HOW TO GET RID OF MILIA

How To Get Rid Of Milia 

Milia are superficial white bumps that form when skin cells become entrapped beneath the outer layer of the skin. Milia most often arise on the face and are particularly prominent on the undereye, eyelids, forehead, and around the lips,  but they may occur elsewhere.

The most common cause of milia is the use of heavy skin care or hair care products. Comedogenic creams and lotions prevent the sloughing of dead epidermal skin cells. Other problem products include hair spray, hair mousse and gel, oily sunscreens and heavy moisturizers.

The eyelids are very thin and are more likely to experience problems with milia due to cosmetics. Check your eye make-up and eyelid make-up remover. Certain lipsticks, lip balms and products meant to help with chapped lips may be the cause of milia around the lips. Again, if you see these forming, take a good look at the ingredients on the label.

The formation of milia can also be due to genetics, as well as aging. As we age, the turn over of skin cells slows down, forming a thicker epidermis. Thicker skin makes the natural exfoliation process more difficult.

Exfoliation is the first step in dealing with milia prone skin. By keeping the epidermis thin and smooth, you can minimize the tendency to form milia. One way is to use a gentle exfoliating product such as DERMAX Retinol C serum. Another way is to undergo a periodic treatment of diamond peel or glycolic peel at the clinic. TCA chemical peel is deeper than glycolic peel, used primarily to minimize fine lines and skin discolorations, which can simultaneously address the elimination of milia.

Sometimes milia can be very persistent in spite of your best efforts. Then you will need to visit the clinic for milia extraction. After cleansing with antiseptic, the skin overlying the milia is gently opened with a sterile needle. Then pressure is applied with a comedone extractor. Milia are often easily removed by extraction, except on the upper eyelid. There simply isn’t a good way to press on the upper eyelid area and avoid the eyeball, so the lid has to be pulled either upwards or to the side, which is somewhat challenging.

What else can you do to prevent milia?

1) Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, and make it a habit to apply every morning the non-greasy DERMAX UV MILK SPF50 PA+++ instead of comedogenic sunscreens. 

2) Use exfoliating cleanser such as DERMAX AcneX transparent soap with nano-encapsulated salicylic acid not only to keep pores unclogged but also to help remove unwanted surface skin debris.

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This article was published in the Lifestyle Section of Manila Bulletin on September 10, 2013. The author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph.