MILIA are tiny, white, pearly, hard bumps. They are commonly found around the eyes, and are easy to mix up with whiteheads.
– Milia is a ball of KERATIN, which is the protein found in dead skin cells (also in your hair).
– Milia bumps do NOT contain sebum like whiteheads and blackheads. So they cannot be extracted (squeezed out). They must be surgically removed (excised). This should be done by a doctor.
– The cause of milia is unclear. It is more common on dry skin and in infants. Heavy moisturizers or eye creams can lead to milia.
REMOVING MILIA
– Eventually, milia go away on their own. It just takes time for the dead skin cells to shed off naturally.
– Chemical exfoliation with AHA’s and enzymes can help. Even Vitamin C serums and retinoids can help (because both are mildly exfoliating). A professional peel will help too.
– The best thing to do is to LEAVE THEM ALONE. Same with whiteheads. Poking at them can hurt your skin.
– Milia also resemble cholesterol deposits (xanthoma). Because all of these bumps look similar, it is best to let a skin professional identify them for you, and in the meantime… leave them alone 🙂
SKIN TIP
– When you start using a new eye cream, watch your skin carefully for the first few week to see if any milia form.
– If you see them, try applying less. If you’re layering products in the eye area, cut back on the layering and see what happens. If you still see them, stop using the eye cream. Save it for the winter and try again.
– If it happens again, it’s time to give the eye cream away or use it on a dry part of your face or neck.
Further Reading:
- Whiteheads and How They’re Different From Blackheads
- How To Treat Blackheads & Clogged Pores
- What Is A Comedone?
- Types of Acne Lesions
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