What are varicose veins and spider veins?
Varicose veins are veins that have developed weak walls. After blood flows from the heart through the arteries to the rest of the body, it is returned through veins back to the heart. If valves in the veins don't work properly, blood can flow backward and pool, stretching the veins.

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but smaller. They are either blue or red veins that are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short, jagged lines. They can be found on the legs and face and can cover either a very small or vast area of skin.

CAUSES:
Varicose veins occur when your vein isn't functioning properly. Veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. When these valves fail, blood begins to collect in the vein rather than continuing toward your heart. The backup of blood can cause spider veins. They can also be caused by hormone changes, exposure to the sun, and injuries. Some other reasons may be from pregnancy and chronic heart valve condition.

What are common signs of varicose veins:

• Rash that's itchy or irritated
• Restless legs
• Swelling
• Throbbing or cramping
• Aching pain that may get worse after sitting or standing for a long time
• Throbbing or cramping
• Darkening of the skin

PREVENTION:
By improving your circulation and muscle tone can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins or getting additional ones. The same measures you can take to treat the discomfort from varicose veins at home can help prevent varicose veins, including:

• Exercise is a great way to encourage blood circulation in your legs. Try low-impact activities, like swimming and biking, which don't put undue strain on the legs. Your doctor can recommend an appropriate activity level for you
• Maintain a healthy weight and diet. Being at a healthy weight can takes pressure off your veins. Prevent swelling caused by water retention by following a high-fiber low-sodium diet
• Wear comfortable clothing. Avoid tight clothes and footwear these items can reduce blood flow
• Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun and to limit spider veins on the face
• Elevate your legs to improve the circulation in your legs
• Avoid extended periods of sitting or standing. Make a point of changing your position frequently to encourage blood flow

TREATMENT:
There are many innovative treatments for varicose veins and spider veins here are some common yet effective ways.

• Excel Laser is the perfect choice for facial vascular lesions. It effectively eliminates small vessels in only one treatment
• AcuTip The laser delivers light energy, safely and efficiently, to treat individual spots and veins found in the face and chest
• For small veins, the easiest and least expensive solution is a camouflaging coat of self-tanner
• Compression stockings put helpful pressure on your veins
• You may also consider taking a supplement like Flora's CircuVein which is clinically proven to reduce spider and varicose veins along with swelling; this formula can also lessen the symptoms of both acute and chronic hemorrhoids, such as pain and bleeding