Understanding Milia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

 What Are Milia?

Milia are small, dome-shaped cysts that usually appear in clusters. They are not inflamed or red like acne but can sometimes be confused with whiteheads. The key difference is that milia are not caused by clogged pores or bacteria. They form when dead skin cells, specifically keratin, get trapped under the skin's surface.

Milia are most commonly found on the face—around the eyes, nose, and cheeks—but can also appear on the torso or other areas of the body. These tiny bumps can develop at any age, though they are most commonly associated with newborns and often referred to as "milk spots." However, they are also prevalent in adults, particularly women, due to skin damage or certain skin care products.

Causes of Milia

The causes of milia vary depending on age and other external factors. For newborns, the exact cause is unknown, but they are generally born with milia, which usually clears up within a few weeks. In adults, milia can develop due to:

1. Skin damage from blistering conditions, burns, or injuries
2. Long-term sun exposure, which thickens and damages the skin
3. Use of heavy or occlusive skincare products, such as those containing mineral oil or petroleum
4. Skin resurfacing treatments like laser or chemical peels
5. Aging, which slows the skin’s natural exfoliation process

Milia can also appear after the use of topical steroid creams or following cosmetic procedures that involve the skin. Essentially, anything that disrupts or slows the skin’s ability to shed dead cells can potentially lead to milia.

Symptoms of Milia

Milia are quite easy to recognize due to their distinct appearance. They are small (usually 1-2 millimeters), white or yellowish bumps that feel firm to the touch. Most commonly, they are found around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and lips but can appear elsewhere.

Unlike acne, milia don’t cause inflammation, redness, or irritation. However, they can become irritated by friction, such as rubbing from clothes, sheets, or rough handling of the skin.

Types of Milia

Milia can be classified into different types based on the age group and cause. It can range from harmless to tumorous, depending on each type. Let's explore a few categories of Milia.

1. Neonatal Milia: Common in newborns and typically clears up on its own within a few weeks.
2. Primary Milia: Occurs in children and adults, often around the eyes and forehead, and can last for a longer time. 
3. Secondary Milia: Develops after skin damage, such as burns, blistering, or sun damage.
4. Milia en Plaque: A rare type associated with genetic or autoimmune skin conditions like lupus. Read more on how to address it here.
5. Multiple Eruptive Milia: Characterized by itchy patches that develop over weeks or months on the face, torso, or arms.
6. Traumatic Milia: Resulting from skin injuries, burns, or severe rashes.

Treatment Options for Milia

Milia can usually fade away on its own. However, if it persists, and presents itself  as a cosmetic and aesthetic concern, then you might need to alter your skincare routine, add or remove a few products, ensuring you are including the right ingredients in your daily regimen. Here are a few options presented, but remember, that if the condition persists, it just might be time to see a dermatologist.

1. Exfoliation: Let's start with this. Using a gentle exfoliant containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid can help the skin shed dead cells and prevent new Milia from forming. Check out our amazing collection of exfoliants targeted at treating Milia and other forms of stubborn acne. However, if exfoliants (in cleanser forms) aren't enough, and you have already been using the right ones, perhaps you need to look for better suited retinoids for your skin type.
2. Topical Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives promote cell turnover and help the skin exfoliate faster, which may reduce the appearance of Milia.
3. Chemical Peels: If nothing works, visit a well-known, trustworthy spa. They probably offer a  service called, Chemical Peels. It sounds scary, but it isn't it. It is simply a professional treatment that removes the top layer of skin, helping to reduce the keratin buildup that causes Milia. Your aesthetician, based on your skin condition, will recommend you a session every few days. Mind you, it is costly, however, beauty is. Also, it does pay off, if you balance your treatments with the right skincare for your skin type. 
4. Cryotherapy: Honestly, if it is just not going away, try freezing the Milia with liquid nitrogen, though this is more common for stubborn or widespread cases. A dermatologist might be needed to recommend this stage.
5. Deroofing: Another options is, a dermatologist may use a sterile needle to manually remove the contents of the cyst. It is really not as bad as it sounds. We will explore some or all of these treatments eventually, however, for now you may refer to this. For now, all you need to know is that it is not a major surgery, and there is very low post-op pain.
6. Laser Treatment: Lasers can be used to target and remove the cysts, though this is usually reserved for severe cases. Regardless, it is better to get a dermatologist's recommendation on this one as well.

Prevention of Milia

If you are reading this, it is likely that you have had a traumatic experience with Milia, and you don't want to repeat the flares. Well, although it is not always possible to prevent Milia entirely, especially those caused by skin trauma, there are several steps you can take to minimize their occurrence. Let's explore them. 

1. Avoid Heavy Skincare Products: Use non-comedogenic products and avoid ingredients like mineral oil or paraffin that can block pores. This actually works multidimensionally. Using less heavy makeup helps prevent clogged pores (which in turn reduces the chances of pesky acne breakouts), reduces irritation (sensitivity), promotes skin breathability (get that OG glow), strengthens the skin barrier (even skin texture), and slows down premature aging (buh-bye fine lines).
2. Exfoliate Regularly: Gentle exfoliation can help to remove dead skin cells and prevent buildup. Sounds pretty intuitive, but very easy to forget.
3. Use Sunscreen: Protect your skin from sun damage by applying sunscreen daily. Again, too intuitive, but also, so easy to deprioritize. Truth is, girl, or guy (everyone is welcome to care of their skin) UV exposure can damage the skin and lead to the development of Milia.
4. Be Gentle with Your Skin: Avoid aggressive skincare treatments that could irritate or damage the skin. So, in theory, say Carbon Peels are great for your skin once a month. Your skin feels fresh, the scarring has faded, there are new imminent breakouts, you are feeling confidence and want to face the world in all your super-skin glory. That's great. I am all for beauty-enhanced confidence. But it doesn't mean you try and rush progress and get 3 more appointments within the next 3 weeks. Give your skin time to breath and heal. 

Conclusion

Milia are a common but harmless skin condition that can affect people of all ages. They are a type of acne, better classified as a part of the family of Comedones. Other familiar forms of Comedones include blackheads, and whiteheads. To read more about them, check out our official Acne Guide.

While Milia are more of a cosmetic issue than a medical one, unlike other severe forms of acne (cystic acne, for instance) they can still cause frustration. With the right skincare routine and, if needed, professional treatments, Milia can be managed effectively. Always consult with a dermatologist if you have concerns about persistent Milia or are unsure about the best treatment for your skin type.

While we are on this topic, let's get real. Experiencing any kind of deformity on face, or an unexpected scarring, pigmentation or roughness can take a hit on your confidence. However, it will only affect you self-concept if your entire sense of self is derived from external validation. It's not our fault, because the society has shaped our thinking substantially. But, if we can tap into this awareness, and extend some gentleness towards ourselves, we will realize, with time, that we are so much more than our appearances and achievements. The value we bring to the world, simply by existing, is immense. If you start your skincare journey, from a place of love, rather than a place to seek external approval or from a place of judgment or self-dislike, then you will feel much calmer and enjoy your growth. Constantly setting conditions on your worth, can be negative for your skincare journey. Your skin deserves attention and care, not judgment and anger. This is just food for thought.  

If you like this blog, let us know. We have so much in line for our lovely skincare junkies!