SHARK TANK APPROVED 
There’s nothing worse than summer rolling around and realizing you suddenly have to show off a part of your body you’re insecure about. There is also the resistance to wanting to sweat which is a whole different story and for another day/post. We all have body insecurities, and while we hope all redheads can love their bodies just the way they are, we get it. Sometimes you want to cover up your arms, or legs and aren’t sure how. For redheads with varicose veins on their legs, here are a few tricks to hide them up without covering from head-to-toe in clothing and feeling like a sweaty, hot mess:
What are varicose veins?
To put it simply, varicose veins are enlarged or bulging veins. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Any vein that is close to the skin’s surface, called superficial, can become varicose. Varicose veins most often affect the veins in the legs. That’s because standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body.” Varicose veins are usually just a cosmetic problem, but can also lead to some more serious health concerns. If you have varicose veins and haven’t spoken with your doctor about them yet, please do. If you’re just here to find out how to cover them up this summer, keep reading:
7 ways to hide varicose veins:
You shouldn’t feel like you have to cover your legs, but if covering up your varicose veins can help you feel more confident and ready to take on the summer, then do it. Here are a few things to try:
1. Leg Makeup: Like covering up a blemish or redness on your face, makeup can be used on your legs to cover your veins. They make specific makeup that will last all day, won’t transfer, and will give you a natural finish. Just be sure to test them out before heading out and about, and be sure to stay in the shade if SPF can’t be applied overtop.
To properly hide varicose veins on your legs with makeup, start with clean, moisturized skin and apply a body primer. Then, choose a full-coverage concealer or foundation that matches your skin tone, and gently pat it onto the veins using a brush or sponge. Blend the makeup around the edges of the veins and set with translucent powder for longer wear. Finish with a setting spray if desired. Remember, while makeup can conceal veins temporarily, it’s important to seek long-term solutions from a healthcare professional.
2. Spray Tan or Self-tanner: Fake tan is great for color discoloration or imperfections, and can help to cover your varicose veins. Try an at-home fake tan, or hit up a local spray tanner. What you DON’T want to do is hit a tanning bed, or leave your legs exposed to UV rays.
3. Compression Socks or Tall Socks: We know this doesn’t seem sexy for summer, but there are some stylish looks you can pull off with tall socks. Rock them with a mini skirt or dress to show a little thigh. Tall sock looks are in, and wearing a tall compression sock can help to reduce any further vein bulging.
4. Flowy Pants: In the summer, flowy pants are your best friend. Find a nice linen or cotton pant that’s breathable and doesn’t make you too hot. Bonus wearing long pants acts as another form of sun protection for your legs.
5. Long Skirts: Similarly to long flowy pants, long skirts are a great way to cover up without feeling too hot. Long skirts are super on trend right now, so it’s perfect for covering your varicose veins and being stylish.
6. Vein-Color Matching Products: Some products, such as vein-color matching creams or powders, are specifically designed to camouflage the appearance of varicose veins. These products typically contain ingredients that help to reflect light and reduce the contrast between the veins and surrounding skin.
7. Medical Treatments: For more permanent solutions, there are medical treatments available, such as sclerotherapy or laser therapy, that can help to reduce or eliminate varicose veins. These procedures should be performed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Rock it like a Redhead!
RELATED POSTS
READ: How Redheads Can Use Makeup to Cover Blue Veins and Dark Circles
