What is milia seeds and what causes them?

Let’s talk about milia seeds

Milia seeds is something that many experience, yet it’s not talked about enough. Whether it is your first time coming across this term, or if you are currently struggling with milia seeds, fret not as we delve deep into this topic together! 

What are milia seeds?

Milia seeds are small visible bumps that appear under the surface of your skin and are keratin-filled, making it persistent and difficult to get rid of. Although they do not cause any pain and neither are they dangerous, it can be annoying as these white or yellowish oil seeds cluster on your skin, especially around the nose and eye regions, causing uneven skin textures. 

What causes milia seeds?

There are several factors that cause the formation of milia seeds, including hormonal changes, pollution, environmental aggressors, and most commonly, the use of skincare products that are not suitable for your skin type.

You may be tempted to incorporate rich moisturisers in your skincare routine due to promises of extreme deep hydration, especially for dry skin. As good as it does its job in supplying hydration, rich moisturisers tend to be oil-based, leading to accumulation and clogging of sweat glands when used excessively. This can therefore lead to formation of the white or yellowish bumps we now know as milia seeds.

As mentioned above, milia seeds are often found near the nose and eye regions where skin is the thinnest and therefore easiest for excessive oil to penetrate and accumulate at. The buildup of dead skin then gets trapped under the surface of your skin and results in milia seeds.

How to remove them?

Unfortunately, milia seeds are not pimples that many love to squeeze and pop on their own, neither do they clear up on their own after a few days. Milia seeds require professional removal, but there are several ways you can minimise the appearance of these pesky bumps and learn how to better control them.

1. Cleanse your skin thoroughly and regularly