Often mistaken as a white head that just won't go away... milia (also known as milium cyst) is actually trapped Keratin. Keratin is a strong protein that’s typically found in skin tissues, hair, and nail cells. Milia is typically found on the face, eyelids and cheeks.
How do you get Milia?
Milia can form because a number of reasons and most often it's when your skin loses its natural ability to exfoliate. This can happen as a result of aging or sun-damage which makes skin rough and leathery, making it hard for dead skin cells to rise and shed naturally. Applying heavy creams or to much of a product can also clog pores and create milia.
Treatment
Even though they will disappear on their own it may take a few weeks to even a few months. Whatever you do don't try and squeeze these out yourself. Doing so will create scarring and must be extracted by a dermatologist or trained aesthetician. Here at Elaine's Medical Aesthetics we use Thermocoagulation to effectively remove Milia along with other skin lesions such as skin tags and sebaceous keratosis.
Thermocoagulation utilizes the High Frequency Current to discharge pin point heat energy to dissolve the oil and debris in milia. This leaves you with a tiny scab the size of the lesion that heals quickly within the up coming weeks.
Prevention products
AHA or BHA exfoliating facial acids
Proper exfoliation is important for those who are milia-prone. Seeing milia tends to form because your skin can't shed fast enough to prevent build up of Keratin. Serums with Glycolic or Lactic acid (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) or toners with Salicylic acid ( Beta Hydroxy Acid) will help to exfoliate to improve tone and texture over time. Our favorite is iS Clinical Active serum which is powerful but gentle and provides immediate with long term results.
Retinoids
Topical retinoids work by speeding up the skin cell turnover process. This allows your body to replace older skin cells on the surface of the skin with newer, fresh skin cells. Retinoids are made from Vitamin A and used to treat lots of skin concerns from acne to aging. Milia doesn't stand a chance with a high quality product such as Rejudicare's Retinol SRX. This light weight and fast absorbing retinol has hydrating properties giving you a clearer, brighter appearance to your skin.
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