We all know those little white bumps that seem to magically appear around our eyes, nose, mouth, or cheeks from time to time. Yes, I’m talking about Milialar – the dreaded Milia spots.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a fair share of battles against those pesky little bumps over the years. We’re archenemies, Milia and I. But today, my friends, we’re going to talk about how to decisively defeat Milialar once and for all.
Milialar – Overview
If you’ve ever googled “how to get rid of Milia” in a desperate attempt to banish those small, raised white bumps from your face, you’re not alone. Milia on lips and face are incredibly common, yet can be frustratingly difficult to remove.
They’re benign cysts filled with keratin (a protein found in skin). While harmless, no one wants extra bumps on their face.
The good news is that with the right removal methods, you can kick Milialar out of your skin for good. And in this post, I’m going to share my hard-earned wisdom on the quickest, most effective ways to get rid of Milialar.
We’ll cover everything from professional extraction to at-home remedies. No Milia removal stone will be left unturned, my friends. It’s time to break out your best ninja moves, stock up on medicated spot stickers, and prepare for battle.
The war against Milialar starts today! Let’s review why these bumps form, removal methods from professional extractions to DIY treatments, as well as some tips for preventing their return.
What is Mila?
Before we can defeat our enemy, it helps to understand them. So let’s cover some Milialar basics…
Milia form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin.
Different types of Milia
- Primary Milia – these occur spontaneously when keratin gets stuck below the epidermis. They’re common in newborns but can happen to adults too.
- Secondary Milia – these little bumps crop up as a reaction to skin damage like severe sunburns or blistering. So you can likely blame your Milia on time spent soaking up sunlight without sunscreen!
- Milia en plaque – this rare form manifests in large plaques across the facial skin. It’s not fully understood what causes Milia en plaque but may relate to inherited genetic conditions.
So in summary – Milialar arises when dead skin cells pile up under the surface rather than shedding like they should. Our goal is to safely bring those trapped keratin plugs up and out!
Professional Milia Extraction Techniques
Extracting those pesky bumps at home can be tricky. So if you want to hit Milia on the face and mouth with some heavy artillery, make an appointment with a dermatologist or licensed esthetician.
Here are some professional Milia removal options:
1. Milia Extraction
This is the go-to treatment for banishing Milia and involves physically removing the trapped keratin with a sterile lancet. A professional will numb the area first for comfort. Extraction makes a quick job of those stubborn whiteheads.
2. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is another in-office procedure that can improve Milia. It exfoliates the outer skin with tiny crystals to smooth and renew. Several sessions may be needed but it jumpstarts cell turnover.
3. Chemical Peels
Medium-depth chemical peels dissolve dead skin cells and debris on the face. Used consistently, they help bring trapped plugs to the surface over time. Improves skin texture too!
4. Laser Resurfacing
Laser treatments send concentrated light beams into the skin to stimulate collagen and tighten it from within. This boost in cellular activity can help clear mild cases of Milia.
The biggest perk of professional Milia removal? The peace of mind knowing it was handled properly. The downside is often high price tags, multiple visits required, and risk of scarring if not performed correctly.
At-Home Removal Methods – DIY Milia Treatments
Is professional extraction not in your budget? Don’t worry, you can still wage battle against Milialar from the comfort of your own home. Arm yourself with these DIY removal tips:
AHA & BHA Acids
Exfoliating cleansers with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHA) help dissolve the “glue” holding dead skin cells together. Use for 2-3 weeks to bring Milia plugs up and out. Start with 3 times a week to avoid irritation.
Retinoids Creams
Retinoids boost cell turnover by increasing collagen production deep within the skin. They take the commitment to daily use for 2-4 months but can banish Milia in the long run without damaging the skin in the process. Start with a pea-sized amount every other day then work up from there as your skin adjusts.
Spot Stickers
These handy little stickers use micro darts to gently open the skin’s surface so Milia can rise. Wear the stickers overnight and remove them in the morning – repeat for a few nights until the Milia emerges. Be patient!
Natural Extract Spot Treatment
Certain plant oils contain enzymes that dissolve keratin plugs with consistent application. Natural options like papaya extract, pineapple juice, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar can help bring Milia to a head over several weeks. Mix a few drops with water and dab directly on bumps at bedtime. Rinse in the morning and moisturize well.
The upside to at-home remedies? Way cheaper and often less irritating than in-office treatments if you have sensitive skin. The catch is they require diligence and take longer to reflect results. Maintain realistic expectations when DIYing Milia removal.
Prevention is Key – Stopping Milia Before They Start
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So after banishing existing Milia, keep them from returning with these preventive tips:
Moisturize Daily
Hydrated skin has an easier time shedding dead cells. Quench your face with lightweight lotions packed with skin-loving ingredients.
Exfoliate Regularly
Apply an exfoliating scrub or natural exfoliating remedies twice a week so debris doesn’t get trapped. Use soft circular motions on damp skin.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients
Steer clear of products with SD alcohol, fragrances, dyes, and other sensitizing agents.
Protect from Sun
UV rays thicken the outer skin layer, making it harder for cells to slough off naturally. Daily SPF can prevent this from happening.
The occasional Milia can be hard to avoid entirely. But keeping your skin healthy and exfoliated makes it much less hospitable for those annoying bumps!
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks – everything you need to defeat the Milia foe once and for all. While professional extraction offers the most reliable results, at-home methods can also be surprisingly effective against Milialar.
No matter which route you choose, remember that banishing Milia requires diligence and patience. Don’t expect overnight success with a single peel or extractor tool. Be consistent with your treatment regimen and those stubborn bumps will eventually wave the white flag of surrender.
I sincerely hope this intel helps you finally rid your skin of Milialar forever. No one deserves to deal with those annoying little bumps. Here’s to smooth, glowing, Milia-free skin – may we all get there someday!
Now I’d love to hear from you. What Milia removal methods have you tried? Did any of these techniques do the trick or do you have another battle-tested Milialar treatment to share?
