1. What is couperose skin?

Couperose skin is characterized by the visible presence of capillaries which are usually bright red in color and occur due to poor elasticity of the capillary walls.

What causes couperose skin?

Couperose is caused by both external and genetic factors. A thicker, darker skin with normal or slightly increased sebum is less likely to fall victim to couperose due to its increased insulation; while a thin, fair, dry skin is much more vulnerable.

Here are some risk factors that can lead to couperose:

•  Extreme and sudden changes of temperature
• Over-exposure to the sun
• Stress
• Exercise or working in high heat conditions
• Pollution
• Hot drinks and spicy food
• Alcohol and cigarettes
• Medical conditions, such as high blood pressure
• Harsh or incorrect use of skincare products
• Heredit

2. What are spider veins?

Spider veins are small, twisted blood vessels that are visible through the skin. They may be red, purple, or blue and most often appear on the legs or face. They take their name from their striking spiderweb pattern.

What causes spider veins?

Spider veins are the result of weak or damaged valves in the veins. When the valves do not open to allow blood to leave the veins, blood backs up and the veins swell.

Here are some risk factors that can lead to spider veins:

• Aging
• Heredity (family history of the condition)
• A history of blood clots
• Taking oral birth control pills
• Hormonal changes during puberty or menopause, or hormone replacement therapy
• Pregnancy
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time
• Wearing a girdle or clothing that is too tight
• Obesity
• Constipation
• Over-exposure to the sun

3. What are thread veins?

Thread veins are tiny blood vessels which run close to the surface of the skin and look like fine red, or sometimes purple, wiggly lines.

What causes thread veins?

Thread veins tend to develop as we age and our skin and blood vessels become less elastic.

Here some risk factors that can lead to thread veins:

• Hormonal changes
• Pregnancy
• Menopause is thought to provoke their development – this is the reason why women are more prone to thread veins than are men
• Genetics – inherited family tendency
• Sunbathing
• Exposure to wind or extreme temperatures
• Cortico-steroid medicines and radiotherapy