Have you noticed small white bumps appearing around your eyes and cheeks? They may look like whiteheads, but they are completely different. Although it can be confusing, there are several ways you can determine exactly what you are dealing with and how to best care for your skin while safely getting rid of milia.
What is Milia?
Milia are small, white, cystic bumps that typically appear on the nose, cheeks, and under-eye area. When multiple milia cysts are present, they are called milia and, as mentioned above, look a bit like blemishes known as whiteheads. They appear small and firm in shape but rarely cause discomfort. However, some people may find themselves becoming irritated, especially with frequent contact with rough pillowcases or towels. You can get milia in a number of ways:
Blistering of the skin caused by skin conditions such as epidermolysis bullosa
Exposure to irritating plants such as poison ivy
Long-term use of steroid creams
Long-term sun damage
Aftermath of skin resurfacing procedures such as microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing
Superficial burns and burn-related wounds
You may also notice that milia become more common as you age. This is the result of the skin losing its natural ability to exfoliate and accumulating dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and impurities.
There are many different types of milia. For example, you may have heard of babies being born with "baby acne," which is related to the mother's hormones and usually goes away two to four weeks after birth. Other major types occur when natural keratin present in the body becomes trapped and develops into cysts, and when the surface of the skin is damaged, such as from a burn or blister that clogs the pores.
How to get rid of milia on your face?
Usually, you'll find that milia go away on their own over time. However, if you want faster results, there are some home remedies you can use to keep your skin clear.
Daily cleansing – Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser every day to cleanse away impurities that come into contact with your skin every day.
Gentle exfoliation – Depending on your skin type, use an exfoliating toner with AHAs (such as glycolic acid) or BHA-salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells, excess sebum, and other forms of bacteria. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate the skin and strip it of its essential oils and moisture.
Daily SPF – Applying SPF daily will protect your skin from further damage from UV radiation and other environmental influences.
Don’t squeeze – As mentioned before, these look a bit like pimples, but it’s best not to squeeze or scratch them as this can lead to infection and scarring on the surface of the skin.
Avoid heavy products – Anything with a heavy cream or oil base will usually lead to more milia. Switching to lightweight gel products will keep your skin hydrated and avoid further redness.
Mask – Using a clay mask two to three times a week will detoxify the skin and remove impurities that remain on the surface of the skin. By removing this barrier on the skin, the products you apply afterwards will be absorbed more effectively.
Peel – Professional treatments such as peels remove the outer surface of dead skin cells, leaving behind fresh, new, radiant skin with no signs of milia.
If you stick to this simple habit, you’ll find that your milia issues are reduced and the likelihood of further breakouts is reduced.
What causes milia under the eyes?
The causes of milia under the eyes are the same as those anywhere on the skin. If left alone, they will also disappear over time, but if you need professional treatment, you can consult a dermatologist who will suggest one of the following options:
Debulking – This is done using a sterile needle to carefully remove the milia.
Cryotherapy – Liquid nitrogen freezes the milia and is a great option for the cheeks and nose, but is not usually recommended for the eye area.
Laser ablation – Uses a small laser to open the cyst and remove the keratin deposits within.
You can also try some methods at home to prevent milia, such as:
Cleanse and moisturize your skin regularly to keep it hydrated and healthy. This allows new skin cells to reach the surface of the skin and loosen the keratin beneath the surface of the milia.
Use an eye serum rich in vitamins E and A to exfoliate and deeply nourish the skin.
Use an eye mask rich in hyaluronic acid two to three times a week to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.
That’s it for some of the best professional treatments and skincare products you can use in your daily life to keep your skin healthy. Protect your under eyes to prevent milia from forming.
What happens if you express milia?
Unlike pimples and whiteheads, milia do not have openings on the surface of the skin. Trying to squeeze and pop them will not produce the same results as pimples, but will cause redness, inflammation, and scarring of the skin. This causes them to stay on the surface much longer than if you let them go away on their own or use the recommended treatments and products I mentioned earlier.
Do milia Go Away?
Although milia are annoying, cysts usually go away over time. For babies, you can expect them to disappear within a few weeks, while for older children and adults, it may take several months. If you remember to keep your skin clean and nourished with a selection of nourishing and effective skin care formulas, you will soon be free of milia. If after a few weeks you find that your milia are not responding to any of these suggestions and products, you may want to see a doctor or dermatologist and learn about other professional skin treatments.
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