Milia, oil bumps or milk spots are patches of tiny, pesky white bumps that appear on the face. They are usually seen on the nose, cheeks, eyes and chin. Often mistaken for whiteheads, these spots are actually a result of dead skin cell build-up or occur when keratin gets trapped in the pores.

They usually disappear on their own but there are a few things you can do to prevent and treat them. Keep scrolling to find out how.

 

Do not squeeze

Do not squeeze

Looking at those pesky spots can be quite annoying but the worst thing you could do is squeeze, pick or rub the area. This will not only spread the germs to other parts of your face but also leave scars and cause bleeding. The best thing to do is to leave the bumps alone and they should disappear in a few days’ time.

 

Cleanse thoroughly

Cleanse thoroughly

Start double cleansing your face in the evening if you are not already doing it. Wash your face thoroughly with a gentle paraben-free face wash such as the Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash that won’t strip the natural oils off your face. Pat your skin dry and apply a gentle, lightweight moisturiser. Keeping your face clean will ensure that oil doesn’t clog the pores and cause milia.

 

Apply honey

Apply honey

Honey has amazing healing and soothing properties. Applying honey to the affected area will kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Look for manuka honey as it is far more beneficial than the commercial ones you get these days.

 

Spray rose water

Spray rose water

Another anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredient is rose water. After thoroughly cleansing your face, spritz some rose water on the affected area to quicken the healing process. Repeat this thrice a day for best results.

 

See a dermatologist

See a dermatologist

It’s best to consult a dermatologist if your milia doesn’t disappear after a few weeks or you notice your milia recurring too often.