Very few people are blessed with perfect skin. Most of us have to deal with some kind of skin ailment at some point, whether it’s acne, rosacea or enlarged pores, and one fairly common concern that affects many women is the development of milia.
Milia are small bumps, either white or flesh-coloured, that can appear on the face and occur when small flakes of skin become trapped in pockets near the skin’s surface. They are made up of keratin, the same protein found in our nails and hair. These tiny cysts are not painful, but can make those afflicted feel self-conscious. Unlike zits, they can’t be popped and don’t go away overnight, although they can disappear on their own but usually only after a significant amount of time.
They say that prevention is the best cure, and this is also true for this skin condition. Prevent them by using face products that contain retinoids. This encourages cell turnover, which can help to prevent skin becoming trapped in your pores and bring it to the surface more easily. Other natural deterrents include rose water, which can be used as a toner, or wearing raw honey as a face mask. These both contain skin-healing properties.
For those who already have milia, all hope is not lost. Exfoliating products that contain lactic acid and glycolic acid can help to encourage milia to come to the skin’s surface, where they will be able to pop out. Home peels can also prevent them, as can lotions that contain salicylic acid. For a bad case of milia, a trip to a dermatologist is advisable, as they can express the milia by using a small blade. This should under no circumstances be tried at home! In most cases, milia bumps are small and fairly easy to conceal with makeup, so most people leave them be, but if they become a problem, albeit a superficial one, visiting a skin specialist can help you achieve smooth skin.
Photo: iStock/vchal
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