Milia refer to tiny white cysts that can appear across the surface of the skin. The condition is most often found on babies, but adults can also develop milia. For babies, no treatment is typically required and the bumps usually clear up on their own. To keep a baby's skin clear, wash it daily with a gentle cleanser and pat dry with a clean towel. If you are an adult with milia, do not attempt to reduce the blemishes by squeezing or popping the cysts.
Step 1
Switch to oil-free, noncomedogenic makeup. Oil-based makeup and skin care products can clog the pores and cause milia to pop up. If you are prone to the condition, choose products labeled noncomedogenic, which means that they have been tested and found to not block the pores.
Step 2
Wear sunblock while outdoors. Sun damage may be related to milia, according to the DermaDoctor website. Apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever your skin is exposed to UV rays.
Step 3
Wash your face each morning with a gentle exfoliating scrub. This will help slough off dead skin cells and reduce milia.
Step 4
Smooth out skin with a home micodermabrasion treatment. Microdermabrasion home kits contain abrasive beads or crystals to get rid of milia and even out skin texture.
Step 5
Visit a dermatologist for more aggressive treatment options. In-office microdermabrasion treatments can be done as well as a chemical peel to reduce milia. During a chemical peel, an acidic solution is applied to the affected area to remove the top layer of skin and encourage new growth. A doctor can also remove the milia with the use of a comedone extraction tool.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep in mind that because the removal of milia is a cosmetic procedure, your insurance is not likely to cover it.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen
- Exfoliating scrub
- Microdermabrasion kit
