Have you ever noticed that there are small white bumps on your skin? Maybe in certain sunlight or when you stare at your reflection for too long. You start to notice these bumps, but they don’t feel like pimples. So, what are they? Well, these are called milia seeds. Most people tend to mistake them for whiteheads and pimples. Oftentimes, people will try to pop these tiny bumps. But, milia seeds are actually not poppable! So, don’t even try, or you might just scar your face. In most cases, these bumps tend to go away on their own as well. But, if it is irritating to see or feel, Beauty Insider just might have some tips to help you get rid of these milia seeds fast! 

What Are Milia Seeds?

milia seeds

First of all, you might want to know what milia seeds are. They are little flesh-coloured bumps that look like whiteheads. Others call these tiny bumps oil seeds or milk spots. Even though they are often found on newborns, they can appear on adult skin too. Typically, milia seeds are caused by buildups of dead skin cells. Trapped within pores, these bumps usually do not cause pain, but can become irritating. Some people get these little bumps around their eye area or forehead. Although it doesn’t cause any negative effects, many just dislike looking at it or noticing it at random times of the day. 

How Long Do Milia Seeds Last?

Milia seeds tend to go away on their own after a while. Although, some can last up to a few months or even years. Therefore, you might need some patience even when trying to get rid of them quickly. Besides that, there are also secondary milia, which forms when the skin is healing from blisters and burns. These types of milia seeds can end up being permanent. Thus, try not to irritate your milia seeds and poke at them as this might cause scarring of the skin. With a little patience and home remedies, those milia seeds will disappear with time. 

Types of Milia Seeds

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Neonatal milia – typically found on the nose, scalp, face, inside the mouth and upper trunk. These little bumps can often be confused with neonatal acne, which are surrounded by redness. Milia seeds tend to affect at least 50% of newborns and usually appear 2 weeks after birth. Although, neonatal milia can disappear on their own after a few weeks. 

Primary milia – Commonly occur in both adults and children. Without treatment, primary milia will go away within a few weeks. Although, they can sometimes last for up to several months. They can be found on the forehead, cheeks, genitals and eyelids. 

Milia en plaque – This type of milia clumps together in a flat and broad patch of skin that is raised above your surrounding skin. This plaque also has a quite defined and clear border. Milia en plaque tends to affect both adults and children, especially middle-aged women. It can also be associated with skin conditions such as lichen planus, pseudoxanthoma elasticum and discoid lupus erythematosus. You can find them near your jaw, cheek, eyelids and behind your ears. 

Multiple eruptive milia – A rare type of milia that involves the appearance of several bumps in the same area across many months and weeks. This type of milia can also feel itchy and they appear on the upper arms, trunks and face. 

Traumatic milia – Is also known as secondary milia and typically follows a skin injury. It could be due to a blister from an allergic reaction or skin condition. It could also be caused by a burn, procedures of skin and laser resurfacing or being exposed to sunlight too often. 

Tips For Removing Milia Seeds

1. Retinol

Using retinol in your skincare routine can help prevent milia seeds from forming. Retinols have the benefit to encourage cellular turnover and unclog skin buildup like milia. Retinol gels and cream are taken from vitamin A and are usually used to treat acne as well. Thus, using retinol can not only help get rid of milia seeds but also help you achieve smoother, healthier skin. 

2. Sunscreen

Exposure to the sun is also a factor in causing milia seeds. To help avoid this, make sure that you apply sunscreen! Damage caused by the sun tends to make your skin feel leathery and rough. Meaning that it’s much harder for dead skin cells to rise to the surface and shed like normal. Even if it’s cloudy outside or you’re just staying in the whole day, apply sunscreen. The sun can always reach you, even through windows. 

3. Exfoliate

Depending on how sensitive your skin is, exfoliating can help clear milia seeds. Exfoliating weekly or bi-weekly is enough. Since exfoliating helps get rid of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, it also helps keep acne at bay. By exfoliating, you are able to ensure that dead skin cells and keratin don’t get trapped under your skin’s surface. 

4. Do Not Poke

If you notice milia seeds on your skin do not try to poke it! Although they are typically not poppable, you shouldn’t try as well. If you try to scratch it off or poke it out, it may result in scarring. If you just leave it on its own, it will go away by itself after a couple of weeks or months. 

5. Manuka Honey

Using manuka honey is a natural way to help get rid of milia seeds. Manuka honey contains antimicrobial properties and has the benefit to help with reducing inflammation. Either create your own DIY mask at home or look out for skincare products that contain Manuka honey in them.