Should you believe all those testimonials of how a “serum” that comes in a tube can actually reduce or even get rid of varicose veins, especially in a short period of time?
There are many products on the market that claim to “get rid of” varicose veins as well as the less pronounced spider veins.
At least one maker of these so-called serums (call them what you will) claims that it will reduce your varicose veins in 10 days.
These products are hardly cheap. The price may make women believe they actually work.
Well, here’s something to consider.
“Most skin care creams are not effective at treating spider veins and definitely not effective at treating varicose veins,” says Dr. Lawrence Presant, DO, chief medical officer at Arizona Vein Specialists.
Dr. Presant explains, “Varicose veins are too large and under pressure to respond to skin cream.
“The problem with visible spider veins is the vein wall is so thin that it’s transparent — and you are seeing the blood within the vein.
“All you can do is wear makeup to cover up varicose veins — or ideally get treatment to close varicose veins.”
In a nutshell: no cream, lotion, ointment, serum or gel will reduce varicose veins.
Think about it: How would it work if it did?
Is it even remotely believable that a serum can penetrate past the deeper layer of skin (dermis) and continue permeating tissue, straight through to a varicosity, and then somehow, like magic, make the vein less visible by – what? Internally coating it with a concealer? Shriveling it up?
The only topical substance that would reduce the appearance of varicose veins is a concealer – the kind that’s used to conceal dark circles under the eyes or age spots on one’s face.
And even then, the lumpiness or protrusion of varicose veins would still be visible.
To truly reduce or eliminate these unsightly, and sometimes painful, veins, you would need surgical treatment by a vein specialist.
Dr. Lawrence Presant, DO, is chief medical officer at Arizona Vein Specialists in Phoenix, and a certified diplomat of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. A vein surgeon specialist, his passion is phlebology, the diagnosis and treatment of painful and unsightly vein disorders.
Lorra Garrick is a former personal trainer certified through the American Council on Exercise. At Bally Total Fitness she trained women and men of all ages for fat loss, muscle building, fitness and improved health.
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