Milia Removal at Home: How to Get Rid of Them Without Scarring Your Skin?

Milia removal can be a daunting task. They often show up on the face and seem to be impossible to get rid of without scarring your skin. And if you try to pop them, they keep coming back! So what's the best way to get rid of milia for good? Please keep reading for our tips on how to remove milia at home with ease and no scarring. 

Types of milia

Milia come in five different types — neonatal, primary, traumatic, milia en plaque, and multiple eruptive milia.

Neonatal milia

Neonatal milia are the most common type, affecting roughly half of all newborns. They're small, white bumps that show up on the face, usually around the nose, cheeks, or chin.

Primary milia

Primary milia are less common, and they occur when dead skin cells get trapped in a small pocket on the surface of the skin. They can happen at any age, but they're most likely to show up in adults between the ages of 40 and 50. When keratin becomes trapped under the skin, it forms a small, hard bump. Luckily, you can easily get rid of them in the comfort of your home.

Traumatic milia

Traumatic milia occur when an injury to the skin, such as a burn, blister, or pimple, damages the small pockets where dead skin cells accumulate. They usually heal on their own within a few weeks.

Milia en plaque

Milia en plaque is a large, flat lesion that can cover a wide area of the skin. They're most often seen in people with certain autoimmune disorders, such as lupus erythematosus or lichen planus.

Multiple eruptive milia

Multiple milia are small, white bumps that appear in clusters. They can show up anywhere on the body, but they're most often seen on the face, chest, and back. They usually appear in children and young adults.

What causes milia?

Milia are caused by keratin, a protein that's found in the skin, nails, and hair. When keratin becomes trapped under the skin, it forms a small, hard bump. Milia can also be caused by certain medications, such as steroids, retinoids, or lithium. Also, people who have had radiation therapy are at risk for developing milia.

How to remove milia at home?

Even though there are many different ways how you can remove milia, including de-roofing, and laser treatments, we recommend you to try some home remedies first as they are gentle on the skin and usually more affordable. Milia removal at home can take some time and patience, but it's definitely possible to get rid of them without scarring your skin.

Use a warm compress

A warm compress can help soften the keratin that's trapped under the skin, making it easier to remove. To use a warm compress, soak a clean washcloth in hot water and hold it on the milia for five to 10 minutes. Repeat this process two to three times a day until the milia disappears. 

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Choose an exfoliating cleanser

Exfoliating cleansers can help to slough away dead skin cells, which can prevent milia from forming in the first place. To use an exfoliating cleanser, wet your face and massage the cleanser into your skin using circular motions. Rinse it off with warm water and pat your skin dry. Do this once or twice a week as needed.

Use essential oils

Essential oils can help to dissolve the keratin that's trapped under the skin. To use essential oils, mix together equal parts of any two of the following oils: jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil, or olive oil. Apply the mixture to the affected area and massage it in using circular motions. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Do this once or twice a day until the milia disappear.

Include AHAs in your skincare routine

AHAs are alpha hydroxy acids that can help to exfoliate the skin and prevent milia from forming. To use AHAs, look for a skincare product that contains glycolic acid or lactic acid and apply it according to the directions on the packaging. Chemical peel treatments can also be used to treat milia.

Salicylic acid can also be a great choice

There are many different ways to treat and remove milia. Some home remedies include using a warm compress, milkweed extract, retinoid cream, exfoliating cleanser, or essential oils. You can also try over-the-counter treatments that contain salicylic acid. If home remedies don't work, you can always consult a dermatologist for professional treatment options.

Is manuka honey remedy you need?

Manuka honey is an excellent natural remedy for a number of skin conditions, including milia. It can help to dissolve the keratin that's trapped under the skin and also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Just apply it to the affected area and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and pat your skin dry. Do this once or twice a day until the milia disappear.

The best way to treat milia is to prevent them

The best way to treat milia is to prevent them. Preventing milia can be difficult, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk. First, avoid picking at or popping milia. This can cause them to become irritated and lead to infection. 

Second, use gentle skincare products that won't irritate the skin, and make sure to exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells. Also, include limiting your intake of cholesterol-rich foods, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and processed foods. Consuming too much cholesterol can lead to an increased risk of developing milia. 

Finally, sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the sun's damaging UV rays. 

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