Milia is the technical term for patches of small white dots that can appear in the skin. They are hard and often feel round in the skin. They generally appear on the face. People of all ages can get them. They are common in infants and teenagers.
These little dots are not acne. They form for several reasons. Milia most often form when the skin is not exfoliated. The dead skin cells are not shed properly. Instead they are trapped in the skin’s pores. They form into hard balls of keratin just underneath the skin’s surface. Over use of steroid creams, oily makeup or products are other common causes. Blistering injuries and sunburn can also form milia.
Effective Treatment and Prevention
Milia do not respond to squeezing or most acne treatments. Attempts to dig them out can leave scars in the skin. Effective treatment involves first exfoliating the surface of the skin. The small balls of keratin can be dissolved with gentle skin cleansers.
Milia patches in the skin are difficult to prevent. There are some things that can be done to reduce outbreaks. Regular use of mild skin cleansers can prevent build up of dead skin cells. Using sunblock and moisturizers regularly can prevent sun damage or blistering damage. These five natural home remedies treat the skin to help remove existing milia and can prevent new ones from appearing.
Honey
Honey is a wonderful substance. It is a natural humectant that also destroys bacteria on the skin. There are several ways to use it to treat milia. Apply raw honey to the skin daily. Rub it in and leave it for at least fifteen minutes. You can mix it with other oils for more effect. Mix with castor oil for a deep cleansing treatment for milia and blackheads. Mix with jojoba oil for a milder treatment that is just as effective.
Honey can also be used to make a scrub. Mix three tablespoons of oatmeal and one tablespoon of sugar with raw honey. Rub gently into the skin using circular movements. Allow it to sit for fifteen minutes.
Castor Oil Treatment
Castor oil is deeply cleansing with anti-bacterial properties. It can easily absorb oil from the skin while helping remove dead skin cells. Mix the castor oil 50-50 with extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is moisturizing and allows the thick castor oil to spread easier.
A spot treatment can be made with castor oil and baking soda. Mix the two till you make a thick paste. Dot the paste on the milia. This mixture helps to cleanse and dissolve milia.
Aloe Vera Rub
Aloe vera is a plant with healing properties. You can use the thick gel straight from the plant. Rub the gel onto the skin. Leave it on overnight. Cleanse the skin in the morning. It moisturizes and soothes the skin, helping it to expel the clogging skin cells.
Apple Cider Vinegar with Cornstarch
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent astringent and cleanser. Cornstarch helps absorb excess oil and remove dead skin cells. Mix the two till you have a thin smear-able paste. Rub it gently into the skin. Allow it to set for a half hour. Rinse it off with cool water.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a suburb natural anti-fungal and antibacterial treatment. Treating the skin with it can remove milia as well as prevent the formation of new ones. For direct treatment soak the pure oil onto cotton balls or q-tips. Dab the oil onto the milia bumps. It can be overly drying so use it sparingly.
Tea tree oil can be added to any other treatment. Clean your face with a gentle cleanser. Add a few drops of the oil to your treatment. Use the treatment as normal.
Milia is not a harmful condition. But those who suffer from it may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about the way their face looks. Prevention is the best medicine for this difficult to treat skin problem. In time, even the most stubborn and largest milia will fade with treatment.
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