Milia are small white bumps that appear around the eyes and bridge of the nose. This condition is common in newborns and is referred to as baby acne. Milia is not acne, however. It is small build ups of the skin's protein, keratin. Keratin is a white, substance that helps keep skin healthy and soft. When milia occurs, keratin gathers and forms a hardened seed-like bump. This condition is not harmful and is only considered a cosmetic issue. Most babies outgrow milia, but some adults experience it. You can try a few home remedies to get rid of these tiny white bumps.
Step 1
Wash your face three times daily using warm water and a gentle cleanser. Use a clean, soft cloth and do not scrub. Scrubbing irritates the skin and can worsen the condition.
Step 2
Pat your face dry, don't rub. Patting dry will help the skin retain moisture required for the skin's natural healing process. Use a soft, clean towel to dry your face. You may apply moisturizer to lock in more moisture. Avoid the eyes and mouth when applying moisturizer.
Step 3
Apply a hot compress to the face for five minutes. This will give a sauna effect to the skin, allowing sweat to form and clear skin pores. This will bring the keratin seed closer to the surface of the skin, allowing it to eventually break through the skin on its own.
Step 4
Exfoliate the skin once a day or every other day. Exfoliating will remove the dead skin cells that lay on the top of the skin. This will also coax out the milia's seed as dead skin is removed slowly.
Step 5
Avoid squeezing, scratching or piercing the tiny bumps. This promotes infection and can make the condition worse. Milia is not painful, but if it becomes infected, it will quickly become painful. Remember, milia bumps are not pimples.
