Milia, or “those little white bumps that just won’t go away,” may be less obvious than acne and blackheads, but they can be just as annoying. Appearing as tiny, hard bumps under the skin, milia often damage the skin under the eyes or on the cheeks and are difficult to remove. But fear not! Eminence Organic Skin Care has you covered with an explanation of the common milia categories along with the methods and products you can use to even out your skin.
What is Milia?
Milia are small cysts filled with keratin, a type of protein found in skin tissue, hair cells and nails. When keratin gets trapped under the skin, tiny white bumps develop, often in small groups. These stubborn blemishes do not become red and inflamed like acne, but instead they slowly accumulate under the skin and remain a white color. While a whitehead is also a white bump and a closed comedone (a pore blockage covered by skin), whiteheads also contain sebum as opposed to the keratin found in milia.
Milia can appear in humans of all ages, is not infectious and has no clear cause, but can be worsened by sun damage. Some common categories include:
- Neonatal milia (milia in newborns)
- Primary milia
- Apple in fun
- Secondary milia
Neonatal milia affects about 50% of all newborns. The cannot be treated and will quickly clear itself. Primary milia is the most common form of milia, found in both children and adults, usually around the eyes, cheeks or forehead. Milia en Plaque is a less common form of milia and, unlike primary milia, is a collection of multiple milia that appear as a plaque (a broad raised area of skin). Secondary milia refers to milia that appear after trauma to the skin, such as injury, burn or blisters. When dealing with milia, it is important to first have a skin analysis with a professional to determine the best method to treat the condition.
How to get rid of Milia
There are two effective ways to eliminate milia: extractions and exfoliation. While the milia often clears up on its own, if your lumps stick around for more than six months, extraction may be the only way to clear them completely. Because milia are so small and covered by skin, they can be difficult to remove. Although it can be tempting to attack milia yourself, we strongly advise against picking and popping at home, as this can lead to inflammation, infection and scarring. Instead, visit a dermatologist or licensed esthetician who is equipped to successfully extract miles. They will usually use a small blade or needle to make a tiny incision to release the blockage. They can then apply additional treatments to ensure the skin is kept hydrated and strong.
In addition to extraction, exfoliation (both professionally and at home) is essential to treating milia. We recommend starting with an appointment at your nearest one authorized Eminence Organics Spa partner. Not only can an esthetician use a higher-strength professional treatment to open pores and smooth out any blockages, but they can also do a skin analysis and recommend home care products. When choosing products, you’ll want ingredients that help soften the skin, speeding up the natural process for milia to come out on their own and prevent further build-up. Your esthetician may recommend a natural or chemical exfoliant, depending on your skin type and the type of milia you are dealing with. Some exfoliating ingredients you may come across to treat milia include:
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Retinol
What products should I use?
Exfoliation can be incorporated into many steps of your home care routine. In addition to professional treatments, your esthetician may also recommend some of the following cleansers, exfoliators, and masks.
Cleaners
Eminence Organics Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser is a hydrating cleanser, perfect for anyone with milia who also wants to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and add some hydration to their routine.
With finely ground olive pit for gentle natural exfoliation, this cleanser also contains the natural alternative retinol cocktail and the natural AHA cocktail for added chemical exfoliation, both essential milia-fighting ingredients.
If chemical exfoliation is preferred or more suitable for your skin type (which may be true for sensitive and acne-prone skin)our awardee Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser harnesses lactic acid to effectively remove dead skin cells without over-drying. Suitable for all skin types, this cleanser also contains red clover extract to shrink the appearance of your pores and even out the appearance of skin.
Exfoliants
Leveraging the power of our property Detoxifying Microgreens Complex as well stone culture and rice flour with adzuki powder, Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant provides the perfect preparation for extraction by your beautician. In addition, this is a wonderful home care product as it helps to unclog pores and plump the skin.
Eminence Organics Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel is another product we love to use for exfoliation. Containing milia-fighting salicylic acid, this peel will remove dirt from the skin and prevent build-up – an especially great choice for those with oily skin types.
For those less greasy, ours Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5% is a chemical peel suitable for all skin types, combining lactic and glycolic acids to improve the appearance of skin texture and remove dead skin cells.
Masks
Masking one to three times a week at home will help take your results to the next level. In the video below, Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar recommends a soothing and spicy blend: the Raspberry Pore Cleansing Mask and the Lime Stimulating Mask.
As Natalie explains, this fruity blend not only smells amazing but stimulates and smoothes the skin to treat milia. To try this mixture at home, combine about a teaspoon of Raspberry Pore Refining Masque with an equal (or less) amount of Lime Stimulating Masque on the back of your hand. Mix the two masks together, adding a little water if you prefer to help emulsify. Once mixed, apply to face (avoiding the eye area) and leave on for five to 10 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and follow with your favorite Eminence Organics toner and moisturizer.
Additionally, our Product Support Agents recommend Acne Advanced Clarifying Masque, a 2-in-1 mask and spot treatment that helps reduce shine and irritation.
If you want to see even more tips from Natalie, be sure to subscribe to ours YouTube channel never miss one In The Mix video! With the above tips and product recommendations, your skin will be smoother and softer than ever.
Serum
Our Product Support Agents also recommend Neroli Age Correcting Eye Serum to nourish the delicate skin around your eyes – an area where milia often appear. This serum smoothes the appearance of skin as well as reduces visible signs of aging such as crow’s feet and fine lines.
Is milia your biggest skin concern? Any additional treatment tips? Let us know in the comments below or connect with us on social media.
