Skin: Millia

Milia are keratin filled small cysts that form usually in areas where the pores of the skin are very small! Commonly around the eye or cheek area.

They are often mistaken for white heads or just uneven skin.

Why do they appear and what causes them:

First of all there are two types of milia:

Primary milia: this may result from oil glands that have not fully or properly developed

and

Secondary milia: this results from trauma to the skin i.e stripping the skin causing it to over produce oils or using products which are too heavy for this skin which blocks it.

If its the first one..then its just the way your skin is and milia will usually disappear on their own

If its the second type then the skin care routine is to blame and should be changed and milia will have to be removed.

Tips: Never use oil based products near eyes..this is why eye cream was invented..creams are too rich for the small pores around the eyes. This goes for foundation and cheap oil filled concealers too...they simply clog pores and doesn't allow them to sweat and breathe!

Oh and yes the amount of clients with milia that told me they use body lotion on their face and suffer from milia...yikes..no wonder lol!

How to keep them away:

If the milia hasn't shifted within a few months it is best to get them removed at your salon....i don't know if youve tried but these suckers wont budge like normal spots with a hard squeeze!! It requires using a special needle to prick the skin, then the milia pops out like a little pod :). i promise this does not hurt if done correctly!

Once milia is removed they shouldn't return as long as the following is applied:

Exfoliate once/twice a week..do not over exfoliate..this can cause them!!!

Apply a separate eye cream

Steer clear of oily make up

Tone after cleansing to remove any excess product

xxx