About 15 years ago, I developed telangiectasias, which are dilated blood vessels that appear as thread-like lines on the skin. The condition started off on my feet and then travelled up my legs until it covered the entirety of my legs and my lower back.
I did have laser treatment on my lower legs to lessen the appearance of the blood vessels. The treatment worked on this area, but I’m unable to have the treatment again on the rest of my legs due to lack of NHS funding.
Having telangiectasias has had a considerable impact on my confidence. I don’t like showing my legs and wear trousers and socks even in warm weather to cover it. This can be uncomfortable, but I’d prefer to be uncomfortable because of the heat than worrying about people’s reactions to my visible difference.
I’ve had people say “ew, what’s that on your leg?” to me. These kinds of comments aren’t easy to move on from and have made me increasingly self-conscious.
Skin Camouflage products enable Jen to reduce the appearance of her telangiectasias
My dermatologist referred me to a Skin Camouflage service that they ran a few years back, but it wasn’t hugely helpful. Then I discovered Changing Faces. I thought I’d give the charity’s Skin Camouflage Service a try, and I’m so glad I did.
The practitioner was brilliant. She told me which sponges to buy, how to use a spatula, and spent time matching my skin colour. She even prescribed a slightly darker colour for if I tan. My practitioner also said that I’m welcome to follow up if I need a different shade or product, so it didn’t feel like I was just another patient out the door.
Since getting the products, I’ve been on holiday and had the confidence to wear shorter trousers and go in the pool, something I never could have done before. The makeup did eventually wash off in the water, but it gave me enough of a boost to get in to begin with, which is what I needed.
I feel much better in myself now that I have the Skin Camouflage makeup on hand. While it doesn’t solve everything, it does enable me to get out and about without having to worry about my appearance and what people might say to me. It’s a step forward towards self-acceptance, and that’s so important.
If you’re in the same boat as me, I thoroughly recommend getting in touch with Changing Faces – it’s given me the confidence boost I really needed.
