How to Get Rid of Milia Naturally

Milia better known as milk spots are small white bumps normally found around the eyes and cheeks. They are not harmful and will disappear on their own but there are natural remedies that can help you clear them up more quickly.

In this blog we will cover everything you need to know about these tiny bumps.

What is Milia?
What causes Milia?
How to get rid of Milia?
How to prevent Milia?

Milia are small white or yellowish raised cysts on the skin containing keratin. Keratin is a type of protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails. Milia occur when keratin becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin. The most common place to find milia is near the eyes, cheeks and nose in small clusters, although it is possible to have just one milium at a time and they can occur on any part of the body. Unlike spots, milia can not be squeezed and should not feel uncomfortable or painful. Although they cause no harm Milia can be incredibly irritating.

What causes Milia?

The causes of milia differ among adults and infants.

Infant Milia

Milia are so common in babies (up to 50%) that it is considered normal. Infant Milia occurs when the glands get blocked because they aren't yet fully developed. You don't need to treat infant milia, because they'll go away by themselves in a few weeks.

Adult Milia

Dermatologists suggest that adult milia may be due to skin damage from something like a rash or injury. Another cause could be sun damage or an allergic reaction to harsh facial products. Some people are more prone to milia that others but they can occur in adults of all ages, sex and skin colour. Adult Milia will also go away in time but there are ways to naturally speed up the process.

How to get rid of Adult Milia

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SQUEEZE OR SCRATCH OFF MILIA

Instead to get rid of Milia naturally, follow these three steps:

Use a natural exfoliating cleanser
Use Tea Tree oil
Use an antibacterial moisturiser

It is important that you do not try to physically remove Milia at home. Attempting to squeeze or scratch off Milia could result in irritation or infection and could lead to scarring.

There are many ways to treat Milia like Topical retinoids, Chemical peels, Laser ablation and Cryotherapy where liquid nitrogen freezes the milia, but all of these treatments can be harsh on your skin and cause further issues in the future.

The good news is that there are natural remedies that can help clear up your Milia more quickly.

1. Use a natural exfoliating cleanser

Cleansing the area regularly with an antibacterial, gently exfoliating soap can help keep your skin free of irritants that cause Milia. Look for a cleanser containing Aloe Vera and Tea Tree. Aloe Vera contains polyphenols; compounds that are antioxidant and Tea Tree Oil has antibacterial properties. Our organic Tea Tree soap is safe to use quite close to the eyes but do be careful around this sensitive area.

2. Use Tea Tree Oil.

Tea Tree Oil is regarded as the most effective essential oil for Milia. It works as a disinfectant due to its antibacterial properties and is believed to help dissolve the keratin in the milia. Use once a day, before bed time, after washing with soap. Put tea tree oil on a cotton wool bud and lightly dab each Milia/Spot in turn. Be as accurate and sparing as possible when applying as neat Tea Tree oil is quite strong and you only need a tiny, tiny amount for it to be very effective. Don't apply any neat essential oils close to your eyes.

3. Use an antibacterial moisturiser.

If you do find you need extra moisturisation we would recommend a Light Tea Tree Cream, applied sparingly after washing but before applying Tea Tree oil.