Milia, otherwise known as milk spots, are small white lumps under the skin. Many people associate them with babies, but teenagers and adults can both also get milk spots anywhere on the face.
If you find that you frequently get milia then don’t be alarmed. Milia are not a cause of concern health-wise as they are only an aesthetic issue. Most of the time, though, people don’t like the way that they look on their skin and want them removed.
You may be able to prevent milia build up in the first place if you follow a skincare routine to minimise pores and exfoliate your skin.
White spots under eyes
Milia is most often displayed as white lumps under the eyes or around the cheek and eye area. This is because the skin around the eyes has limited circulation when compared with the rest of the face, and there are no oil glands to help excrete build up within the skin.
There are two different types of milia and both have their own causes.
First, we have what’s known as ‘primary milia’. This is caused by a build up of the protein keratin in the pores of your skin. When not removed naturally, due to the lack of oil glands in that area of your face, the build up can form a small white cyst.
Second, we have what’s known as ‘secondary milia’. Rather than the keratin naturally building up in your pores, with secondary milia something will be blocking the keratin in. This can be because of using certain products on your skin, sun damage, or any other form of skin trauma. That’s why if you are having an aging treatment, such as Botox, it is best to go to a clinic and follow all after care instructions.
Milia removal
Milia spots can disappear on their own over time. However, this can take a long time and it is unpredictable whether they will be gone in a matter of weeks or months.
It is strongly advised that you don’t try and remove milia or milk spots by yourself as they are very much not like whiteheads or spots and you can cause damage to your skin.
Instead, if milia are bothering you then you should visit an expert skin clinic and spa and discuss your options with an experienced clinician.
How we remove milia spots on the face
At The Beauty Barn Clinic and Spa, we begin your milia treatment with a professional consultation with one of our expert clinicians.
They will discuss what you can expect and whether milia removal is right for you.
If you are going ahead with treatment, then the first step is to give your skin a deep clean. Following this, a sterile needle will be used to make an incision on the milia and empty the contents within.
After the milia is extracted, your face is then treated to a peel and a hydro facial.
FAQs
What causes milia spots on face?
Milia has two causes: either a natural build up of keratin in the pores on your face, or a blockage of the pores on your face causing a build up of keratin.
How to get rid of milia spots under eyes?
Milia can disappear on its own but it’s unknown how long it will take, and it varies for every single person.
If you want to get rid of milia then you should contact an expert skin clinic to see if the treatment is right for you.
Can milia milk spots appear anywhere?
Milia spots most commonly appear under or around the eyes because in this area there’s no oil glands that can help regulate your pores naturally. As well as this, there is limited circulation in this area when compared to other areas of the skin and this factor encourages build ups.
How to prevent milia spots?
You can prevent milia by switching out oily make-up, make-up removers, and eye creams for water-based products and serum-textured creams that can be absorbed easily into the skin around the eyes.
Can milia spots cause moles?
There is currently no evidence that milia or milk spots cause the appearance of moles.
How to remove milia spots on face?
If you choose to remove the milia on your skin, then you will need an appointment at an experienced skin clinic.
A sterile needle will be used to make an incision on the milia through which the contents are extracted.