If you've got milia that won't seem to go away, Dr. Thompson suggested exfoliating regularly with a peel or treating them cosmetically with a topical retinoid (such as tretinoin or adapalene) for several weeks. Alternatively, a dermatologist can help.
Primary or secondary milia in an adult may disappear on their own, but your doctor may treat you with one of the following: Piercing each milium with a sterile lancet or scalpel followed by removal of the cyst material with a tool called a comedone extractor.
Milia tends to happen when you have too much sun exposure. Your skin becomes leathery, making it harder for the dead cells to fall off. Sunscreen and moisturizer will keep your skin soft and flexible so it can replace itself the way it should.
Products that boost exfoliation and cell turnover keep the skin smooth and thin, thereby eradicating milia and preventing them from recurring. I highly recommend Skinceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, which is gentle enough to use daily without leaving the skin overly dry or irritated.
As milia are not spots, spot treatments (such as benzoyl peroxide) will be ineffective.
The most common procedure for milia removal is de-roofing. Dermatologists use a sterile needle to remove the tiny flap of skin trapping the keratin flake inside the pore. They then squeeze or prick out the flake. A less-common practice is curettage, which is a form of electrosurgery.
Milia are harmless and, in most cases, they will eventually clear by themselves. In babies, they clear after a few weeks. However, in some people, milia can persist for months or sometimes longer. Secondary milia are sometimes permanent.
In conclusion, milia aren't harmful but they can be unsightly. If they aren't on the eyelid or under the eye, you can simply and safely remove them at home. And to prevent milia in the future, make sure to keep your face clean, especially before bedtime, gently exfoliate regularly, and avoid sunburns.
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties the help dry out milia faster. It will also stop further infection. Mix a few drops of coconut oil and tea tree oil, and apply on the affected areas. Let it sit for 30 minutes before washing it off.
Milia don't have an opening onto the skin's surface, which is why they cannot be removed with a simple squeeze or pop. Attempting to pop them can lead to red, inflamed marks or scarring on the skin. Most cases disappear on their own, often lasting a couple of weeks to months.
Topical retinoids help exfoliate the skin more effectively than OTC products. Topical retinoids also help loosen the keratin plug in existing milia and help them come to the surface so they can go away.
“If you're an adult with milia, you might try an over-the-counter exfoliating treatment that contains salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acid or a retinoid such as adapalene,” Dr. Piliang says. “These can improve the skin's natural turnover by removing the dead cells, and may help the bumps go away faster.”
Invest In A Retinol Night Treatment
A super-easy and very effective way to get rid of milia is to regularly apply a topical retinoid to the affected area.
Retinoids are a common acne treatment thanks to their ability to help exfoliate and unclog the pores. For stubborn milia, your derm may prescribe a retinoid cream or even an over-the-counter retinol like DIFFERIN Gel to help exfoliate the skin and speed the cell turnover process along.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a mild and non-irritating formula cleanser which is effective against milia.
Marchbein also adds that if you're someone who is prone to milia, you should try using a combination of oil-free, non-comedogenic products (looking at you, CeraVe and Cetaphil), along with a cream containing a retinoid. This one by Paula's Choice absorbs quickly and also goes to work on fine lines and dark spots.
These bumps may be milia, which are small bumps that contain keratin, a skin protein. You've likely seen milia on babies' skin. Milia is very common in infants because their skin is still learning to slough off dead skin cells. While milia are common in infants, adults can get it too.
When it comes to preventing milia, it's all about exfoliation, exfoliation, exfoliation! You want to maximise your cellular turnover, so things like chemical peels, topical retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), charcoal, mud masks, micro abrasion and vitamin C are amongst the recommended.
Applying castor oil is an excellent way to get rid of milia naturally. Before applying this oil just clean your face with water and then drying it. Then, massage the milia affected area with with some drops of castor oil and let it stay for atleast half an hour.
Imbued with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, lemon juice reduces the size of skin pores and helps in drying the milia spots. While honey soothes the affected area and prevents further microbial infections, jojoba oil controls oil production and inhibits acne and pimples.
Gently poke the center of the milia. Press the area around it (like you would to extract a blackhead) gently. If the milia is ready to come out, it will. If not, you will want to wait and try again in a couple of days.
Milia are not pimples, and attempting to pop them can cause further inflammation and scarring. The pores need to clear out the built up keratin for the milia to go away. Professional treatments can help remove deeper milia or those in sensitive areas, such as around the eyes.