Milia is a condition that refers to tiny little white or yellow bumps, that occur typically on the skin of nose, chin and cheeks. It is usually seen in newborns and infants, though it can affect people of any age and sex[1]
Alternative Treatment For Milia
There is no need to treat milia. Milia often disappears on its own within a few weeks or months, at the most.[2] However, if you are worried cosmetically, then here are a few alternative treatments that can help you get rid of milia efficiently. Let us have a look at these methods-
- Honey is a natural humectant and a good alternative treatment for milia[3]
- It is also an antibacterial
- These qualities make it a superb remedy to get rid of milia
- You can try applying raw honey to your skin and then leaving it there for some time
- Wash it away thereafter
- You can also mix honey with some castor oil to give your skin a deep cleanse
- Honey can also be used to make a gentle scrub
- Just mix 1 tbsp fine sugar and 3 tbsp ground oats with raw honey to make a smooth paste
- Apply this paste onto the affected area in a gentle, circular motion
- Let it be there for about 15 minutes and wash it off with water and pat your skin dry thereafter
Castor oil remedy-
- Castor oil possesses anti-bacterial properties and a good alternative treatment for milia[4]
- It is also a deep cleanser
- It helps in absorbing oil from the skin while removing dead skin cells gently
- Use castor oil mixed with extra virgin olive oil in equal parts
- Olive oil acts as an excellent moisturizer and helps in spreading the castor oil easily over the skin[5]
- Apply to the affected area and massage gently in a circular motion
- Let it be for about 15 to 20 minutes and rinse off with a mild cleanser thereafter
- Gently pat dry thereafter
Aloe vera remedy-
- Aloe vera is a medicinal plant with wondrous healing properties and a good alternative treatment for milia[6]
- The gel obtained from the leaves of the plant can be used directly on the skin
- Apply the fresh gel on the affected area and leave it on overnight
- In the morning, gently wash off the gel
- It soothes the broken skin and acts as an excellent moisturizer
Apple cider vinegar and fuller’s earth-
- Apple cider vinegar is a wonderful cleanser and an astringent[7]
- Fuller’s earth is a good absorbent of excess oil and removes dead skin cells effectively[8]
- Make a smooth paste out of the two mixed together
- Apply gently on the affected area and leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes
- Thereafter, gently moisten the area and remove the mask, gently massaging in a circular motion
- Rinse off and pat dry
Tea- tree oil remedy-
- Tea -tree oil is an excellent anti-bacterial, antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory[9]
- It helps in drying the milia lesions easily and much faster, thereby leading to a speedy healing process
- Always make it a point to mix it with some carrier oil, though
- Essential oils should always be used with a carrier oil as they can cause an irritation on the skin when used raw[10]
- Also, always do a patch test before using in the remedy to check for any allergies that you may have for an oil
- Mix tea- tree oil with coconut oil and apply gently on a cleansed, affected area
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes and then wash off with water
Vitamin A supplements-
- Vitamin A helps in skin rejuvenation and a good alternative treatment for milia[11]
- Vitamin A can be taken orally in the form of a supplement or it can be applied topically as well, as it is available in the form of creams and lotions
- There is no need to treat milia as it usually goes away on its own. However, if needed for cosmetic or any other purposes, these alternative treatments can work wonders in getting rid of milia, without any harmful effects.
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-to-know-about-milia
- https://www.healthline.com/health/milia
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320953
- https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/milia-diy-skin-care-ritual-to-get-rid-of-small-white-bumps
- https://www.healthline.com/health/olive-oil-for-skin-lightening
- https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Under-Eye-Milia
- https://www.healthline.com/health/apple-cider-vinegar-for-face
- https://www.healthline.com/health/fullers-earth
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6930572/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/essential-oils-for-skin-conditions
- https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skincare/vitamin-a-for-skin
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