best for BEAUTY
From the clinic to the bathroom shelf, Lesley Reynolds and Dr Aamer Khan from the Harley Street Skin Clinic share their answers to your burning beauty dilemmas
Q I struggle with varicose veins on my lower legs, which seem to get larger and darker every year. Can you give me an idea of the best removal treatment and what’s involved?
ADR AAMER SAYS: Approximately 40 per cent of women suffer from varicose veins and although pregnancy and excess weight can worsen them, genes are usually the main culprit. All leg veins contain one-way valves and when these don’t work properly, blood that’s meant to be pumped to the heart flows backwards and pools, stretching vein walls and making them bulge.
Unfortunately, varicose veins are rarely treated on the NHS unless there is an underlying medical cause or complication, so book an appointment with your GP to discuss further. Nowadays, there are a number of new energyassisted procedures which aim to produce the same results as surgery under local anaesthetic with minimal downtime. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is one of the most popular. Using ultrasound, a laser fibre is passed up inside the vein, the laser is fired and the sheath and fibre is pulled down at exactly the right speed, closing the vein permanently. An elastic stocking bandage is applied afterwards which needs to be kept on for a week, sometimes longer. You can walk around within an hour and go home the same day, too. However, treatments are not always a permanent solution. Vascular problems tend to be recurrent and it won’t prevent new veins appearing. Expect to pay from around £2,000 depending on the severity of the veins.
LESLEY SAYS: It’s virtually impossible to prevent vein problems, but you can manage them. Regular exercise encourages better blood circulation, which helps to push along the blood that has been collected in the veins. Avoid standing still too much, to stop pressure in the veins building up and try to keep your legs raised above the level of your bottom when you’re sitting down. Include vitamin Cand bioflavonoids in your diet as these strengthen the walls of blood vessels, protecting them from the weakness and bulging associated with varicose veins. Examples include dark red berries, such as cherries and blackcurrants – tinned is fine – and citrus fruits, especially grapefruit. A concealer can also work wonders covering leg veins. Choose yellow or peach tones because they neutralise the blue colour of veins. e.l.f Hydrating Camo Concealer, £7, provides full coverage with a matte finish. A self-tan such as Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Spray, £13.99, may also help disguise them.
Q My complexion is almost grey. What’s causing this and how can I restore a Winter glow on a budget?
