How to get rid of Milia, the tiny white bumps that form under the eye

You wake up one morning to discover a few small white dot bumps before your eyes. But before going to gap or looking for an acne solution, consider that you could face Milia, tiny keratin cysts from 1 to 2 millimeters that are formed under the surface of the skin. “It is essentially dead cells of the dead skin that have not been properly exfoliated,” explains Heather Rypien, RN, BSN, Cans, specialized cosmetic nurse. Instead of naturally losing the skin to make room for new skin, dead skin remains and shapes small skin pearls.

“It is almost like the treadmill that moves dead cells from our body skin stops working and goes in the opposite direction, causing a cyst,” explains Roger Kapoor, MD, a dermatologist fortified by Harvard, certified to the board. “The area around the eye is thin and delicate, which facilitates the trapping of skin cells, and the skin has fewer oil glands, which means less natural lubrication to wash the skin cells. They feel firm but are not painful or tender to the touch.” They are not ignited, and because they do not have visible pores, “they will not jump, no matter how hard you tighten them.”

Milia can be triggered by everything that interferes with the process of natural exfoliation of the skin, such as thick creams or makeup, sun damage or skin trauma. “I have seen cases related to long-term use of steroid creams, or after resurfacing treatments such as lasers or peels when post-sound is not properly followed,” explains Rypien. Kiran Mian certified dermatologist, DO, adds that tight clothes like spandex sportswear can also – in combination with perspiration – also contributing to Milia.

The condition can also be triggered by autoimmune responses such as lupus, or by certain genetic disorders surrounding hair growth and sweat glands. “If someone knows a widespread or unusual milia, a medical assessment may be necessary,” advises Ryprien. “In some cases,” adds Dr. Kapoor, “genetics can be the deep cause, because the body can be programmed to simply lose cells more slowly.”

“Aging skin increases your chances of developing Milia, because this carpet of skin renewal becomes a bit rusty,” notes Dr. Kapoor. “Our process of natural skin exfoliation becomes less effective and the chances that dead cells are trapped under our skin increases.” Newborns often get Milia because their perspiration glands do not yet work fully, but in these cases, the condition is generally resolved by itself after a few weeks. Adults are not always so lucky.

In front, our experts share means to eradicate these harmless but boring skin bumps.

How to prevent Milia

With around the eyes, Milia tends to appear on the nose, the cheeks, the forehead and around the lips. “Keep your skin slowly exfoliated, avoid the creams with too heavy eyes and always carefully remove makeup,” advises Rypsum. “Look for products containing ingredients such as retinol, glycolic, lactic or salicylic acids to encourage cellular renewal. Just make sure they are specifically formulated for the area.” Wearing sunscreen can considerably reduce your chances of Milia formation, adds Dr. Kapoor, because exposure to UV thickens the skin and slows exfoliation.

Get rid of milia

Will Milia disappear if it is not treated? “The short answer is no,” says Dr. Kapoor. “Of course, there are a few exceptions, but Milia in adults tends to persist until they are addressed.”

Home methods

According to Dr. Kapoor, home treatments can take months to work. “It will require patience,” he says. “I suggest applying a hot compress to the milia once or twice a day for about five to 10 minutes at a time. The goal behind this is to soften the dead fabric to facilitate the resolution of the milia naturally. ”

You can also use retinol to soften the skin or encourage exfoliation using glycolic, lactic or salicylic acids to help decompose dead skin cells. But Dr. Kapoor advises to use an acid the same evening as a retinol, otherwise you risk irritation.

Dr. Mian found that the best way to coax the milia on the surface is with retinoids: “If you have never used retinoid, start with an over-the-counter product and use it three times a week, increasing frequency as tolerated,” she said.

Office methods

In a professional environment, a fine scalpel needle or a comedone extractor is used to gently open the skin before the dead cells trapped inside are eliminated. “In our office, it is a quick and effective procedure with a minimum of discomfort, little or no time of stopping and no damage to the fabric of the delicate skin”, Rypian sharing. “Because the skin around the eyes is so delicate and can easily scar, I do not recommend trying this at home.”

When to see a dermatologist

“If Milia is persistent, multiplying or affecting your self -confidence, it is worth visiting a dermatologist,” explains Ryprien.

“Milia is not harmful to your health, but if they are not treated, they can become larger and deeper and become more difficult to remove,” added Dr Mian.

When you feel that Milia seriously affects your life, it may be time to see a professional.