This vegan and cruelty-free scrub is designed for those with keratosis pilaris — a condition that leads to keratin buildup and results in small, rough bumps on the skin. Keratosis pilaris bumps are not too different from milia, so the double action of this rigorous scrub can help with both. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. These Alpha Beta Extra Strength two-step peel pads treat milia while bringing out your skin’s natural, radiant glow. The first pad is a powerful exfoliant with glycolic and salicylic acid, while the second pad brightens and renews the skin with retinol and vitamin C.

You should already be wearing sunscreen every day to protect the skin on your face from ultraviolet rays. An additional benefit of the right sunscreen can be a decrease in skin irritation that causes milia. Alternative salon methods of milia removal include treating skin spots with a lance and specialist milia removal tool. We don’t advise you squeeze, lance, or use specialist beauty tools at home, because without expert knowledge of skincare and spot removal you may put your skin at risk of infection and scarring. What If It’s Not Milia? Milia occurring in newborns (neonatal milia) typically resolve on their own within a few weeks. Primary milia affecting older children and adults can either disappear within a few weeks or months, or they can persist longer. If you have milia under eyes, or milia around nose, these areas of the face are more delicate, so if you are worried you will damage your skin, then a salon or cosmetic clinic treatment for milia spots is probably best.

Regulated by the Care Quality Commission, Health Inspectorate Wales and Health Improvement Scotland Your milia removal consultation will be with a doctor who will assess your condition and determine the most appropriate form of treatment. During your consultation they will be able to answer any questions you may have about your milia removal and give you personalised advice. If they decide your skin condition can be treated, they will be able to carry out the procedure in-clinic. All of our clinics are monitored by the Care Quality Commission and the equivalent in Scotland (HIS) and Wales (HIW), for your safety and peace of mind. Three simple steps to start your journey This hydrating face cream from Murad is marketed as an anti-aging treatment, but it’s also a great milia removal cream for those with sensitive skin. It’s made with a high percentage of retinol to improve and renew your skin — but not too high that it’ll irritate. Kurokawa I, Kakuno A, Tsubura A. Milia may originate from the outermost layers of the hair bulge of the outer root sheath: A case report. Oncol Lett. 2016;12(6):5190-5192. doi:10.3892/ol.2016.5335

If you’d like to target your bumps directly, Paula’s Choice BHA 9 Treatment is one of the most potent milia products to try. Its formula contains a very high percentage of salicylic acid, an exfoliating ingredient that can penetrate through sebum and potentially do a better job with more deep-seated plugs. It’s also fantastic for minimizing the look of pimples and bumps. Care should be taken to clean and disinfect a comedone extractor with isopropyl alcohol before use for milia treatment to prevent infection. Gentle skin exfoliation might help keep your skin free of irritants that cause milia. Some exfoliating agents keep the keratin in your skin from overproducing. Look for exfoliating cleansers that contain salicylic acid, citric acid, or glycolic acid. Milia in newborns almost always resolve on their own without treatment. In adults this is much less often the case, and they’re commonly extracted or otherwise removed. Milia bumps (i.e., small cysts called milk spots) can appear on the face when dead skin cells are not properly exfoliated off the skin’s surface. When dead skin gets trapped under new skin, it can harden, and form a milium (i.e., a milk spot). When trapped, dead skin cells can form cysts just below the surface of your skin, causing milia.

Combination. We suggest trying out a balanced milia product that easily fits your routine. A neutral product like The Ordinary 7% AHA Exfoliating Liquid might be a good place to start. This formula is also very hydrating, thanks to ingredients such as the aforementioned PHA, plus hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Its texture is very light, so unlike heavier creams, there’s minimal risk that it’ll make milia worse. Sun damage can be a contributing factor for milia because it makes skin rough and leathery, so it's more difficult for dead cells to rise to the skin's surface and shed normally. Milia occur most often in newborn babies. In fact, 40 to 50 percent of newborn babies have milia on their skin within a month of being born, according to a 2008 review. But milia can also affect children, adolescents, and adults. Made with exfoliating pumice beads and 10% AHA, it resurfaces the skin thoroughly to help milia disappear. We suggest slowly introducing it into your routine since it’s easy to overuse, and you don’t want your skin to end up over-exfoliated, irritated, or dry.

At present doctor consultations are not available to book online however just call one of our friendly advisors and they will be happy to help.

What causes milia?

After washing, pat your skin dry instead of letting it air dry. This will help prevent your skin from chafing or drying out. Andriessen A, Rodas Diaz AC, Gameros PC, Macias O, Neves JR, Gonzalez CG. Over the counter products for acne treatment and maintenance in Latin America: A review of current clinical practice. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(3):244-250. doi:10.36849/JDD.5779 Visit your sk:n clinic and meet your doctor for a one to one consultation. During this consultation the doctor will: