How-To: Prevent Milia Around the Eyes

BellaSugar — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 07:00:12 PDT

Have you ever had little white bumps on your face that look like acne, but upon further inspection, you realize they're not? Those bumps could be milia, which form when skin cells get trapped under the skin's surface.

In short, milia are caused by lack of natural exfoliation, and they often pop up near the eyes. Since it's such a sensitive area of the face, my first bit of advice is to get thee to a dermatologist. But, for tips on preventing milia and treating it safely at home, check out my list below:

Avoid: Greasy/waxy products which can clog pores; aggressive scrubs, which can irritate the delicate tissue around your peepers, picking at the milia, sun exposure, and too-rough pillowcases.
Don't avoid: Oil-free makeup removers, washing your face (make sure the skin gets to breathe), and drinking water, which helps to flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated.
Have an AHA moment: Look for lighter-textured eye creams with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to help gently exfoliate around the sensitive eye area. Try SkinCeuticals Eye Renewal Gel ($32) or Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream ($11).
DIY: Help the skin get a kick start on exfoliating by carefully steaming your face over a bowl of very hot water for several minutes. This helps open up the pores, hydrate the face, and feels invigorating.

What are your milia prevention tips?

Definition: Milia

BellaSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:19:24 PDT

Milia are deep white bumps that form when skin cells become trapped rather than exfoliated naturally. They turn into tiny cysts that look like whiteheads or bumps below the surface of the skin. Milia can occur on the skin or on mucous membranes like the inner surface of the cheek or the border of the lips and around the nose.

They are extremely common in children, and those with oily skin are more prone to milia than others. With that said, they can effect combination and even dry skin as well. Milia need to be extracted manually, but the good news is that according to dermatologist Zoe Friedman, milia can be prevented by exfoliating frequently at home.

Exfoliating helps keep your face clean while preventing clogged pores-when done properly. Do not abrasively scrub your face; simply use a gentle exfoliating cleanser twice a week. Also, when you're in the sun, opt for an oil-free sunscreen.

Remember that picking at milia on your own can cause them to return. If they persist, contact your dermatologist, who can administer microdermabrasion or glycolic peels.

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