Do Spider Veins Get Worse With Age?

• 19 January 2026
• Dr Zil Yassine

Last updated on January 19, 2026

Spider veins, those fine red, or purple lines just beneath the surface of the skin, are a very common concern, particularly on the legs and sometimes on the face. While many people view them as purely cosmetic, questions often arise about whether they worsen over time, especially as we get older. In this article, we break down what actually happens with spider veins and ageing — and what you can do about them.

Why Spider Veins Develop in the First Place

Spider veins form when tiny blood vessels (venules and capillaries) dilate and become visible beneath the skin. A range of factors contribute to their development, including genetics, prolonged standing or sitting, hormonal changes, sun exposure, and lifestyle influences.

One major factor that cannot be avoided is age. As we get older, our veins naturally lose some of their elasticity and structural integrity. The tiny one-way valves that help blood move efficiently toward the heart may begin to weaken. When these valves don’t work as effectively, blood can pool in the veins, making them expand and become more noticeable as spider veins.

Does Age Make Spider Veins Worse?

Yes, spider veins are more likely to become more apparent with age.

Here’s why:

• Vein walls weaken over time. Just like skin and muscles, blood vessels change with age. Their walls can become thinner and less resilient, which makes them more prone to dilation and visible changes.

• Valves can deteriorate. The tiny valves inside our veins that prevent blood from flowing backward gradually wear down. This contributes to blood pooling and more visible veins.

• Skin becomes thinner. With ageing, the skin’s outer layers lose collagen and elasticity, making underlying vessels more visible.

• Lifestyle changes accumulate. Over the years, repeated stress on the veins from standing, sitting, weight gain or reduced activity can accentuate spider veins.

In short, spider veins may not necessarily spread rapidly with age, but they can become more noticeable or more numerous over time due to natural changes in vein health and skin structure.

At What Age Do Spider Veins Appear?

Spider veins can begin to appear in early adulthood, even in your 20s or 30s, especially if you have risk factors like family history or prolonged standing.

However, they do tend to become more prevalent from middle age onward, partly because of accumulated vascular changes and years of vein stress.

Can You Prevent Them From Worsening?

While ageing is inevitable, there are practical steps you can take to slow the progression or minimise their visibility:

• Stay active: Movement helps support blood flow and prevents blood from pooling in the leg veins.

• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: If your job involves long periods in one position, make a point of taking breaks to walk or stretch your legs.

• Wear compression stockings: These can encourage circulation and reduce pressure on vein walls.

• Protect from sun exposure: Especially on facial veins, sun damage can make vessels more apparent.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Extra weight places additional strain on the veins.

When to Seek Treatment

If spider veins are becoming more noticeable or are affecting your confidence and comfort, modern treatments like sclerotherapy and laser therapy offer effective, minimally invasive options to reduce their appearance. These treatments can help smooth the look of your skin, regardless of age.

If you have questions about your recovery plan or personalised advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team.

About The Author

Dr Zil Yassine

Dr Zil Yassine is a practising doctor of over 15 years and an expert in minimally invasive vein treatments. Zil is dedicated and passionate about vascular health and staying up-to-date on the latest technology. Providing patients with the best care is Zil’s number one priority. As the Medical Director of Spider Veins Australia, he’s responsible for training doctors to diagnose vein disorders and ensuring they perform treatments to the highest standard. Dr Zil proudly holds a Bachelor of Medicine (UNSW), Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound in Phlebology (ACP), and is a fellow of FRACGP, F(Phleb UK).