Skinsights

Mi Milia

Often mistaken for whiteheads, *MILIA* are actually keratin-filled cysts that form just under the skin, looking like white or yellowish bumps on the surface. Nicknamed ‘milk spots’, milia is commonly associated with newborn babies, but occurs in children and adults, too. There are several factors that cause milia in adults— most commonly, they occur due to dead skin building up and getting trapped in the pores near the surface of the skin. If the build-up doesn’t get expelled naturally, it can become a small cyst. Before considering treatment for milia, it’s worth noting that they can simply disappear on their own. Depending how deep the milia lay, they can naturally come to the surface of the skin after a few weeks or months. Absolutely do not squeeze/ attempt to ‘pop’ milia. This will only irritate and cause damage to the skins barrier and may result in scarring. Thorough cleansing - double cleanse if you sweat or wear makeup during the day - and exfoliation (ideally with acids and retinols) are both key in managing and preventing milia.

Melissa Baker