Veins on legs

[MrsElba]

First post, taken me so long to pluck up the courage, hope this is ok! So I've reached a point in my life - age, multiple pregnancies and two beautiful littles later, many (many) saggy bits, I've never weighed so much in my life, my hair is thinning really badly too - I'm just feeling really, really rubbish about myself at the moment. And then there's these huge, bulging, blue, hereditary varicose veins on my calves which have worsened with all of the above. I've not worn a skirt or shorts in years. We're going on holiday in a couple of months and I need to get into a dreaded swimming costume. I just don't want my insecurities to take away the enjoyment for everyone and miss their excited wee faces. So my question - how to cover them up/improve the appearance of them?

I also have varicose veins and thinning hair! To be honest I've no idea if you can cover them up when wearing a swimming costume. I know people who've had surgery to remove them. I go abroad a couple of times a year and actually don't worry about about people seeing my veins on the beach. There are plenty of other women (and men) with similar veins. Also I don't really care what a bunch of strangers who I'll never see again think of my legs. Will anyone even notice or care? People are only interested in themselves and the group of people they're with. Having said that I have stopped wearing knee length skirts in the summer now. I either wear cropped trousers or long skirts. I don't mind displaying my veins on the beach but don't really want to expose them when at work etc. Sorry I've been no help at all but wanted to let you know you're not alone.

You can get camouflage make up that's designed to cover scars or tattoos, so might that make you feel more confident if the colour of them was toned down?

Watching with interest in the desperate hope of a solution.

And I have milk bottle white legs to show off my blue veins more clearly.

Following this too as I’m only 25 and have have never wore a short skirt with no tights ever! Even when I was 18!

Camouflage make up maybe?
There is a treatment you can get to reduce them, I think it's some sort of laser treatment, and probably quite pricey.

Thanks SallyWD, loads of folk will be in the same boat but I just know what I'm like and how jealous I am when I see a lovely set of blemish free pins! I've tried cover up but I too am whiter than most so it doesn't blend too well - I found it too thick.

It's maybe worth me doing some research into surgery options for the longer term. Although I'm hoping by the time I can afford it I'll be worrying about something else!

I have these, and just flaunt them now...

I keep my legs smooth and fake tanned when I go barelegged, which makes them a bit less obvious

But lots of people have veins, men too, so I just have them on show now (am 47)

Am not sure about surgery, as long term, you then just put more pressure on the remaining veins, which then will start to bulge

I've got the same problem with varicose veins, and the thin hair issue too! I'm going to Poland in 6 weeks to have laser treatment on both my legs. I've done loads of research and it helps that my DP is Polish so no issues with translation etc. But it works out about a quarter of the cost of having the laser removal here.

Long sarong for by the pool and on the beach. You can take it off when sitting and laying down. Drape babknon for walking about and playing with dc. In the water no-one can see your legs. For walking around other places, floaty skirts and wide legged light pants. They were very in last Summer and will be again so you'll look great.

Concentrate on the things you do like about yourself. Get some cool, fun accessories, nice body oil, things that aren't clothing and aren't anything to do with your legs. They'll help you feel good about yourself.

All that is only so you can put your insecurities to one side and get on with enjoying yourself. I can hand on heart swear I have never noticed anyone's veins or bumpy bits or whatever and if I did I think nothing of it at all.

After the holiday, have a look into any treatments and start working on your confidence. For now, focus on what a good time you'll have. Bet you feel much better once you're there and having fun.

babknon = 'back on'

Keep us up to date on the surgery!!

What fake tan do you use? I'm rubbish with these sorts of things and would love to try something at home as my days of standing all but naked in front of a young beautician are past me!

Thanks EnidButton. I definitely need to work on my confidence. I'm really not in a great place just now and there's very little I like about my appearance from head to toe. I'm in my late 30s and wondering if this is just a stage in my life and once I hit my 40s I'll wind my neck in and get over myself. Hope so!

I like Lancome tinted leg tanner, because it is tinted, you can see how much and evenly you applied it, and it never looks streaky/uneven

I had a "low" about my appearance in late 30s, but now late 40s am back with a vengance and wearing shorts again despite cellulite/veins/saggy knees due to a fuck-it attitude that I really like

The older I get, the more confident, not sure why or how. Hope it's the same for you