Thread veins, or telangiectasia, are tiny veins that have dilated just under the skin’s surface.
They are more common in women, thanks to our hormones, and can become increasingly apparent as we age.
While one in five women in their 20s suffers from thread veins, they affect roughly half of women over 50.
This is because older skin produces less collagen, causing the skin to become thinner, more fragile, and the veins underneath to become more visible.
Thread veins often occur as a side effect of Rosacea, a condition which causes the cheeks to permanently redden and flush
They can also be caused by sun exposure, obesity, hormonal surges (pregnancy, menopause or the Pill) or simple genetics.
Here are my top tips for managing thread veins, without resorting to surgery!
1. Avoid strong sunlight
Not only does the sun age and damage skin, it is also the most common trigger of thread veins and Rosacea.
My best advice would to stay in the shade at the sun’s peak and invest in a stylish wide-brimmed hat!
2. Make use of natural active ingredients
Choosing a moisturiser with skin-calming essential oils can improve the appearance of thread veins and redness.
Many Pai customers who suffer with thread veins and Rosacea report fantastic results from our Chamomile & Rosehip Calming Day Cream.
Its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties soothe and protect aggravated skin.
Rosehip’s high concentration of Vitamin C also boosts collagen production, making the skin firmer, plumper and the underlying thread veins less visible.
3. Avoid alcohol
If you indulge in the odd glass of wine, you’ll notice that alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate and your cheeks to flush.
In regular drinkers, these blood vessels never get the chance to contract, and so are permanently visible as thread veins.
Alcohol in your products should also be avoided – ethyl alchol in particular is a known trigger of Rosacea, and so potential trigger of thread veins.
4. Embrace Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect the skin from the damage of free-radicals in sunlight, a known trigger of thread veins.
Our Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil is a fabulous source of antioxidants such as Vitamin C & E, and will also help improve the skin’s firmness.
5. Exfoliate gently!
Where possible avoid harsh exfoliators or facial peels as these will thin the skin and accentuate the appearance of thread veins.
Exfoliators with uneven grains are the worst culprits for this, as they leave micro-tears on the surface of the skin.
Stick to an Exfoliator with perfectly spherical beads like our Kukui & Jojoba Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator, which will roll over the surface of the skin instead.
Receive other tips & news like it…