Protocol · Vascular/Skin Health
Telangiectasia (Spider Veins) Support Protocol
Horse Chestnut Extract and Vitamin C are the core of this stack, with 5 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Telangiectasia (Spider Veins) Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
7 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Horse Chestnut Extract | Amount listed: 300 mg standardized extract (50 mg aescin) twice daily | Contains aescin; strengthens capillary walls; reduces venous insufficiency | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily | Essential for collagen synthesis; strengthens blood vessel walls | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Grape Seed Extract | Amount listed: 100–300 mg daily | Contains proanthocyanidins; supports capillary strength and reduces permeability | Not graded yet | ||
| Hesperidin/Diosmin | Amount listed: 500 mg diosmin/50 mg hesperidin twice daily | Flavonoids that strengthen capillaries and improve venous tone | Not graded yet | ||
| Bilberry Extract | Amount listed: 80–160 mg standardized extract twice daily | Rich in anthocyanins; supports capillary integrity and microcirculation | Not graded yet | ||
| Gotu Kola | Amount listed: 60–120 mg triterpenes daily (or 300–600 mg standardized extract) | Contains triterpenoids; supports collagen synthesis and venous wall integrity | Not graded yet | ||
| Rutin | Amount listed: 500 mg twice daily | Bioflavonoid that strengthens capillary walls and reduces fragility | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Telangiectasia refers to small, dilated blood vessels near the skin surface, appearing as red, purple, or blue lines. They're commonly called "spider veins" or "broken capillaries." While usually cosmetic concerns, they can indicate underlying conditions.
TYPES:
- Simple/Linear: Small, thin red lines (face)
- Spider: Central point with radiating legs (face, legs)
- Papular: Small red bumps (trunk)
- Generalized Essential: Widespread (may indicate systemic disease)
COMMON LOCATIONS:
- Face (nose, cheeks)
- Legs
- Chest
- Around nails (may indicate connective tissue disease)
CAUSES:
- Sun damage and aging
- Genetics
- Rosacea
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Pregnancy and hormones
- Liver disease
- Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT)
- Connective tissue diseases (scleroderma, dermatomyositis)
WHEN TO INVESTIGATE:
- Multiple/widespread telangiectasias
- Associated bleeding (especially nosebleeds, GI bleeding)
- Other symptoms (joint pain, skin changes, breathing issues)
- Family history of HHT
TREATMENT OPTIONS:
- Laser therapy: Most effective for facial telangiectasias
- Sclerotherapy: Injection treatment for leg spider veins
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): For larger areas
- Electrodesiccation: Using electric current
- Address underlying cause: Rosacea treatment, venous insufficiency management
Horse chestnut and diosmin/hesperidin* support vein health.
Vitamin C and bioflavonoids* support capillary strength.
Grape seed and bilberry* provide antioxidant support for blood vessels.
Expected timeline: Supplements may help prevent new formation and support overall vascular health but won't eliminate existing telangiectasias. Procedural treatments are needed for cosmetic removal.