Dermalogica Skin Care Advice:
Milia

What are Milia?

Milia (plural of Milium) are tiny white or pale yellow cysts which contain a protein substance produced by the skin called keratin. The tiny cyst appears when this substance becomes trapped underneath the outer layer of skin due to the accumulation of dead skin cells, instead of the skin exfoliating naturally. Milia most commonly appear around the eyes and on the eyelids, cheeks and nose.

People of all ages can suffer from Milia, or milk spots, as they are sometimes called. This skin condition is very common in newborn babies, with experts estimating that as many as 50% of newborns have Milia. In infants, Milia usually appear exclusively on the face, but in adults the cysts can appear anywhere on the body where there are sweat ducts.

A single Milium appears on the base of the hair follicle or sweat gland. They are often mistaken for whiteheads, but there is no infection, bacteria or pus inside the cyst.

There are two forms of Milia Primary Milia and Secondary Milia.

Primary Milia

Primary Milia is usually found in newborns on the face, but can also occur in adults. The cysts will usually disappear on their own within a few weeks and no intervention is required.

Secondary Milia

Secondary Milia forms when the ducts leading to the skin’s surface are clogged and can affect both the face and the body. This can be after an injury to the skin, after skin resurfacing treatments, after blistering of the skin or after excessive sun damage.

Secondary Milia are much more problematic and professional treatment is advised as the cysts can be very difficult to remove and they can lead to scarring if not treated correctly.

By no means should you try to get rid of Milia at home as Milia removal requires the expertise of a cosmetologist or skin physician.

There is no cure for Milia, but they can be prevented with a few small changes to your skin care regime and can be removed by a trained healthcare professional if necessary.