Varicose veins are superficial veins that are twisted and enlarged. These veins are commonly found in the legs, which can be unsightly, so many people use several ways to attempt to conceal them. Putting sunless tanning lotion is among the options that people choose to cover up their varicose veins.
So what happens when you put sunless tanning lotion on varicose veins? Sunless tanning lotion can reduce the appearance of varicose veins, and even cover them up entirely. However, the effect of sunless tanning lotion will wear off once you shower and you’re stuck in a long cycle of covering it up without actually addressing the root cause of your unpleasantly-looking veins. Thus, sunless tanning lotion isn’t the most recommended method to address varicose veins.
What Happens When You Put Sunless Tanning Lotion on Varicose Veins?
If you’re looking for a quick solution to hide your varicose veins and spider veins, then sunless tanning lotion may be a good option for you. In contrast with sun tanning, tanning bed, and even spray tanning, the occasional use of sunless self-tanning lotions doesn’t cause any damage to your skin or irritation to your varicose veins and spider veins.
This option also doesn’t cause any detrimental conditions such as skin cancer which is often associated with sun exposure when sun tanning. But also remember that the effects of sunless tanning lotion is temporary and it will eventually wear off so you’ll need to consistently reapply it similar to if a cosmetic bronzer or any body makeup is used to conceal skin imperfections.
Will Self-Tanning Lotion Hide Varicose Veins?
Sunless tanning lotion is the best among other options for achieving coverage through fake tan (i.e, tanning bed, spray tanning). Although some people prefer this quick fix for occasionally hiding their varicose veins, it doesn’t really eliminate the problem.
Varicose veins and spider veins are more than just cosmetic problem that needs to be concealed, these unsightly leg veins are actually vein disease. This condition can be caused by an underlying condition or it may lead to serious medical issues if left untreated.
Rather than being a permanent solution to varicose veins, self-tanning is only a good option if you really need to cover it up for a certain time. Make sure to still get in touch with a healthcare provider or vein clinic for appropriate solutions to your varicose veins.
Dos and Don’ts When Applying Self Tanner for Varicose Veins
With the self-tanning lotion, you will get a thicker coverage over more prominent varicose veins, depending on the product you choose. Just keep in mind that you will need a lighter shade of self-tanner for your face if you use it over the rest of your body. Additionally, take note of some dos and don’ts when applying sunless self-tanning lotion:
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Apply the sunless tanning lotion in small sections. | Put on clothes right after applying the sunless tanning lotion. |
| Moisturize your legs at least 1 hour before applying tanning lotion. | Immediately apply the lotion after shaving, exfoliating, or going through a laser hair removal treatment. |
| Exfoliate to remove the dead skin cells with the tanning effect. | Apply too much tanning lotion. |
| Carefully select a shade of the tanning lotion that matches your skin tone. | Apply only in the area of your varicose veins (unless your skin is exactly the same shade of the lotion and it only acts as a concealer). Make sure to apply the sunless tanning lotion on almost the entire body, if possible. |
Best Tanning Lotion to Hide Varicose Veins
There isn’t really a single tanning lotion that will best conceal your varicose veins. What’s best for you still depends on the coverage needs and hypoallergenic needs. So watch out for any harmful ingredients or allergens that your fake tan may be containing.
Below are some tanning solution options that you can choose from to reduce the appearance of your varicose veins:
- Gradual Tanning Lotions. This type of tanning lotion takes time to build up, so the results aren’t instant. These are great for first-time users or for those who are always prone to messing up their fake tans. Although this option can help you avoid getting an uneven tan, it can be pricey so you may want to review other options.
- Instant Tanning Lotion. In contrast with gradual tanning lotions, instant tanning lotion provides you with instant results. This may only be recommended if you’re used to applying tanning lotions to avoid over-applying tans and uneven tans.
- Tanning Mist. This option is much more similar to a spray tan. In one go, you can have coverage that doesn’t stick like lotion, providing you with a thinner, softer layer of liquid tan.
- Mousse Tanning. For deep and long-lasting effects, mouse products can be a good option. Additionally, these tanning lotions offer great texture, volume, and ease of spreading.
Better Ways to Address Varicose Veins at Vein Center Doctor
A sunless tanning product only addresses the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins, but it doesn’t really eliminate the problem. Neither does spray tanning or a tanning bed. A fake tan will only cover up the issue but it wouldn’t resolve it.
Varicose veins are more than just cosmetic problems found in your legs, so a medical approach is required to fully remove it, rule out any possible underlying cause, and minimize any risk of developing into a more serious medical condition.
A varicose vein treatment doesn’t always have to be surgical. Here are some effective and safe non-invasive varicose vein treatment options to address varicose veins better than a sunless tanner:
1) Compression Therapy
At Vein Center Doctor, state-of-the-art pneumatic compression devices are used for compression therapy. These include compression bandages, socks, and stockings to close up a damaged vein and speed up the recovery process. Moreover, compression facilitates better blood flow in your blood vessel by stopping the affected vein from further stretching.
2) Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is another non-invasive alternative to fake tanning. Sclerotherapy vein treatment involves injecting a salt solution into the affected vein directly through the intravenous catheter. Upon injection, the salt solution irritates the lining of blood vessels, which causes them to close, redirecting blood to healthier veins. When the treated vein becomes scar tissue, your body reabsorbs it.
3) Radiofrequency Ablation
Through radiofrequency technology, heat energy is directed at broken blood vessels. As a result of radiofrequency treatment, the vein will close up and blood will be redirected to healthier vessels safely.
4) Endovenous Laser Treatment
Interventional radiologists perform endovenous laser ablation and even laser spider vein treatment by using laser therapy with ultrasound guidance. When this laser fiber is used, heat is targeted at the damaged veins, which closes them, allowing blood to flow safely to undamaged vessels.
5) VenaSeal
Using VenaSeal, blood vessels are closed up, scar tissue forms, and blood is redirected to healthier blood vessels using an FDA-approved adhesive or “vein glue.”
Risk and Side Effects: When Does Tanning Make Varicose Veins Worse?
It’s a given fact that sun tanning can irritate varicose veins because of the excessive sun exposure that it involves. Sunless self-tanning lotion on the other hand may also have some unfavorable results.
Although sunless tanning may be safer than other methods that are associated with heat and ultraviolet rays (UV), the dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in these lotions can actually make the skin more sensitive to damage from UV rays. This can result in having an increased risk of skin cancer even if what you have is a sunless tan.
Aside from that, if you’re planning to consult a doctor for medical solutions on your varicose veins, it may result in problematic results due to the potential misdiagnosis of skin problems that may be caused by the tanning lotion.
Varicose veins are more than just skin imperfections. Do it right the first time and consult a doctor for appropriate vein treatment solutions to address and eliminate your varicose veins for a healthier vein.
Get Rid of Unsightly Veins with Varicose Vein Treatments at Vein Center Doctor
Treatments for varicose veins in your legs can also be as easy as putting a self-tanning lotion. The results and procedures may not be as convenient and quick as the sunless tanning lotion, but there are non-invasive solutions that are definitely much more effective than the alternative.
Whether it’s a cosmetic problem or a medical condition, Vein Center Doctor is a reliable vein clinic that aims to resolve your venous problems to achieve a healthier vein. With countless patients treated for vein specialization, Dr. Rahul Sood leads an experienced team of vein specialists in conducting varicose vein treatment and spider vein treatment. Be free from vein pain and schedule your appointment with Vein Center Doctor today.
