Milia

Manage the symptoms of milia today for a smooth, radiant complexion.

What is Milia?

Milia are small, white bumps that form under the skin’s surface. They are also known as “milk cysts or milk spots”. The tiny bumps look like whiteheads, but they are not acne. Unlike acne, they don’t develop in a pore and are not red or inflamed. Milia are common in both males and females and can occur at any age. Although particularly more common in young babies, milia can also be present in adults.

The most common area for milia to develop are around the eyes, the eye lids, forehead or the cheeks. Milia forms when a protein called keratin gets trapped under the skin causing a blockage in the sweat ducts. The keratin may become trapped due to a number of reasons such as allergic reactions, irritation from skin care products that may be to harsh or equally too moisturising, inhibiting the skin natural exfoliation process. Lifestyle factors and, or a genetic predisposition may also be of a contributing factor. Milia are harmless and are more so of a cosmetic concern than medical. In some occasions they may naturally clear up on their own, this can be assisted with good exfoliation products. If a little more stubborn they may require a little more intervention with an in clinic treatment. We would always say to avoid squeezing them as this may cause more skin trauma.

FAQs

You’ve probably got some questions, but before you get in touch, we’ve answered the most common ones here.

  • What causes Milia?

    Common causes include: Neonatal milia. Allergic reactions. Irritation from skin care. Over moisturising the skin/poor exfoliation. Genetic predisposition. Skin damage from burns or trauma (traumatic milia). Overuse of topical steroid creams. Skin resurfacing procedures such as Dermabrasion. Excessive sun exposure. Genetic disorders. Autoimmune skin conditions.

  • Should you pop milia?

    If milia is of a concern seek a skin care professional. Popping your own milia may result in skin irritation, scaring and or infection.

  • What treatments are effective for milia?

    Treatment of milia may consist of anything from gentle exfoliation, topical creams or minor extraction procedures. Treatments we can offer include:

    1. Hydrafacial – an effective treatment for milia. This poplar treatment provides a deep exfoliation, a chemical skin peel, followed by extractions, skin hydration and light therapy. The extraction process involves a gentle suction method then can be very effective for removing milia. Regular treatments can prevent their recurrence.
    2. Chemical Peel -Obagi blue Peel Radiance and ZO Stimulator peels. A chemical solution is applied to the skin to promote an exfoliation of the upper layers of the skin, which will help to soften and gently exfoliate any superficial milia.
    3. Resurface – Effective for deeper milia, this skin resurfacing treatment causes columns of thermal damage promoting a deep exfoliation and remodelling of the collagen matrix, increasing cellular turnover and skin rejuvenation.

    Following your consultation your practitioner will advice the best treatment for optimal results. We will ensure you have a good understanding of how the treatment will benefit your skin, including benefits, any downtime expected, duration and costs.

  • Can milia return following treatment?

    If you have a genetic predisposition to milia, then they can return following treatment. A consistent skin care is essential if you are prone to them. Good exfoliation is the key to removes dead skin cells and surface oil, therefore keeping the pores clear. Avoiding heavy moisturiser that may block the follicles should also be avoided.

  • How can ZO Skin Health help to support my skin?

    ZO Principles of Skin Health Restoration specifically focus on restoring skin’s strength and optimizing cellular functions to provide the best treatment outcomes and achieve overall skin health restoration. Skin should be fortified to renew, protect and strengthen itself to maintain healthy skin for life. From correcting and management of ageing, sun damage, and skin concerns such as milia, keratosis pilaris, pigmentation, acne, rosacea, and protecting against future damage, ZO has your skin health covered with its clinically proven, medical skin care brand. Only the highest quality active ingredients like retinoids, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, glycolic acid, lactic acid and more. Following a consultation a prescribed regimen that works to improve your skin concern alongside its texture, repairs your skin barrier and restores a healthy, youthful appearance to your skin will be prescribed.

  • How does the The Advanced Nutrition Programme support my skin?

    Healthy skin starts on the inside, for optimal results this needs to be fed daily with skin specific nutrients. To help improve the appearance of compromised skin whilst supporting skin elasticity, firmness and collagen production experts recommend supporting the skin with supplements from the Advanced Nutritional Programme (ANP) supplement range alongside a healthy diet. Traditional skincare is turned inside out with the innovative, award-winning range of evidence-based skincare supplements. While topical skincare only treats 50% of the skin on the surface, ANP potent nutritional blends feed your skin from within for a proven, 100% skincare approach, your skin will certainly thank you for it. Following your consultation we can advised a complete nutritional approach to optimise your skin health.

Save Face Centre of Excellence

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Contact us to book a consultation

Call 01782 922300

Visit 513 Etruria Road, Basford, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 6HT

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