Milia bumps are quite harmless, but these tiny, hard bumps around the eye area can be inconvenient to deal with. The good news is they can disappear with the proper skincare – and professional treatment if you feel it’s necessary – and you can get back to enjoying a glowing and clear complexion.
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You may have noticed small, stubborn white bumps sitting under the surface of your skin, around the delicate eye area or across the cheekbones. They’re harder than pimples, and unlike acne, they’re not filled with sebum or bacteria.
Milia bumps are tiny cysts formed when dead skin cells and keratin get trapped under the skin surface. It’s important not to try and pop them as it could lead to scarring and irritation. Instead, with a few adjustments to your skincare routine, you can encourage them to clear safely.
The gentle dissolve
To treat milia bumps, you have to go for ingredients that will promote cell turnover. This is where retinoids can help. Incorporating a retinol serum or eye cream will encourage the skin to shed the upper layers, which will release the trapped keratin.
Pair it with salicylic acid or any other liquid exfoliant. It’s oil-soluble so it penetrates deeper into the pore structure to dissolve build-up.
Lighten your layers
Heavy creams that are rich can smother the skin, trapping the cells underneath. So if you’re a fan of slugging (slathering the skin with an occlusive product like Vaseline) you might want to take short a break. Swap dense textures for lightweight, non-comedogenic water-gels and fluid eye serums to deliver hydration without clogging the surface.
When to see a professional
If there’s a bump that’s very close to the lash line and is quite stubborn, leave it to an expert. An aesthetician or dermatologist will be able to perform a quick painless deroofing procedure – the goal is to use a sterilised needle to create a small escape route for the keratin plug.
Other treatments include chemical peels and cryotherapy, where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the milia, after which it falls off after a while. Your dermatologist will advise you on the best way forward.
The bottom line
Milia bumps are completely harmless but they can be unsightly and a bit of a nuisance. Remember to never poke or pick at them, halt any heavy skincare until they disappear by themselves, and see a professional if you feel it’s necessary.
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Featured Image: Pexels
