All About Milia

I get a lot of clients in asking about stubborn white bumps on their face that look like white heads but they can't extract. These bumps are called milia and are very common, especially in women. Milia is not associated with acne. They are caused by aging and slower cell turnover, which causes keratin "plugs" that get stuck in the pore. Milia happens when skin that isn’t shedding normally. It is not an acne issue and happens frequently as we age; it generally starts to show up in your thirties. Milia can also be a side effect of laser resurfacing, because the skin is growing at an accelerated rate (as a wound-healing response) and can trap keratin inside the pores.As the surface is worn away, the tiny cyst may resolve on its own. 95% of the time, it is necessary to seek out a professional to extract the milia cyst for you. No doubt the most common reason milia form is from smothering your skin with heavy skin care products or hair care items. Comedogenic creams and lotions may prevent the sloughing of dead epidermal skin cells. Hidden problem products include make-up removers not labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic, hair spray, hair mousse and gel, heavy sunscreens and some moisturizers. The eyelids are very thin and more likely to experience problems with milia due to cosmetics. Re-evaluate your eye make-up and eyelid make-up remover if you are finding this to be a concern.Certain lipsticks, lip balms and products meant to help with chapped lips may be the cause of little white pearly milia developing around the edge of the lips. A prolonged history of sun damage can also contribute to the formation of milia Aging skin forms a thicker epidermis that may make it far more difficult for skin cells to find their way out of the glands. And thicker skin also makes for more road blocks in the pathway to exfoliation. Exfoliation can go a long way in helping deal with milia prone non eyelid skin. By keeping the epidermis thin and smooth, you can cut down on their formation. Retinol is also very helpful for both fighting and preventing milia, as well as regular facials involving ezymes and custom peels to aid in rapid exfoliation. The majority of the time, it is near impossible to extract milia on your own. Milia are easily removed by a licensed professional - whether it be an esthetician or a physician. The skin is cleansed with some rubbing alcohol or other antiseptic. The skin overlying the milia is gently opened with a sterile lancet or needle. Then pressure is applied with a comedone extractor, and the milia typically pop out.

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