We all want flawless and spot free skin but various skin problems arise in the absence of adequate skin care, one such is Milia which is also called milk spots are small, hard lumps that mainly develop on the cheeks, neck, nose and under the eyes. These are basically keratin-filled cysts that are considered unsightly but harmless.
This condition affects people of all ages; however, newborn babies are more prone to it. In adults, this condition may persist for months and sometimes even years. Clogged pores, excess oil production, hormonal changes, and prolonged sun exposure are some of the reasons for the development of this skin condition
Causes of Milia
Even though are no specific reasons known for the occurrence of milia, few people are prone to this skin condition and suffer for a longer duration. The following reasons can be taken as possible causes for milia:
- Clogging of pores
- Heavy makeup and skin care products
- Excessive secretion of sebum
- Hormonal changes
- Long-term use of steroid cream
- Sun exposure for a long time
- Genetic reasons
- Dermabrasion and laser treatments
- Not adequate exfoliation
- Blistering injuries
- Allergic reactions
- Skin rashes such as Rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis
While you can remove these milk spots with surgical procedures, but these are not the only options you have. There are easy and all-natural ways to get rid of milk spots, which you can find in your kitchen.
Remedy #1: Sugar Lemon Juice Scrub
While the granules of sugar exfoliate the dead skin cells and unblock the pores, lemons have amazing antibacterial, bleaching, and antioxidant properties.
• This homemade scrub requires you to add 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Scrub your face mixture with this and let it sit on your skin for 15 minutes before washing off.
Remedy #2: Castor Oil
Castor oil has natural healing and antibacterial properties that help reduce the amount of oil on the skin which can decrease the likeliness of milia.
• Apply a thin layer on the bumps and leave it on until it is completely absorbed, then wash off. You can also rub castor oil daily on the affected area and leave it overnight.
Remedy #3: Pomegranate Peel Powder
Vitamin C present in pomegranate possesses astringent properties which help exfoliates the skin, soothes the inflammation and removes the dead skin cells. Pomegranate peel powder is one of the most used remedies to cure milia on face.
• Roast some pomegranate peels until they become brown and brittle, and grind them into a fine powder. Take two tablespoons of the powder and add a little rose water or lemon juice to make a paste. Apply on affected areas and leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse gently. Use this remedy thrice a week.
Remedy #4: Tea Tree Oil
This all-natural essential oil is a great solution for milk spots. Tea tree oil contains antifungal and antibacterial properties making it ideal to deal with such skin problems; it is a natural disinfectant and works wonders for your skin. It prevents the further growth of milia.
• Take few drops of oil in a bowl and dilute it with clean water. Soak a cotton ball in the oil and apply a thin layer on the affected areas. Leave it on overnight, and rinse in the morning.
Remedy #5: Fenugreek Leaves
Fenugreek leaves are antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory in nature, that is why, they are used to heal several skin problems. These seeds are one of the excellent herbal remedies in treating milia.
• Blend some fenugreek leaves with some water and apply the paste on the affected area. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water. Repeat this daily until you achieve the results.
Remedy #6: Sandalwood and Rose Water Paste
The mixture of sandalwood and rosewater makes an excellent face pack as it removes the excess oil and dead cells from your skin, give a glow and reduces milia as well.
• Take two tablespoons of sandalwood powder and mix it with some rose water to create a smooth paste. Apply it all over your face and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash it off with cold water. Repeat it daily, until you observe visible results.
Remedy #7: Cornstarch and Apple Cider Vinegar
The astringent properties of apple cider vinegar clear the dead skin cells and cornstarch absorb extra oil from the skin. Therefore, a mixture of these two can become a great remedy to remove whitehead-type milk spots.
• Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider in 3 tablespoons of cornstarch to make a fine paste. Apply the paste on the affected areas, after 30 minutes, rinse off with a wet cloth.
