Whilst harmless, Milia can make you feel self-conscious and can make make-up application more difficult. They’re a common skin concern that I see in the clinic, but what exactly are they and how can they be removed?
What are Milia?
Commonly and incorrectly referred to as “whiteheads”, Milia are very small, raised, pearly-white or yellowish bumps on the skin. They are most often seen on the skin around the cheeks, nose, eyes and eyelids, forehead and chest.
What causes Milia?
They develop when dead skin cells and excess oil gather in the outer skin layers and eventually ‘keratinise’. This means that they accumulate keratin and toughen up. Keratin is a vital skin protein that gives our skin, hair and nails structure but in this in-stance, you don’t want it trapped under skin fighting to get out!
It’s believed in some cases that unsuitable use of skincare products which are too rich, or abrasive, may contribute towards Milia developing - whilst from a nutritional point of view, excessive Vitamin C and cholesterol are also potential risk factors.
How can we treat Milia and other skin blemishes?
For effective skin blemish removal, we use Electrolysis in the form of Thermolysis/Short Wave Diathermy which involves passing a tiny electrical current through a probe which is then put into contact with the specific blemish. This procedure uses heat and cauterisation to treat and reduce skin blemishes.
How will it look and feel after treatment?
Your skin may be slightly pink or red after the treatment is carried out depending on what type of blemish has been treated. There may be microcrusting and it is important not to touch or pick the area to keep it sterile.
The feedback I have been getting from clients after having blemishes removed that have been bothering them, in some cases, for many years is that this has been a life changing treatment for them.
As well as Milia, other blemishes can be treated from moles to skin tags, vessels, and many more. This is a super safe method of treatment with no scarring. Please feel free to book in for a consultation with myself and we can discuss your treatment goals further.
Derna
Carol shares here experience on milia removal
Author’s experience
Winner of Aesthetician of the Year 2018 at the Scottish Medical Cosmetic and The Herald LOOK Awards is confirmation of Derna's expertise in laser and skin rejuvenation treatments. Derna is a qualified STEREX Advanced Cosmetic Practitioner in hair and skin blemishes removal for electrolysis treatments.
References and resource links:
• STEREX https://www.sterex.com/2019/12/09/electrolysis-milia-removal/
• Primary Care Dermatology Society https://www.pcds.org.uk/clinical-guidance/milia