I SUFFER FROM SPIDER VEINS AND I THINK THEY ARE GETTING WORSE. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE?

Sue, Devon

DR AAMER SAYS:

Try Photo Rejuvenation (IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light). It targets broken capillaries, causing the walls of the veins to collapse and eventually disappear. It also helps to tighten skin and makes it less blotchy by boosting collagen. A small hand-piece emits an intense flash of light that releases energy into the skin. One treatment will instantly improve skin tone and leave a soft glow, but for lasting results try a course of three to six treatments, spaced a month apart. Don’t forget, it is vital that you use SPF 50 after the treatment to protect the new skin. IPL costs from £60 to £100 a session.

LESLEY SAYS:

Half of us will have these veins by the age of 50. Similar to varicose veins, but thinner, they can pop up all over the body and may be red, blue or purple. A self-tanner or mineral make-up can camouflage light veins. For more serious coverage, a good concealer like Vichy Dermablend will help. To reduce redness, try Medik8 Calmwise Serum, £29, while Remescar Spider Veins, £29.95, forms a protective shield over the area.

Consume lots of vitamin C and bioflavonoids to strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Find them in cherries, blackcurrants and citrus fruits. Also, avoid very hot or very cold water. It makes the blood vessels contract and dilate, putting extra stress on them.