Milia Removal Brighton
There are various types of cysts, with milium cysts being the most prevalent. Often appearing in clusters, these are referred to as milia.
Milia form when keratin, a robust protein found in skin, hair, and nails, becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface. People of any age or ethnicity can develop milia, but new borns are particularly prone to them.
What are Milia Symptoms?
Milia are tiny, dome-shaped bumps, often white or yellow. Typically, they don’t itch or cause pain, but some people might find them a bit uncomfortable. Rubbing against rough sheets or clothing can make milia red and inflamed.
You’ll mostly spot these cysts on the cheeks, lips, and around the eyes, though they can appear elsewhere on the body too.
First and foremost, resist the urge to pop or squeeze a milium.
Unlike pimples, milia are solid and contain a mix of dead skin cells and sebum, not pus. While you might be able to squeeze fluid out of a pimple (though that’s not recommended either), milia are a different story.
In contrast to a pimple, a milium is a small cyst. Inside the milium, there’s a white lump that’s very hard. Made of keratinized (hardened) dead skin cells that have become trapped just below the surface of your skin.
No matter how hard you try, squeezing milia won’t work.
A grain of sand would be a better description for that bump. Unlike acne blemishes that develop in a pore, milia form under a thin layer of skin, so there is no way for the plug to escape.
Children and adults who have milia are more likely to have had skin damage.
Skin damage can be caused by:
- Damage from Sun over a prolonged time
- Skin conditions such as epidermolysis bullosa (EB), pemphigoid (CP), and other conditions that cause blistering injuries, such as poison ivy burns
- Steroid creams can damage skin also if used long-term
- Dermatological procedures such as dermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing
- Skin that has lost its natural ability to exfoliate can also develop milia. If you're getting older, you might notice this change in your appearance.
Cryosonic uses the most advanced non-invasive cryosurgical tool called a Cryopen for milia removal. There is no pain associated with this medical procedure. Treatment sessions last for about two minutes. The CryoPen uses a jet of cold air directed at the milia in a matter of seconds with millimetre accuracy.On top of the milia, there will be a white frost. That means it's working because of the freezing temperatures! Most of the time, the frost is gone in a matter of seconds.
- A de-roofing procedure is the most common way to get rid of milia. Dermatologists use a sterile needle to remove the tiny flap of skin that traps the keratin flake inside the pore. The keratin flake is then removed by squeezing or pricking.
- Curettage, a form of electrosurgery, is a less standard procedure. Skin is sealed with an electric wire after it has been scraped clean.
After Milia Removal Brighton
No action is required other than to follow the instructions the clinician will give for after milia removal treatment, mainly keep the area clean and don’t put on any make up over the area.
Prevention further Milia
You can help prevent further milia by protecting your skin:
- Exfoliating your skin has many benefits, including reducing hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and acne scarring. And because milia are a result of trapped skin cells, exfoliation is a great way to prevent them.
- Glycolic and salicylic acid are common ingredients in superficial peeling products that provide a faster chemical exfoliation than scrubbing.
- Lightweight Textures Are Better Than Heavy Creams: Milia clustering around the eye could be due to the texture of the skincare products you're using. As a result, your skin may suffer because of clogged pores and a build-up of dead cells under the skin, leading to an army of unsightly bumps.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun: Sun damage and the development of milia go hand in hand, which isn't ideal for anyone who wants flawless skin. No matter what season it is, adding an SPF to your morning skincare routine can't be overstated, especially if you're using peels or exfoliators with acids, which can make your skin ultra-sensitive to the sun's harmful UV rays.
Milia Removal Brighton FAQs:
Milia Removal Brighton: Causes, Types, and Treatment Options
Milia, also known as “milk spots,” are small, white bumps that often appear on the surface of the skin. These tiny imperfections form due to a keratin plug trapped under the skin, typically near sweat glands. While milia are harmless, they can become a cosmetic concern for many. Here’s everything you need to know about milia formation, types, and professional treatment options to achieve clear skin.
What Causes Milia?
Milia occur when dead skin cells or keratin become trapped beneath a patch of skin. Factors such as sun exposure, incomplete removal of makeup, and improper skincare routines can increase the likelihood of milia formation. Using heavy creams, like mineral oil or thicker moisturizers, can also clog pores and contribute to their development.
Types of Milia
There are five main types of milia, each with distinct characteristics:
Primary Milia – The most common type of milia, affecting all age groups, including newborn babies (referred to as neonatal milia).
Secondary Milia – Form due to skin injury or conditions, such as burns or excessive sun exposure.
Eruptive Milia – Appear suddenly as a cluster of white bumps on larger areas, such as the upper arms or face.
Milia En Plaque – Milia found on inflamed patches of skin, often linked to autoimmune conditions.
Neonatal Milia – Common in newborn babies, usually resolving on their own within a few weeks.
Milia Removal Brighton Procedures
For more stubborn or persistent milia spots, professional treatment may be necessary. Below are common treatment options provided by skin clinics to help manage milia safely and effectively.
Chemical Peels – A mild chemical peel with ingredients like glycolic acid is highly effective in exfoliating the skin and clearing surface-level milia.
Retinol Creams – Using a light retinol cream on a regular basis can help prevent new milia from forming by promoting cell turnover and managing oil production.
Laser Ablation – For deeper or resistant milia, laser treatments target the affected area with precision.
Manual Extraction – A tiny incision is made to remove the keratin plug carefully. This method has a quick healing process and is ideal for a smaller number of milia.
Maintaining Healthy Skin
Regular exfoliation, the thorough removal of makeup, and sunscreen protection are essential for maintaining the health of your skin and preventing milia from forming. If milia are a recurring issue, seek professional advice from a skin clinic to explore tailored treatments like mild chemical peels or laser ablation.
Clear, radiant skin is achievable with the right treatment plan and professional care. Whether addressing neonatal milia in newborn babies or persistent secondary milia in adults, there’s a solution suited to the type of milia and the affected area.