Milia is somewhat of an enigma in the world of skincare. Completely painless and appearing out of nowhere, milia are small white bumps which appears underneath the skin. Often miniscule and almost undetectable, milia is such a small issue that can be very frustrating and difficult to get rid of.
No matter how hard you try, you can not pop or burst the little white dots. Unlike most types of acne and blemishes, milia can develop without any real cause and can affect all skin types at any age. As their cause is pretty much unknown and they are difficult to treat, it confuses many when it comes to caring for and treating the skin.
One thing that is for sure is that milia is more common on sun damaged skin, particularly skin that has been exposed to intense sun light for long periods of time. Forming mostly around the nose, on the cheeks and on the delicate skin around the eyes, the little raised dots often disrupt makeup and leaves the texture of your skin looking uneven.
Milia treatments: how to minimise the appearance of milia
Although there is no known way to completely prevent milia, there are a couple of things you can do the minimise the chance of milia forming and reduce their appearance. We've gathered together a couple of different ways to treat milia to help you get rid of those annoying white bumps.
Deep cleanse
It has been suggested by many that milia can form as a result of dead skin cells and impurities becoming trapped under the surface of the skin. Sticking to a thorough skincare routine can help to lift away makeup, impurities and sebum which may form on the skin to help keep you complexion clear and free from milia.
Double cleansing each night is the first step in keeping your skin fresh and clear. PIXI Double Cleanse does all the hard work for you, giving you two gentle, ultra-effective products which will leave your skin clean and free from sebum and impurities. Begin with the solid cleansing oil then follow up with luxurious cream cleanser.
Acid exfoliation
Using exfoliating acids as part of your skincare routine can help to keep your skin clear with a refined, even texture. Products which include AHAs, such as Glycolic and Lactic Acid, gently lift away dead skin cells meaning there are no impurities on the surface to be trapped in your pores to form milia or blemishes. REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic is the perfect product to use every day to keep your skin clear and radiant.
Chemical Peels
Opting for a chemical peel once a week can help to keep your skin clear and fresh, minimising the chances of milia forming. Chemical peels were once reserved only for in-salon treatments making them very costly. Slightly weaker yet effective peels are now available to use in the comfort of your own home and can work wonders on improving the texture of your skin. Philosophy Microdelivery Triple Acid Peel Pads and The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution are both products to use once a week to smooth, perfect and exfoliate the skin.
Switch up your moisturiser
One quick way to keep your skin clear and minimise the chances of milia forming is to opt for a lightweight, gel-textured moisturiser. As heavy creams and rich lotions can clog the pores more easily, a gel-like formula will be lighter on the skin, keeping your pores clear and your skin smooth. Clinique Moisture Surge Intense deeply hydrates, creating a luminous, dewy base without overwhelming your skin or feeling too heavy. It is the perfect moisturiser if you want to keep your skin and pores clear to prevent milia forming.
