Dérmica offers milia removal in Edmonton, Alberta.
What are milia?
Milia are nodules (abnormal growths) that have formed in a sack. Think of milia as little “placentas” attached to the skin. These “placentas” are feeding and pulling nutrients from the skin. As a result, milia removal involves the physical removal of the sac fully intact.
What is the main cause of milia?
Milia is caused by internal factors. As a result, their treatment requires professional care. At Dérmica, we can help alleviate the symptoms of milia that show on the skin with a PORE facial.
Can milia be scraped?
Although exfoliation helps to stimulate the skin and brings impurities up to the surface, milia should not be scraped. These means of mechanical exfoliation are not ideal to treat milia. For example, microdermabrasion or granular exfoliation is too aggressive for milia, especially when its found in very sensitive areas such as the undereyes.
If you’re wanting to bring the milia up to the surface, chemical exfoliation or enzymatic exfoliation would be more appropriate. And of course, a PORE facial if you want immediate results.
Can milia be popped?
In general, milia can be safely extracted with proper preparation of the skin. Some are close enough to the surface that you are able to squeeze them out through the follicle opening. On the other hand, others may require a little assistance using a lancet (a very fine-tip needle) to pierce the skin. The lancet leaves an opening allowing the technician to extract the milia that is trapped in the skin.
Do milia multiply?
If your skin is prone to milia then you are more likely to develop more than one in the area or surrounding areas of the face.
Is there a cream to remove milia?
There are products available on the market that help stimulate exfoliation of the skin which then push impurities up to the surface. These products are typically retinol based, hydroxy acid based, or have other resurfacing ingredients.
Recommended skincare routine to prevent future milia
There is nothing you can really do to prevent milia if your skin is prone to them. However, you can minimize their severity and frequency by including exfoliating products in your skincare routine. In addition, regular facials will help keep milia to a minimum.
Whiteheads and milia are not the same thing. Think of a whitehead as as an “oil pocket” containing oil buildup and debris. Whiteheads occur because the oil pocket is causing a blockage as things are entering and leaving the skin. As that blockage moves closer to the surface of the skin, the whitehead opens. When opened it becomes a blackhead due to exposure to oxygen.
A whitehead is a closed comedone, that is to say, a blocked pore.
On the other hand, milia are nodules (abnormal growths) that have formed in a sack. Think of milia as little “placentas” attached to the skin. These “placentas” are feeding and pulling nutrients from the skin. Extraction of milia involves the physical removal of the sac fully intact, whereas whitehead extractions involve emptying the pore.
Because milia is caused by internal factors, their treatment requires medical care. At Dérmica, we can help alleviate symptoms of conditions that show on the skin.
Milia are micro-cysts filled with keratin.
Don’t try popping at home!
We know milia are tempting to extract, but we highly recommend against popping your own milia. Successful and complete removal of the sac is important. Failure to remove all contents from the sac leaves the surrounding tissue exposed to infections. The service we recommend for the removal of milia is our Pore facial.
Is my eye cream to blame for my milia?
The presence of milia is caused on an internal level. If milia would be caused by topical factors, it would create a blockage problem, like whiteheads do.
Are you constantly battling with breakouts, blackheads, clogged pores and excessive oiliness throughout the day? Does your skin have a thick, uneven texture and shiny complexion? These are the most common characteristics of an OILY skin type.
Why is my skin OILY?
Your skin produces natural oils throughout the day, keeping it elastic, protected and moisturized. When the sebaceous (oil) glands produce an excess of oil, your skin does not have use for the extra oil and it begins to collect on the surface of the skin and within the pores.
Magnified view of sebaceous filament extracted during dérmica facials.
This buildup of oil, in combination with dead skin cells, causes the pores to become clogged and infected. Blocked pores are present in the skin as blackheads (open pore/oxidized buildup), whiteheads (closed pore/congested), pustules (infected pores/pus buildup).
Magnified view of blackheads and milia extracted from skin during a dérmica facial.
Although it sounds like there are a lot of negatives to having OILY skin, there is one major bonus! With age our sebaceous glands slowdown in oil production, but in an OILY skin the glands continue to produce a sufficient amount of oil later on in life. Therefore, when properly cared for your skin your skin will virtually defy the natural aging process!
When caring for your OILY skin, it is important to remain consistent with your homecare regimen. Keeping your oiliness and breakouts under control will help improve your complexion and prevent future irritation and scarring due to blemishes.
Here are Dermica’s tips on making the right choices for your OILY skin!
Cleanser– Select a foaming cleanser, or gel cleanser-these will help wash away debris trapped underneath the oil buildup. Double cleanse, morning and night. Rinse with lukewarm water to prevent simulating oil glands. Try Glo Skin Beauty’s Purifying Gel Cleanser. The antibacterial ingredients in this gel cleanser keep your skin clean and free of harmful bacteria.
Exfoliant– The best exfoliation option for OILY skin is a chemical exfoliant that can deliver deep exfoliation without irritation and overstimulation of the skin. Use according to manufacturer, or 2-3 times a week in the evening. We recommend Glo’s Gentle Enzyme Exfoliant. Free of fragrance and dyes, this formula has been clinically tested for skin not well suited for manual exfoliation.
Eye Care– Should be selected according to your age range. For OILY skin we recommend a gel for ages 18-40, lotion for ages 40-55, cream for ages 55+.
Moisturizer: Use a water-based, oil-free moisturizer. Oily skins benefit from hydrating products such as a hydrating gel (ideal for med-high oily skin) or hydrating lotion (ideal for light-med oily skin). Some OILY skin moisturizers will also feature oil absorbing, or antiseptic ingredients. Glo’s Oil Free Moisturizer is a popular moisturizer amongst our clients.
Mask– Clay masks are excellent for OILY skin. They absorb oil and help tighten pores. Bentonite is a great ingredient to have in your mask product. Use 1-2 times a week, after cleansing in the evening. If your surface oils are under control, spot treat down your t-zone. The Pore Refining Mask is a great option!
Toner– Using a toner can help tighten pores and balance your pH. Mist over your skin and gently pat using forefingers.
To maximize results, incorporate a professional treatment into your maintenance schedule. Our suggestions include:
Phototherapy
Skin rejuvenation phototherapy treatments can help tighten pores and even out the texture of your skin. These treatments are excellent for anti aging when done twice per year. Phototherapy is not for everyone, ensure you meet the treatment criteria.
Facials- not just “a fancy wash”
A deep cleansing facial, which includes an ozonized steaming (sterilized steam) session, and pore-extractions, will help clear blemishes, blackheads, and purge impurities out of the skin.
DIY Recipe for Toner
Mix 2/3 of Witch Hazel with 1/3 distilled water in a spritz bottle. Shake well before use. Mist over face after cleansing, and gently pat into your skin using forefingers.
