Milia, the tiny white bumps that appear on the skin, can be a cause of aesthetic concern for many.
These small bumps, formed by a buildup of keratin, often appear on areas such as the face, especially around the eyes and nose. Although they do not pose a health risk, understanding why they appear and how to treat them can help those who want to get rid of them.
In this article, we'll explore in depth what milium are, what factors can contribute to their formation, and what options exist for their treatment and prevention.
WHAT ARE MILIUMS?
Miliums , also known as "keratin cysts" or "milium cysts," are small, hard , white bumps measuring 1 to 3 mm that appear on the skin.
They are often mistaken for blackheads , but unlike blackheads, miliums are not associated with clogged pores caused by sebum and dead skin cells. They form when the keratinocyte , a keratin-producing cell, becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin.
These cysts are usually found on the face , particularly around the eyes , eyelids and cheeks , although they can also appear in other areas of the body.
WHEN DO MILIUMS APPEAR?
Milia can appear in people of all ages , from infants to adults. In newborns, they are common and are known as "neonatal milia." In these cases, they usually disappear on their own within a few weeks.
In adults , milium are often the result of skin damage , sunburn, skin injury, or a side effect of certain dermatological treatments.
| Miliums are benign white bumps that can appear on the skin due to the accumulation of keratin cells. While they are not a health problem, they can be bothersome from an aesthetic point of view. |
WHY DO MILIUMS APPEAR?
The formation of miliums is related to abnormal keratinization of skin cells.
When keratin-producing cells build up beneath the skin 's surface instead of sloughing off naturally, they can form small cysts.
| They are accumulations of keratin in the hair follicle, produced when keratin is blocked at the exit of the pilosebaceous glands. They are benign, that is, they appear on healthy skin, so they do not represent any health problem, only an aesthetic problem. |
The exact causes of this abnormal accumulation are not fully known, but it is believed that they may be related to genetic factors , sun exposure , skin damage and the use of certain cosmetic products.
HOW TO TREAT MILIUMS?
It is important to note that miliums are not dangerous and in many cases can disappear on their own over time. However, if miliums are persistent or cause cosmetic discomfort, there are treatment options available:
1. Gentle exfoliation : Regular use of gentle exfoliants can help remove dead skin cells and prevent keratin buildup. It is recommended to use exfoliating products with glycolic acid, salicylic acid or fruit enzymes.
2. Extraction by a dermatologist : A dermatologist can perform milium extraction using sterilized tools to carefully remove the cysts from the skin. This procedure should be performed by a professional to avoid inflammation or scarring.
3. Laser or electrocautery treatments : In severe or persistent cases, miliums can be treated with laser or electrocautery to remove the skin bumps more quickly and effectively.
| It is never advisable to try to puncture one of these tiny pimples. Besides being a difficult task, there is a considerable risk of causing a skin infection. Although there is no miracle solution for miliums, following a proper skin care routine and taking the right measures goes a long way in helping to eliminate them and prevent their return. |
HOW TO PREVENT MILIUMS?
While there is no guaranteed way to completely prevent miliums from forming, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing them:
1. Maintain good facial hygiene : Cleanse your face regularly with a mild cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells that can contribute to clogged pores.
2. Protect yourself from the sun : Sun damage can contribute to the formation of miliums, so be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before heading out in the sun.
3. Avoid comedogenic products : Use non-comedogenic moisturizers or skin care products, meaning those that do not clog pores, to reduce the risk of dead skin cell buildup.
4. Avoid excessive skin manipulation : Avoid squeezing or manipulating skin bumps, as this can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of scarring.
| Adopting a good skincare routine and avoiding triggers such as sun exposure and the use of comedogenic products can help prevent miliums from forming. |
DON'T TRY TO EXPLOIT THEM
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