What Is Milia?
Everything you need to know about milia & milia treatment
What Is milia?
Milia (or milium) are tiny white bumps near the surface of your skin. They are very common on babies (they are sometimes known as milk spots or oil seeds) but anyone can get them at any time of life. You can find them anywhere on the body, but they often cluster around the eyes, nose, cheeks and forehead.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes milia on the face, how to remove milium grains and why we get these little white bumps.
What is milia on the face?
What is the difference between a whitehead and a milium speck?
Grains of milia and whiteheads (or closed comedones) are microcysts. They are caused by an accumulation of material under a thin layer of skin, forming raised colourless pimples.
However, the make-up of milia and whiteheads differs. A closed comedo is caused by an accumulation of sebum, the oil in the skin, sometimes accompanied by bacteria. It can become infected and turn into a red pimple.
How do milium grains appear?
Can we prevent the appearance of grains of milia?
It is not possible to completely prevent the appearance of milium grains. But a few precautions and a good skincare routine could help limit their appearance.
Preventive measures can also benefit the overall appearance of the skin and can slow down the appearance of blackheads, boost the radiance of the complexion and help prevent premature skin ageing.