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July 22, 2024
Two of the most common skin concerns that millions of people across the world face are acne and spider veins. Many question whether they are related or caused by one or the other, or if they can be treated together. Understanding both acne and spider veins, their causes, and how they might be related can empower you to seek the right treatment and achieve clearer, healthier skin.
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Acne is most commonly associated with teenagers undergoing hormonal changes, but it can in fact affect people of all ages, which is why it is so common globally.
There are many many causes of acne, but the primary causes include:
Hormonal changes - Androgens, the hormones that increase during puberty, can cause the sebaceous glands to get bigger and produce more oil over time. This build up of oil and dead skin cells then leads to blockages within hair follicles which results in acne (blackheads, spots and pimples).
Genetics - A family history of acne can make you more prone to developing the condition. This is because acne genetics determine how your immune system responds to the type of bacteria that is one of the root causes of acne.
Diet - Although research on the impact of diet on acne is somewhat a grey area, there is evidence to suggest that there are certain foods, particularly those that are high in carbohydrates that can make acne worse.
Stress - Stress may not directly induce acne, but it can aggravate or trigger it by altering the body's hormonal balance. Stress affects both the skin's immune system and the body's hormonal levels, so the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, can make acne symptoms worse.
Skincare products - Some cosmetics and skincare products have the tendency to clog pores, which can lead to breakouts.
Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin. They often resemble a red, blue or purple spider web, hence the name, and most commonly appear on the legs and face.
Spider veins appear due to weakened or malfunctioning valves within veins. In normal circumstances, these valves direct the flow of blood towards the heart, however, when the valves are weakened or damaged, blood can flow backwards, leading to pooling within the veins. As a result, the veins enlarge and become visible through the skin. The development of spider veins can be attributed to several factors:
Genetics - Just like acne, having a family history of spider veins or varicose veins will increase the likelihood of developing them.
Hormonal changes - Pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal fluctuations can contribute to the formation of spider veins. Hormone imbalance has been linked to the weakening of the valves within veins which cause spider veins to develop.
Long periods of sitting or standing - Jobs or activities that require long periods of standing or sitting can lead to poor blood circulation and therefore increases the chances of spider veins.
Sun exposure - Excessive exposure to the sun can damage the skin and blood vessels, particularly on the face.
Age - As we age, our veins lose elasticity and can become more prone to dilation which can cause the pooling of blood in our veins which leads to the appearance of spider veins.
While acne and spider veins are distinct conditions with different causes, they can be interconnected in several ways, especially if you suffer with them both. Understanding these links can help in deciding the best treatment options to manage both conditions.
Hormonal influences
Hormonal changes play a significant role in the development of both acne and spider veins. During puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, hormonal fluctuations can increase oil production in the skin, leading to acne. Similarly, hormonal changes can weaken blood vessel walls, contributing to the formation of spider veins.
Genetics
Genetics can influence your likelihood of developing both acne and spider veins. If your family members have a history of either condition, you might be more prone to experiencing them as well.
Skin trauma and inflammation
Acne can cause significant inflammation and damage to the skin and severe acne, especially cystic acne, can lead to skin trauma. This damage might weaken blood vessels, making them more susceptible to forming spider veins.
Skin sensitivity and vascular health
People who suffer with sensitive skin are generally more prone to developing both acne and spider veins. Sensitive skin can react strongly to various triggers, including skincare products, environmental factors, and stress, which can lead to both clogged pores and weakened blood vessels.
Sun exposure
Excessive sun exposure can make both acne and spider veins worse over time. UV rays can damage the skin and blood vessels, increasing the risk of spider veins. At the same time, sun exposure can lead to increased oil production and clogged pores, which has been linked to worsening acne..
Ageing
As we age, our skin goes through various changes that can contribute to the development of both acne and spider veins. The skin’s elasticity decreases, and the blood vessels become more fragile, leading to spider veins. Ageing skin can also be more prone to acne due to hormonal changes and a decreased level of cell turnover.
Certain acne treatments can inadvertently impact the development of spider veins. It is always best to discuss your acne treatment with your doctor if you believe it may be contributing to the development or worsening of spider veins.
Steroid creams
Using steroids for acne over a long period of time can thin the skin and weaken blood vessels, potentially leading to spider veins.
Harsh exfoliants and skincare products
Those with acne may feel like exfoliation and harsh skincare products are the answer to reducing oil build up, but it can irritate the skin, causing inflammation and cause damage that might contribute to the formation of spider veins.
At Dr Newmans Clinic, we believe in a holistic approach to skin health. While treating spider veins is what we do best, we believe that knowledge is key when it comes to understanding what can be done to prevent and treat both acne and spider veins.
Maintain a gentle skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturising, and using sun protection every day. Avoid using harsh products that can irritate the skin, and use products that are designed to treat your skin type.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can make both acne and spider veins worse.
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants to support your overall skin health and avoid excessive consumption of sugar and dairy, which can trigger acne for some.
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and support overall skin health.
Ensuring that you do regular physical activity will improve your circulation and will contribute to having healthy skin.
At Dr Newmans Clinic, we specialise in treating spider veins, and take extra care if you suffer with additional skin conditions like acne. All of our treatment options are safe, gentle on your skin and tailored to your specific needs.
Here are a few of the spider vein treatments we recommend, especially if you suffer with acne:
Thermocoagulation, or Veinwave, uses microwave technology to target a specific area and destroy the vein, allowing it to be reabsorbed by the body over time.
As the treatment is confined to a small, affected area, it does not unnecessarily damage any non-affected tissue, which is a great treatment if you suffer with acne.
Micro sclerotherapy is another effective treatment for spider veins, especially those that are slightly larger. This procedure involves injecting a sclerosant solution directly into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body over time. Micro sclerotherapy is typically used for veins on the legs but can be adapted for facial veins in certain cases. The treatment is relatively quick and involves minimal discomfort, though multiple sessions may be necessary for optimal results.
At Dr Newmans Clinic, we are dedicated to providing personalised care tailored to your unique needs, especially when it comes to treating spider veins with acne. Our team of experienced specialists uses state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based treatments to ensure the best outcomes for our patients, and we’re always on hand to provide ongoing care and advice. By addressing both acne and spider veins holistically, Dr Newmans Clinic aims to improve your skin's health and appearance, providing you with the confidence you deserve.
If you are struggling with acne and spider veins, Dr Newmans Clinic is here to help. Schedule your primary appointment with our experts to discuss your concerns and we’ll work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan. Achieve clear, healthy skin and regain your confidence with our specialised care.
Simply contact us for an appointment at your nearest Dr Newmans Clinic. Feel free to call us on 0203 002 2274 or email us at clinic@drnc.co.uk
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