The small, white, hard bumps which appear on our skin, usually on the face, are called Milia or “milk spots”. Although they are typical for newborns, they can as well appear in adults, teens, and infants.
The milk spots appear when the protein located in skin tissues called keratin, is trapped beneath the skin surface.
What Causes Them?
About 40 percent of newborns have milk spots, and the precise cause is still unknown. Milia has 2 forms: primary and secondary. The first type affects babies, and secondary adults, and older children. The secondary type of milia is usually related to some kind of skin damage which results in blistering and damaging of the pore lining. Milia can be caused by the following skin irritations:
- Burns
- Blistering because of a skin condition
- Skin resurfacing procedures, like laser resurfacing or dermabrasion
- Long-term use of steroid creams
- Blistering injuries, like poison ivy
- Long-term sun damage
How Is It Treated?
The primary type of milia doesn’t require treatment since it usually disappears within several weeks. The secondary type can take months to clear up. Physicians recommend the following treatment options: laser ablation, cryotherapy, chemical peel, and diathermy. Although milk spots aren’t a health concern, they can cause discomfort and problems with self-esteem. In case you want to decrease the appearance of these milium cysts in a more natural way, we present you with the following 8 natural remedies.
1. Sugar Lemon Juice Scrub
Lemons have incredible antioxidant and antibacterial properties which make them a natural skincare product, whereas sugar forms an exfoliating agent. Mix 2 tbsp. of sugar with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and juice from ½ a lemon. Scrub your face carefully with the resulted mixture, and allow it to stay for about 15 to 20 minutes. After that, rinse your face.
2. Cornstarch and Apple Cider Vinegar
Cornstarch can aid in the absorption of extra fat from the skin. If you mix it with apple cider vinegar you will get a natural remedy to get rid of the milium cysts. Make an astringent paste by mixing the 2 ingredients and spread it to the wanted areas. Allow it to stay for about 25 minutes, and then wash it off.
3. Castor Oil
This oil has been part of the treatment of asthma, constipation, and bladder infections. Its antibacterial and natural healing properties can help reduce the oil production in your skin. Make a face mask by combining equal amounts of castor oil and olive oil. Apply it to your face and allow it to stay until your skin has completely absorbed the oils. Then, rinse it.
4. Steaming
One natural method to eliminate the toxins in your skin is steaming your face. This can improve blood circulation, unclog the pores, and eliminate the dead cells on the skin. Soak a towel in a hot water, and after squeezing the excess water carefully press it on your face for several minutes, and then remove it.
5. Tea Tree Oil
This oil acts as a natural skin disinfectant which is why it can be a soothing solution for milk spots. It clears the skin of infections due to its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Before applying the tea tree oil to the affected areas, wash your face. Allow it to stay overnight so that it can dry out the millia. Wash your face thoroughly the next morning.
6. Pomegranate Peel Powder
Roasted powder of pomegranate peel possesses strong exfoliating and antioxidant properties. First, roast a few pomegranate peels until they turn brown, and then make a fine powder by crushing the roasted peels. If you like, you can add some lemon juice. This mask should be applied to your face and allowed to stay for about 15 minutes. After that just wash it off.
7. Fenugreek Leaves
These leaves possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. To make a natural remedy for milk spots make a paste out of a handful of fresh ground fenugreek leaves and some water. Apply the paste on your face and allow it to stay for about 15 minutes. After this period, wash your face.
8. Raw Honey
Honey moisturizes the skin and prevents drying, so it will rejuvenate it. Make a scrub by mixing raw honey and sugar, and use this scrub to exfoliate the top skin layer. After that, wash your face thoroughly.
Via David Wolfe