Why Moisturizing Is Absolutely Crucial in Preventing Varicose Veins

Did you know? You must moisturize your skin twice a day to maintain elasticity and help support cell walls, which can prevent varicose veins. While varicose veins can be hereditary, that doesn't usually mean you're stuck with them forever! Read on to find out why you should moisturize to prevent and treat varicose veins.

Risk factors for developing varicose veins include:

• Older age
• Puberty, pregnancy, menopause, birth control can increase risk
• Obesity
• History of blood clots in your legs
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time
• Family history of varicose veins

To prevent varicose veins in your 20s:

• Exfoliate before bedtime for 10 minutes to help stimulate circulation and prevent blood from pooling, which may enlarge veins.
• Apply SPF daily to block the UV rays that cause skin to thin, making veins more visible.

Here’s what to do in your 30s, after weight gain or pregnancy:

• Use an antioxidant lotion to protect firming collagen proteins.
• Wear compression stockings while you sleep three to four times per week — they squeeze veins and increase circulation, which prevents varicose veins from looking worse over time.

In your 40s, to counteract loss of elasticity, try these methods:

• Stick to a daily SPF, but switch your body cream to one with retinol or other growth factors.
• Use a tinted moisturizer or airbrush makeup for coverage on days you need it.

For the 50+ crowd, once genetics and a possibly more sedentary can cause varicose veins:

• Keep up the daily applications of a high SPF and retinol cream.
• If you have black-and-blue veins, apply a cream with vitamin K, which could reduce bruising.

Talk to your provider before using any lotions, creams or antibiotic ointments. Your provider can recommend lotions that can help.