Milia Prevention and Home Removal Tips: A Guide to Clean Beauty and Natural Skincare

Milia are small (annoying) white bumps that appear on, or just under the skin. These tiny bumps are technically called a milia ‘cyst’ but don’t let that description get you in a panic.  Typically milia are found on the face and are caused by trapped skin flakes or an accumulation of keratin under the skin’s surface. Some attribute an overuse of highly rich skincare products to their production. Here’s some helpful tips if you do find yourself with milia popping up:

1. Appearance:

• Milia look like small white bumps and are common on the nose, cheeks, and chin.

• They can be mistaken for whiteheads, but unlike whiteheads, milia don’t have an opening on the skin’s surface. 

• They can be soft, but older milia can in fact be quite hard. Especially in areas where the skin is very thin such as around the eyes.

1. Occurrence:

• Milia can affect people of all ages, including newborns (about 40-50% of full-term newborns have milia).

• They often appear spontaneously and are not necessarily linked to poor skincare habits.

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• Monitor any skincare changes if you do have milia appearing, it can also be an overuse of your skincare products. 

1. Harmless:

• Milia are harmless and usually resolve on their own within weeks to months.

• However, they can be a pest cosmetically.  As we mentioned, they can be a bit annoying. 
  

Tips for Avoiding Milia When Using Face Oil

1. Choose the Right Face Oil:

• Opt for Lightweight Oils:

• Select face oils that are lightweight and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).

• Avoid heavy oils or those with a high comedogenic rating.

• If you are prone to milia make sure you don’t over do it in the areas you get milia. 

• Follow your face oil usage guide, it’s there for a reason. Don’t slap on face oils, use it sparingly. Usually 2-3 drops morning and/or night is enough for your skin to reap their concentrated super powers - without overdoing it. 
  

2. Cleanse Your Skin Regularly:

• Gentle Cleansing:

• Use a mild, paraben-free cleanser and wash twice daily, morning and night.

• Pat your skin dry gently after washing to prevent chafing or excessive drying.

• Consider double cleansing starting with an oil cleanser to remove makeup and hard core grime first. Follow with a cream or gel cleanser that doesn’t over strip the skin. 
  

4. Gently Exfoliate:

• Weekly Exfoliation:

• Use exfoliating cleansers containing salicylic acid, citric acid, or glycolic acid if you are prone to milia. 

• Exfoliate 1-2 times a week to prevent over-irritation.

• Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and keeps your pores clear.
  

5. Milia Home Removal with Honey and a Sterile Needle:

• Step 1: Soften the Skin:

• Apply a small dot of raw honey directly onto the milia.

• Honey has natural antibacterial properties and helps soften the skin.

• Step 2: Break the Skin:

• Sterilise a fine needle or pin using rubbing alcohol.

• Gently break the skin covering the milia. Be cautious and precise and do not overdo it or risk scaring. 

• If the milia doesn’t pop out easily, wait a day or so and try again.
  

6. Professional Treatments:

• Dermatologist Consultation:

• If milia persist or bother you, consult a dermatologist.

• Professional treatments include:

• Deroofing: Using a sterile needle to extract the contents of the cyst.

• Laser Ablation: Focused laser treatment to destroy the cyst.

• Cryotherapy: Freezing the milia to remove them.

Remember, prevention is key, and if milia are suddenly appearing on your skin check if something has changed in your skincare routine. It might be time to pair it back slightly. Effective skincare isn’t complicated. It’s about using the right ingredients in the recommended way for your skin to have its best smooth life.