It was just about a year ago that Leah first came to see me. "Can you help me Dr. Perricone?" asked Leah, an extremely attractive brunette in her mid-thirties. "I am embarrassed to admit it, but the backs of my legs look they have tiny roadmaps tattooed on them. It’s not so bad in the winter, when I can wear slacks, but now that the summer is here I want to be able to put on a pair of shorts and feel good about the way I look," Leah confessed.

Leah suffered from a relatively common complaint among my adult female patients—a condition typically referred to as "spider veins." In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it's estimated that at least half of the adult female population is plagued with this common cosmetic problem. Spider veins may appear as early as the teen years or not until we are past 40. Men can also suffer from spider veins, but their thicker skin offers more protection from these pesky little broken capillaries, whose scientific name is telangiectasia. And while they do not pose a health threat the way that varicose veins can, spider veins can be unsightly because these tiny, delicate veins lie so close to the surface of the skin.

There are a number of factors that contribute to spider veins, including hormonal changes, pregnancy, weight gain, sun exposure, occupations that require long periods of standing—even heredity. They can appear on the face, especially in the cheek and nose area, and on the thighs, calves, and ankles.

To treat spider veins, most plastic surgeons and dermatologists use a nearly century-old technique called sclerotherapy, which involves injecting saline or any of various chemical solutions into the veins. However, there can be a risk of serious side effects including blood clots in the vein, severe inflammation, possible allergic reactions, or scarring, if the skin is injured during the procedure.

As my readers know, I am always in the laboratory searching for safe, efficacious and non-invasive treatments for common skin problems. Treating spider veins is no exception. I combined two of my favorite anti-oxidant ingredients: alpha lipoic acid and DMAE. In addition, I added a marine extract known as MDI Complex that works synergistically as a powerful collagenase inhibitor to help reduce signs of aging skin and maintain youthful skin tones. MDI Complex is an active cosmetic that inhibits matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes that would otherwise degrade and destroy the skin’s collagen network. Some studies have shown that collagenase inhibition may prevent infiltration of new micro-blood vessels into the tissues, effectively decreasing unhealthy redness or flushed appearance.

I gave Leah two special spider vein formulas: one for the face and one for the body. Although her problem was more pronounced on the back of her thighs, she did have a few broken capillaries on her face and would benefit from daily applications of the Spider Vein Formula for Face.

I explained to Leah that she needed to use the product for a full eight weeks before she would see a difference. At that time Leah called me to report that the veins were fading significantly. She was extremely delighted with the results.

As dermatologists know, spider veins are difficult to eliminate. And some of the traditional treatments can occasionally have unwanted side effects. The Alpha Lipoic Acid Anti-Spider Vein for Face works well for most and has an extra added benefit. Patients suffering from rosacea have a strong tendency to develop spider veins. Thanks to the powerful activity of alpha lipoic acid and DMAE, there can also be a reduction in the appearance of redness.