Understanding Milia: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Milia are small, white, cyst-like bumps that typically appear on the face, especially around the eyes, nose, and cheeks. These tiny, pearly bumps are not harmful but can be a concern for many people. In this blog, we'll explore milia, their causes, and effective ways to prevent and treat them, including recommendations for eye creams and facial treatments.

 

What is Milia?

 

Milia, singular "milium," are keratin-filled cysts that form under the skin. They look like white or yellowish bumps and are often mistaken for whiteheads or pimples. However, unlike acne, milia do not form in pores clogged with oil and bacteria. Instead, they occur when keratin, a protein in the skin, becomes trapped beneath the surface.

 

Causes of Milia

 

Milia can develop for various reasons, including:

1. Skin Damage: Burns, blisters, and other skin injuries can lead to the formation of milia as the skin heals.
2. Sun Damage: Chronic sun exposure can thicken and damage the skin, making it more prone to developing milia.
3. Use of Heavy Skincare Products: Occlusive products that are too heavy for your skin type can block pores and lead to milia.
4. Natural Skin Turnover: Milia sometimes occurs without any apparent cause as part of the natural skin shedding process.

Prevention of Milia

 

Preventing milia involves adopting a gentle yet effective skincare routine:

1. Regular Exfoliation: Incorporate mild exfoliants, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), to help remove dead skin cells and prevent keratin buildup.
2. Sun Protection: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect your skin from UV damage.
3. Avoid Heavy Creams: Choose non-comedogenic and lightweight skincare products, especially around the eye area.
4. Proper Cleansing: Ensure you thoroughly cleanse your skin to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities that could clog pores.

 

Treatment of Milia

 

If you already have milia, several treatment options can help:

1. Topical Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives can promote skin cell turnover and prevent the formation of new milia. However, retinoids can be irritating, especially around the delicate eye area, so they should be used with caution and as recommended by a skincare professional
2. Professional Extraction: A skincare professional can safely remove milia using a sterile needle or a small incision.
3. Chemical Peels: Mild chemical peels with AHAs or BHAs can help exfoliate the skin and reduce the occurrence of milia.
4. Laser Therapy: In some cases, laser treatments can effectively treat stubborn milia.

 

Facial Treatments for Milia

 

In addition to home care, professional facial treatments can significantly help in preventing and treating milia:

1. Microdermabrasion: This non-invasive procedure exfoliates the skin's surface, removing dead skin cells and promoting new cell growth. It can help prevent the formation of milia and improve overall skin texture.
2. BelaMD: This advanced treatment uses a specialized machine to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin. It helps remove impurities and dead skin cells, reducing the likelihood of milia development.
3. Chemical Peels: Professional-grade chemical peels provide deeper exfoliation compared to over-the-counter products. They help in shedding the top layer of skin, which can prevent and treat milia.
4. Enzyme Facials: Enzyme-based facials use natural enzymes to gently exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. They can help clear the skin of dead cells and prevent milia formation without irritating.

 

BSE Recommendations for Milia

 

For those looking to prevent or treat milia around the eyes, here are some recommended eye creams from our top brands:

1. PCA Skin Ideal Complex Revitalizing Eye Gel: This lightweight gel targets multiple signs of aging and helps prevent milia with its gentle exfoliating properties. It contains peptides and bark extract to firm and brighten the delicate eye area.
2. SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye: is a rich, nourishing eye cream designed to target advanced signs of aging. Its formulation includes blueberry extract, proxylane™, flavonoids, proxylaneTM, glycyrrhetinic acid, Matrixyl 3000, and caffeine. This combination improves the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet while dispersing light to enhance radiance. The lightweight texture helps prevent milia by providing hydration without clogging pores, making it suitable for all skin tones.
3. SkinBetter Science Instant Effect Gel Eye: is a lightweight and non-comedogenic eye gel that helps prevent milia by not clogging pores. Enriched with coffee, algae, and plant extracts, it improves skin texture while hydrating and smoothing the delicate eye area. This gel provides hydration and revitalization, promoting a refreshed and youthful appearance.
4. Jan Marini C-Esta Eye Repair Concentrate: This powerful eye treatment features a combination of vitamin C, DMAE, and hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate and hydrate the eye area. Its light formulation helps reduce the risk of milia while improving the skin's overall texture and appearance.

 

Incorporating a suitable eye cream into your skincare routine can help keep the delicate skin around your eyes smooth and free from milia.

 

Finally, milia are common and harmless, but they can be frustrating. Understanding what causes them and how to prevent and treat them can help you maintain clear and healthy skin. Regular exfoliation, sun protection, and the right skincare products are essential. If milia persists, consult a skincare professional treatment. With the right approach, you can enjoy a milia-free complexion and feel confident in your skin.

 

Until next time,

 

Beate