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What are milia?
Milia are small, hard, white bumps under the skin. They are usually found on the face but can also be seen on other areas of the skin especially in association with scars.
They are believed to be a sign that the skin has been injured. Usually this injury is an abrasive or irritating substance that has been applied to the facial skin such as loofah, scrubbing granules, astringents, glycolic acids or microdermabrasion. Many cosmetics and facial products contain exfoliators that can cause milia.
What can be done for milia?
If you have this condition, it is important to avoid the products that cause milia and read all labels to be sure you are not applying a cosmetic or lotion that contains isopropyl myristate, propylene glycol, parabens, glycolic acid or alpha hydroxyacids.
Your dermatologist will be able to remove milia without scarring using an electrocautery device. Use of topical Vitamin C serum and Vitamin E lotion will sometimes clear up milia in 6-12 months if the offending causes are stopped.
Proper care of the skin involves an understanding of cleansers and moisturizers. Your skin is composed of cells and oil. This oil is very high quality containing sphingolipids, ceramides, phospholipids, and other natural chemicals. It has not been replicated by cosmetic or pharmaceutical companies despite years of effort. When you use soap or detergents on your pots and pans, the oils are removed. This also happens with your skin. You are washing this superior oil down the drain. Your oil helps to hold the skin cells together and when the oil is lost, you begin to see signs of drying, itching and even cracking and eczema. Normal skin has the ability make its own oils and new cells. So, most of the time, drying our skin does not cause a problem, because our natural recovery makes up for the drying process. Proper cleansing consists of bathing with lukewarm water without soap. I prefer Aquanil Cleanser, or Pureblend Cleanser. After cleansing, a good emollient cream should be applied while the skin is still damp, such as topical Vitamin E lotion, OilLess Moisturizer, CeraVe cream, or Aveeno moisturizing cream.
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