Have you ever noticed tiny white bumps that look like they are right under your skin? Perhaps you have. Many people have suffered from milia at one time or another.
Here is what milia looks like:
Milia can occur for several reasons. I know that I have heard so many women say, "but I wash my face thoroughly." Washing your face and keeping it clean actually isn't the culprit when it comes to milia.
Our skin naturally sloughs off dead skin cells. Sometimes, though, the skin doesn't shed those cells and what happens is that sebum and keratin will get trapped underneath the epidermis. When this happens, they build up and get lodged in sweat glands and hair follicles rather than being shed. Before you know it, cysts form and you'll notice those little white bumps that do not seem to go away.
Your beauty products may also be the cause of your milia. If the ingredients are too heavy, your pores will get clogged and your skin cannot breathe. Ingredients that are often the culprits are:
*Lanolin
*Algae Extract (including red algae)
*Apricot Kernel Oil
*Almond Oil
*Cocoa Butter
*Coconut Oil
*Isopropyl Isostearate
*Isopropyl Myristate
*Isopropyl Palmitate
*Beeswax
*Beeswax
*Lauric Acid
*Linseed Oil
*Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
*Sodium Laureth Sulfate
*Wheat Germ Oil
*Bismuth oxychloride (commonly found in the most popular mineral makeups)
*D & C Red # 3, 17, 21, 30, 36
*Oils with "hydrogenated" in the label
*Cetearyl Alcohol
*Ceteareth 20
*Corn Oil
*Sesame Oil
There are dozens of other ingredients that may contribute to milia. I have just listed those most commonly found in beauty products.
If you are someone who has serious sun damage, know that this is also one of the causes of milia. Long term, cumulative sun exposure is a known cause of milia. If your skin is damaged by the sun, it is thicker which can make it harder for skin cells to slough off on their own.
Your genetics also play a role in whether you will have milia or not. Sometimes there just isn't another reason other than the fact that you are genetically more prone to the condition.
Milia Treatment
Sometimes, milia will go away on its own if you determine which product is the trigger and you stop using it. Once you've looked over your products and find the ingredients causing the problem, it will often resolve itself once you've gone a few weeks without using the offending product.
Exfoliation is also going to be something that can greatly help overcome milia. Suki Bio Resurfacing Facial Peel is one of my most recommended products for milia. This spa product contains natural glycolic acid, which is a proven ingredient when it comes to helping exfoliate the skin and clearing up milia. It also contains natural fruit acids such as apple, papaya, lemon peel, and orange. It also has a natural form of salicylic acid called white willow bark extract.
Living Nature Vitalising Exfoliant is another product I recommend for milia. This contains natural lactic acid, which is a very gentle (yet still effective) exfoliant. It also contains a blend of fruit acids and anti-bacterial tea tree oil.
Other Treatments
When changing your skin care regimen and exfoliation do not work and the milia still persists, a trip to the dermatologist may be necessary.
I do NOT recommend trying to remove the milia on your own. You risk causing skin infections and scarring by doing so.
Milia is commonly found on the skin of people of all ages. Milia occur when dead skin becomes trapped in small pockets at the surface of the skin or mouth. Your post has great information about milia.
ReplyDelete