Eliminating Milia Beneath Your Eyes

Address stubborn milia either at home or with professional assistance. Milia, commonly known as 'milk spots,' bear resemblance to whitehead pimples but are, in fact, small cysts formed by trapped keratin. They typically vanish within 2 weeks to 6 months and pose no threat; however, some individuals dislike their appearance—particularly around the eyes or cheeks, where milia are frequently found. Various measures can be taken to eradicate milia, such as adopting an under-eye cleansing regimen or reaching out to your dermatologist for prompt removal. We have detailed all milia treatment options below.

Cleanse your face using a mild facial cleanser once or twice daily. Splash lukewarm water onto your face, gently massage with the cleanser, rinse with cool water, and pat dry with a soft cloth. Best done before bedtime, or in the morning if recommended by your dermatologist. Alternatively, use lukewarm water and a clean cloth for a gentle morning cleanse.

Utilize steam to soften your skin post-face wash. Enjoy the steam during a shower or by leaning over a sink filled with hot water with a towel draped over your head. This practice may aid in exfoliating dead skin cells covering the milia, although milia are not caused by clogged pores. Softened skin facilitates exfoliation.

Exfoliate beneath your eyes every other day using a warm, damp, soft cloth. After steam treatment, gently rub the area for 1-2 minutes in a circular motion with light pressure. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Avoid excessive rubbing to prevent redness or discomfort.

Consider applying natural remedies like honey or rose water. Both possess antimicrobial properties and may hasten milia disappearance. Apply honey beneath your eyes, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. You can also create masks with honey, turmeric, almond oil, aloe vera, or oatmeal. Rose water masks, mixed with yogurt and honey, may hydrate and soften skin.

Camouflage milia with hypoallergenic makeup if desired. Use lightweight makeup that won’t clog pores to conceal milia while treating them. Ensure to remove makeup completely during your evening skincare routine.

Avoid picking or attempting to remove milia, especially near the eyes. Trying to pop or extract milia can lead to skin damage, infection, or scarring. Consult a doctor for safe removal procedures.

Use an OTC topical medication under medical guidance. Consult a dermatologist before using OTC treatments like adapalene gel near the eyes to avoid complications. Follow doctor’s instructions carefully.

Consider prescribed topical retinoids for milia treatment. Discuss with a dermatologist about using topical retinoids to address milia. Apply the retinoid as directed, typically daily for several weeks. Understand that this treatment is cosmetic and milia aren’t harmful.

Opt for “deroofing” or similar mechanical removal methods. Dermatologists typically perform deroofing to eliminate milia. This involves making small incisions near each milium and extracting them using specialized tools. It’s a safe procedure with minimal discomfort and rapid healing.

Explore alternative treatments such as cryotherapy or laser ablation. Cryotherapy freezes off milia, while laser ablation uses targeted light beams to remove them. These options may not be suitable for milia near the eyes due to potential risks.

Leave milia undisturbed unless they cause physical or emotional discomfort. Unless infected, milia are harmless and usually resolve on their own within a few months. However, if they affect your emotional well-being, consider professional removal.

Do not fret over milia in newborns or infants. Milia commonly appear on infants' faces and typically disappear within six months. Attempting to remove them is unnecessary and may cause harm. Distinguish between milia and acne in infants for accurate diagnosis and care.

Maintain proper skin care to potentially lower the chances of developing milia. While there's no foolproof method to prevent milia, adopting a gentle skincare routine may help reduce the risk. Additionally, good skincare practices can also mitigate the likelihood of other skin issues such as acne and skin cancer. Alongside regular under-eye cleansing, steaming, and exfoliation, consider these measures:

• Apply sunscreen before heading outdoors.
• Use a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face from the sun.
• Thoroughly remove makeup before bedtime.
• Consult your physician for proper treatment of any skin injuries or minor burns, as milia can develop in healing skin areas.