Have you ever noticed tiny white bumps under your eyes or on your chin? Well, you probably have what is medically termed as “milia”.

So, what exactly are milia?

Generally developing in the regions beneath the lower eyelids, on the nose, the cheeks as well as below the lips - milia, commonly called milk spots, are tiny raised specks of skin and are mostly light in colour.

They occur when flaky skin cells or keratin get clogged under the deeper layers of skin. Keratin is fundamentally a structural protein, that is the main component of hair, skin and nails.

Milia often arise only in babies and infants, although they are no cause for concern, as they gradually disappear on their own. Yet, in some cases, milia do befall teenagers and older individuals as well and they are not painful or inflammatory in nature, unlike pimples or acne. Also read: Try these home remedies to clear acne scars.

The main factors that trigger milia in adults are:

• Skin injuries resulting in blisters
• Minor burns
• Sun damage
• Aging

Ideally, milia do not cause any itching or pain on skin and hence, no medical treatment is required to heal them.

However, if you feel they are proving to be quite annoying, making you appear rather unattractive, read on. These basic yet highly effective guidelines will completely eliminate those milk spots from your face and ensure unblemished, shining skin.

Simple Skincare Tips To Wipe Out Those Milk Spots:

1. Avoid Popping Or Squeezing Milia

Never poke or prod those milk spots on your face with your fingertips, as it could lead to bleeding or scarring, ultimately resulting in infections. Always wash your hands before cleansing or moisturising your face, to prevent any germs that may be lurking on your palms from transferring onto your skin.

2. Thoroughly Rinse And Purify Skin

Routinely use a gentle soap or cleanser, free of harmful chemicals, twice a day, to remove any impurities such as dust and bacteria from the surface of your skin. In addition, expose your face to some steam, to completely open up your pores and release any excess skin or proteins trapped within them.

3. Use A Honey Cinnamon Mask

Milia also stems from aging, with your skin being deprived of its innate ability to exfoliate itself. Mix 4 tablespoons of honey with a half tablespoon of cinnamon powder and apply it on your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash off. The antibacterial properties in honey will assist in reducing milk spots on skin. Also browse through: Healing benefits of honey for skin health and beauty.

4. Regularly Smear On Some Sunscreen

Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or above, which will protect skin damage due to harsh UV rays and thus eliminate milk spots. Also look for one with mineral oils infused in it, as they are light and effortlessly blend into skin, unlike other emollients which could clog pores and hence increase milia.

5. Apply A Mild Facial Peel

Facial peels containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid in minor proportions are very valuable in stripping off the layer of dead cells and regulating sebum secretions on skin. Prepare a soothing facial peel, imbued with calming essential oils such as tea tree and lavender, and use once a month, to provide a balmy effect to milia-affected skin.