Milia. Those BUMPS That Never Go Away

That's right friends - we're talking about milia - those pesky, hard, no-poppin', whitehead-lookin' bumps all over your face. They're often confused for whiteheads (in adults) but are very common in newborns. But in newborns - it typically goes away. In adults, however - it can be an irritating under-the-surface obstacle to smooth and glowing skin.

Milia are deeply set white or off-white bumps that are created when the skin doesn't exfoliate properly. Skin get trapped and tiny cysts appear below the surface of the skin. Milia can occur just about ANYWHERE on your skin's surface (such as delicate eyelids, lips), and mucous membranes inside the cheek, nose and lips.

There are several factors that can contribute to the cause of milia - because anything that inhibits exfoliation - will help milia form. So, things like excessive sun exposure (which thickens the skin over time) can keep skin cells and trapped under the thickened epidermis.

Or, maybe you should look at your skin care program. There are many of us who over use product (use too much) or aren't using the right ones. Either way - the goal to helping rid your life of these 'tiny bubbles' is to EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE.

Check your skincare regimen. Make sure your skin care program includes an exfoliating cleanser like SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser (with salicylic acid) or MD Forte Cleanser (Facial Cleanser II is 15% glycolic acid). It's like starting every day with a mini-chemical peel to gently and effectively cleanse and exfoliate your skin. Then, be sure to exfoliate some more with an skin renewal product like MD Forte Facial Lotion (Facial Lotion II is 15% glycolic acid). Also, a vitamin-C Serum like SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF are a great way to fight the effects of sun-damage, and can help that thickening of the epidermis we mention above.

Get some microdermabrasions. Microdermabrasion is a great way to safely and effectively exfoliate the skin - and it's gentle enough to do every 2-3 weeks. Your esthetician will perform a few minutes of extractions - point out your trouble spots before your treatment.

Peel That Skin. Opt for a TCA chemical peel, or a more gentle salicylic peel (best for acne prone skin) or glycolic peel. Non-TCA chemical peels are safe enough to do as often as every month.

Protect That Skin. Of course - the Texas sun is nowhere to be without a broad-spectrum (and if you're a milia sufferer) oil-free sunscreen. Try Elta MD UV Shield 45SPF.

Talk to your esthetician or Dr. Riehs if you have concerns about MILIA!