Resembling unsightly heat rash , milium spots are hard whitish or yellowish cysts similar to small acne spots topped with white dots that appear on the face and especially around the eyes, on the nose or on the cheeks, especially at the level of the cheekbones. Some even have them on the eyelids and along the eyelashes! Of course, these skin problems are not a health problem and are harmless. However, the milium grain remains unsightly and can take a long time to disappear, hence the interest in using a natural treatment! Here are some natural grandmother’s remedies to get rid of milium spots more quickly without scarring or prevent their appearance on your cheeks.
Summary
Why do we have milia grains? And what is it exactly?
Before even wondering how to get rid of milium spots, it is essential to ask the question of the reasons for their appearance. Identifying them can indeed help resolve the problem in the long term by preventing its occurrence.
Unlike sebaceous cysts which are made up of sebum, these tiny 1-3mm cysts contain sebaceous cells and keratin trapped under the outer layer of skin. This is usually due to poor removal of dead cells in the case of primary milium granules . As for secondary milium grains , this is due to attacks on the skin (burn, excessive exposure to UV, laser, peeling, too frequent abrasive scrubs, microdermabrasion, etc.). Using creams that are too rich and taking certain medications that promote sebum production can also promote the phenomenon and cause the appearance of an unsightly white ball.
1) Water vapor against milium spots on the face
Credits: Pezibear / Pixabay
Use steam or a warm washcloth to “open” clogged pores and facilitate the removal of impurities and other dead skin. Alternatively, do a steam bath using a pan of boiling water and a towel (about 20 minutes). You can optionally add tea tree essential oil or rosewood essential oil to your boiling water (1 to 2 drops). This will help purify and cleanse your epidermis in depth while helping to regulate excess sebum. Following this, do one of the treatments mentioned below to remove miliary acne.
2) Castor oil
Castor oil
Credits: iStock
This oil is native to Africa and comes from castor oil, a plant with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and emollient properties that help your skin absorb sebum . Apply cold-pressed castor oil to the area and massage until this remedy is absorbed. Do this for a few days to see results on your breakouts!
3) Honey
honey mask
YouTube capture of AnnieJaffrey’s channel – Modified: Astucesdegrandmere.net
Regular application of an organic honey mask that you leave on for around twenty minutes will not only make your skin soft , but will also help remove milium grains thanks to its antiseptic effect. You will need to renew the application regularly, even daily! Ideally, choose manuka honey. Although more expensive, it has recognized anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and helps soothe skin irritations.
4) Apple cider vinegar
cider vinegar
Credits: iStock
Already very effective on skin tags , cider vinegar is also very useful on miliary acne thanks to its astringent power . It thus reduces the pores of the skin and frees them from impurities. How to use it ? Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Then apply this lotion to the affected areas with a cotton pad and leave for 30 minutes before rinsing. You can also test mixing 3 teaspoons of corn flour with a teaspoon of cider vinegar! Then, leave it on for half an hour before rinsing with cold water. This treatment will tighten your pores and absorb excess sebum .
5) Rose water and sandalwood powder
rose water make use
Credits: iStock
By mixing rose water and sandalwood powder, you will obtain a mask to leave on every day for a quarter of an hour. This paste will gently exfoliate the skin . Leave this natural remedy known since Antiquity for greater effectiveness on keratinized residues. This will leave your skin smooth, soft and cleansed. You can also drink rose water alone two to three times a week to benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties . Since it should not be applied to the eye area, however, reserve it for grains on your nose or cheekbones!
6) Focus on exfoliation against milium grains
Credits: iStock
Exfoliate the skin regularly! Do not tear or pierce the grains as this could result in scarring. However, exfoliation is known to remove dead skin cells and is therefore exactly what your skin needs. You can use several homemade products:
Use a scrub made from acai powder and vegetable oil for example or a rough terry towel
Don’t want to rush for complicated ingredients for your scrubs? Test the sugar scrub ! Collect the juice of a quarter of a lemon, add two large tablespoons of sugar then a spoonful of olive oil. Exfoliate your skin for a few minutes with this mixture then leave on like a mask for 20 minutes. Do this treatment twice a month for several months.
Furthermore, you can also put the pomegranate peels in the oven until they become brown and crumbly and reduce them to powder. Mixed with rose water or lemon juice to make a paste to exfoliate the skin, providing antioxidants and vitamins in the process . Then, don’t hesitate to leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
7) Fenugreek leaves
fenugreek leaves
Credits: iStock
It is a common treatment in Ayurvedic beauty against imperfections of all kinds (blackheads, milium spots, pimples, etc.). They are in fact antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Start by grinding a handful of fresh leaves with a little water. Put this paste on your face and leave for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse. Do this every day until the problem is resolved.
8) What other daily care products?
aloe vera
YouTube capture of the Immy Maryam channel
Apply a few drops of tea tree essential oil (also called tea tree essential oil) to the skin. In fact, this will disinfect it and dry the milia grains . You can apply it in the evening after a good facial cleansing. Take some on your fingers and dab the areas to be treated. The next morning, rinse well.
Aloe vera gel is also a good ally, because it helps the skin heal. In addition, it fights inflammation and has antioxidant actions while helping to open pores to better treat them. Apply this product to the area to be treated and leave on overnight. Rinse the next day. Do this application twice a day (morning and evening). Moreover, it can act as a moisturizer depending on your skin type.
How to prevent milium spots in the future?
milium grains natural remedies natural treatment
Credits: iStock
It is easier to prevent their appearance than to treat them . So how can you avoid milium spots? Here are some recommendations:
-Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Moderate exposure will allow you to stock up on beneficial vitamin D without burning!
-Use a moisturizer suited to your skin type. The formula of your treatments should not be too rich for you . As for makeup, it must be non-comedogenic, light and removed carefully in the evening.
-Have good hygiene and use a facial cleanser daily. For exfoliation, use a gentle scrub .
-Ban cosmetics based on mineral oils. Lanolin, petroleum and paraffin can in fact suffocate the skin and promote the formation of these microcysts.
-Reduce your consumption of foods that are too sweet, too salty and too fatty : cheese, fried foods, etc.
-Remember to never puncture or extract your milium seeds.
-If they occurred after using topical medications (e.g. steroid cream), talk to your doctor.
For further…
If nothing helps you remove these fat balls on the surface of the skin, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist! The latter will give you skin care to treat these microcysts morning and evening. Very often, these formulas are based on retinol (or vitamin A). He may also decide to pierce the milium grain with a fine needle. If this gesture is not recommended at home because of the risk of scarring and causing an infection, this professional will know how to do it without leaving an unsightly mark on your face or risking injury to the sensitive area around the eyes. Finally, a professional will be able to identify a possible vitamin A deficiency or vitamin E deficiency and direct you towards foods and supplementation to overcome it and help fight against milia from the inside .