning in order to hide spider veins. After tanning, you could end up with more visible spider veins or with spider veins that are more noticeable. The sun’s rays break collagen down right below your blood vessels and skin. This causes these veins to take on an unsightly bluish or purplish appearance.
Exposure to heat from the sun’s rays can make spider veins worse. When you’re out in the heat, the affected veins can become enlarged and even cause some discomfort.
Spray Tans to Cover These Veins
If you want to avoid sun exposure while still covering up spider veins, you might be thinking about using spray tans. These products might offer a temporary way to hide these veins, but you should be aware spray tanning may have side effects. Some of these products contain an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which has been associated with adverse effects. Research shows that DHA spray tanning products can increase the risk of harmful effects from the sun’s UV rays and cause damage to cells.
Sclerotherapy as a Spider Vein Treatment
If you decide to avoid laying out in the sun or using spray tans to cover spider veins due to the risks, there are other options available. Sclerotherapy is a procedure that can help reduce the appearance of spider veins. This procedure, which is usually done at the doctor’s office, involves injecting a foam solution into the affected veins. This solution causes the lining inside the veins to become swollen, which stops blood from being able to enter. Instead, blood flows to healthier veins in the area.
Over time, the treated veins turn into scar tissue and gradually disappear. While this can take a few months to happen, some people begin seeing results in a few weeks. Sclerotherapy is considered a safe and effective way to minimize the appearance of spider veins. Keep in mind that results can take longer if you have multiple veins treated or if you have larger spider veins treated. Also, after sclerotherapy, its prudent to avoid direct sun as the light can darken the area treated, especially in the first few months.
Finding a Vein Doctor in Oregon
If you need treatment for spider veins, please contact Inovia Vein Specialty Centers for an appointment. When you meet our vein physicians in Bend, Portland, Happy Valley or Tigard Oregon, you can find out more about spider vein treatment options. You can also view our varicose vein treatment options if you have this type of vein problem.