Milia Removal
"Milk cysts" are commonly confused for acne. Milia, are small, non-inflamed cysts that develop on the skin. The tiny bumps look like whiteheads and develop when skin cells called keratin gets trapped beneath the skin's surface, they should not to be confused with acne pustules, milia are neither red nor inflamed. They almost look like a grain of sand or a hardened milky capsule and are generally small, around 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter, although some can grow larger.
Milia won't pop even if you try, and, more annoying, take a long time to resolve, they can occur anywhere on the body however they are most common around the eyes and on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Milia aren't painful, and they don't itch.
Milia tend to hang around a lot longer than your average pimple. While most acne breakouts will naturally heal within a few day's time, milia can easily last for weeks or months.
WHAT CAUSES MILIA?
Milia develops when a plug of skin cells, called keratin, becomes trapped just beneath the surface of the skin. Milia happen when the skin doesn't exfoliate, or shed dead cells, properly. Milia can also be triggered by an injury to the skin, such as burns, sunburns, and blistering rashes. Certain medications are also known to cause milia, especially topical corticosteroids.
CAN MILIA BE REMOVED FROM AROUND THE EYES?
Removing milia from around the eyes yourself can be dangerous and should only be carried out by a trained professional.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE A MILIA REMOVAL TREATMENT?
Once a consultation has taken place we can advise you accordingly at your to prepare your skin before your treatment by using a non-abrasive exfoliating cleanser and vitamin A product (we will advise which product) on a regular basis. These products will soften the skin that covers the milia, making it easier to remove and can also help prevent further milia developing.
DOES MILIA REMOVAL HURT AND IS IT SAFE?
The removal of milia is virtually painless and there is no need to apply a numbing cream before the procedure. Going to a trained professional is the best way to remove milia safely and effectively. All of our milia removal procedures are carried out in highly clinical, sterilised operating environment.
IS THERE ANY DOWNTIME AFTER MILIA REMOVAL?
There may be some slight redness to the treated area immediately following the milia removal procedure, however this subsides within a matter of hours and benefits of treatment can be noticed instantly.
CAN SKINCARE PRODUCTS CAUSE OR WORSEN WHITE SPOTS
While there's nothing you can do to completely prevent milia, there are a few steps you can take to minimize your chances of preventing them. If you're prone to milia, you may first want to take a good look at what you're putting on your skin. Thick, heavy moisturizers or eye creams can be a trigger and make it more likely to develop pearly bumps.
You may also want to change any skincare products that are contributing to their development. Look for products that are labelled "oil-free" or non-"comedogenic." These products are less likely to clog your pores and trigger keratin overgrowth.