Milia are common in both small babies and older adults. Unlike infant milia, which are short-lived, adult milia can persist and be an embarrassing problem. They manifest as small, pearly bumps, especially around the eyes. Milia are typically caused by dead skin flakes that become trapped under the surface of the skin, according to MayoClinic.com. While you should never try to extract them yourself, you can avoid them and look for the reasons for your milia to treat them in the future.
Step 1
Reduce the amount of skin care products that you use on a daily basis, suggests dermatologist for DermadDoctor.com, Dr. Audrey Kunin. Milia can often form when you use non-comedogenic products that clog pores. Milia are most common around the eyes because the skin is thinner there and more susceptible to irritation. Avoid heavy skin and hair products, including night creams, makeup removers not labeled non-comedogenic and hair products like serums, pomades and hairsprays.
Step 2
Exfoliate your skin on a daily basis to help remove dead skin cells, which can clog pores and result in milia. Exfoliation helps to support your skin's natural turnover process by removing dead skin cells. You can purchase any number of exfoliating scrubs from your drugstore, but you can also make your own. Mix a cup of brown sugar with a quarter cup of olive oil and rub onto your face in a circular motion. Repeat the process once or twice per week to promote smoother skin and less chance for conditions like milia.
Step 3
Avoid touching, squeezing or otherwise handling your milia. Squeezing can break open the skin and leave you open to infection on the delicate surface of the eye. You cannot remove milia from your face at home. Instead, ensure that they stay exfoliated and cleansed to avoid future breakouts, and visit your dermatologist for further treatment.
Step 4
Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist, suggests the American Academy of Dermatology. The best way to get rid of milia is to have your dermatologist surgically remove the grown from underneath the skin. She'll make a small incision directly over the milia and extract the growth, bandaging the small incision for optimum healing without a high risk of infection. If you are especially prone to milia, talk to your dermatologist about the causes; it could be a skin condition or allergic reaction to a certain ingredient in one of your products.
Things You'll Need
- Scrub
