How to Prevent Milia / Oil Seeds

by Dr Chen Tai Ho | Jan 30, 2015

Hey all, the weekend is nearly upon us and I hope everyone will have a great time resting or spending it with friends and family. For today’s topic, let me elaborate on milia, also known as oil seeds.

It’s not quite the same as acne, nor is it as unsightly, but some people may find it irritating nonetheless. Read on below to find out more about what it is, why it occurs and how you can prevent it.

What Is It?

Milia or oil seeds are white bumps that look similar to whiteheads. These blemishes most commonly appear on the face, usually around the eyes or cheeks, but it is possible for milia to develop elsewhere on your skin.

Examples of milia seeds forming on the face (pic from proskincarelv.com)

These tend to form when skin cells, also known as keratin, become trapped in tiny cysts that appear as very small (1-2mm) white or yellow bumps on the skin. Generally, each individual milium forms at the base of a sweat gland or hair follicle. It is not itchy or painful, nor does it cause any additional harm to the skin.

What Causes It?

Generally, frequently using beauty products that are oil-based such as creams or moisturisers may result in the development of milia on the face. Make-up removers, lipstick and lip balms are all also potential products that you should monitor or use carefully when you notice the development of milia on your skin.

Oil-based make-up are a common cause of milia (pic from illinois.edu)

Overexposure to the sun may also be a potential cause of milia. As your skin thickens naturally in order to protect itself from the UV rays, skin cells will find it harder to remove themselves from the glands in your skin. This also makes it more difficult to exfoliate your skin effectively, which means that milia will still be visible on your skin.

You may also experience milia simply because of your genes. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about this as it is just one of the inconvenient skin tendencies you may have inherited, and you can only focus on preventing or removing the milia that forms.

How Can I Prevent It?

One of the simplest and most obvious ways is simply to keep your face clean by washing it at least twice daily and use a face wash or cream that helps you exfoliate the skin. Milia will only appear when there is a build-up of trapped skin cells; therefore exfoliation will help to slough away and remove the oil, dirt and dead skin cells on your face. This should reduce and prevent any further reoccurrence of milia.

Washing and exfoliating your face regularly will help to prevent milia formations (pic from muchmorethanmakeup.com)

You should also try to avoid oil-based beauty products since this is one of the main causes of milia forming on the face. Try oil-free formulas or you can also switch your routine or products to see what works best for you, as skin varies from individual to individual. As long as the products used do not clog up your pores, this should allow dead skin cells to be removed naturally and will prevent milia forming.

If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment regarding milia or oil seeds, please call us at +6012-662 5552 or email us at contactus@premier-clinic.com today!

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How to Prevent Milia / Oil Seeds

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