Milia are small, hard lumps that mainly develop on the cheeks, neck, nose and under the eyes. It affects people of all ages however, newborn babies are more prone to it. Milia are developed when keratin- filled cysts form in the skin. Clogged pores, excess oil production, hormonal changes and prolonged sun exposure are some of the reasons for the development of milia.
Though milia are neither painful nor itchy, they can make you look ugly. Usually, a dermatologist suggests topical retinoids, surgical scraping or freezing but they have side effects. Simple home remedies like honey, castor oil, sugar scrub and many others are effective and safe in reducing milia.
How to Get Rid of Milia Using Home Remedies
Here are the best 30 ways of treating milia at the comfort of your home. For your convenience, we have mentioned the remedies below with a detailed description.
1. Sugar-Lemon Scrub
The gritty nature of sugar exfoliates the dead skin cells and unclogs the pores. Lemon juice lightens and brightens the skin leaving a radiant finish. Olive oil moisturizes the skin.
- Combine juice of 1/2 lemon, 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- Apply the mixture on the affected areas.
- Massage in circular motions for a few minutes and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Wash off the application with water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a day.
2. Honey
The humectant properties of honey lock the moisture in skin cells and avoid dryness. The amino acids, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins nourish and encourage healthy cell production.
- Combine 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil and 2 tablespoons of honey.
- Spread the mixture on the face and leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process 3 – 4 times in a week.
3. Oatmeal Scrub
The gritty nature of oatmeal sloughs off the dead skin cells and unclogs the pores. Apart from that, its moisturizing properties will provide relief from dryness.
- Combine 3 tablespoons of oatmeal, 1 tablespoon each of granulated sugar and raw honey.
- Mix well and apply the mixture on the affected areas.
- Scrub gently in circulation motions for few minutes.
- Leave it on for another few minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat the process 3 – 4 times in a week.
4. Baking soda
The exfoliating properties of baking soda unclog the open pores and remove the dead skin cells. It balances the pH levels of the skin.
- Combine required amounts of baking soda and water.
- Massage the paste in circular motions for few minutes.
- Leave it on for few minutes or until dry.
- Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a week.
Note: People with dry skin should avoid this process as it can make the skin extensively dry.
5. Lemon
The citric acid of lemon unclogs the pores, dries out the excess oil and removes dead skin cells. The antibacterial properties of lemon kill any bacterial activity.
- Extract juice of 1 lemon and add a pinch of salt into it.
- Using a cotton ball, apply the solution on the milia prone areas.
- Leave the application for 20 minutes.
- Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process daily for 2 weeks.
Alternative: You can just rub a lemon slice on the affected areas. Let the juice dry completely and rinse off with water.
Note: This remedy can cause skin irritation and burning sensation for people with sensitive skin. So, perform a patch test before trying out the process.
6. Castor Oil
The antibacterial properties of castor oil can heal several skin issues including milia. It also controls the production of excess oil from the skin. You can rub castor oil daily on the affected areas and leave it overnight. Or else follow the below process.
- Combine equal amounts of castor oil and olive oil.
- Massage the mixture on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat the process once in 2 days.
Alternative: You can use baking soda instead of olive oil.
7. Pomegranate Peel Powder
Vitamin C present in pomegranate contains astringent properties which soothes the inflammation and slough off the dead skin cells. It is considered one of the most effective ways of treating milia.
- Roast some pomegranate peels until crisp and dark brown.
- Blend them into a fine powder.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of pomegranate peel powder and lemon juice to make a paste.
- Massage the mixture on the affected areas and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process 3 times in a week.
Alternative: You can use rosewater instead of lemon.
8. Tomato
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C which are helpful in removing dead skin cells and provides a glow to the skin. It is one of the best ways to get rid of milia.
- Cut a tomato into slices.
- Sprinkle some sugar on a tomato slice.
- Rub it on the affected areas for few minutes.
- Let juice sit for another few minutes.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process daily for 1 month to achieve the results.
9. Steam
Steaming helps to unclog the pores and remove the impurities from the skin. It is one of the effective ways to treat milia quickly.
- Take a basin with enough amounts of hot water.
- Lean over the basin and cover your head with a towel.
- Stay for 5 – 10 minutes and remove the towel.
- Leave the vapor droplets stay for some time and rinse with water.
- Repeat the process regularly.
Alternative: Soak a towel in hot water. Wring out the excess and place it on the affected areas. Remove it after few minutes. Repeat the process couple of times.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar and Corn Starch
The astringent properties of apple cider vinegar slough off the dead skin cells. Corn starch absorbs the excess oil clogging the pores.
- Combine 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and 3 teaspoons of corn starch.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse off with a wet cloth.
- Repeat the process regularly.
11. Toothpaste
The fluoride present in toothpaste treats the symptoms connected with milia.
- Slather a thin layer of toothpaste on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 25 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
- Repeat the process daily until the milia clear.
Note: While trying this process for the first time, you may observe slight burning sensation but it is quite normal and will reduce in some time.
12. Rice Scrub
The rice bran contains high amounts of antioxidants and skin hydrating properties. They are also helpful in removing the impurities and dead skin cells from the skin.
- Soak some rice in enough amounts of milk for 5 hours.
- Grind them together to make a paste.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas and gently scrub for few minutes.
- Rinse off the paste with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process 3 times in a week.
13. Cinnamon Mask
Cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory properties which are helpful in curing many skin ailments including milia.
- Combine 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon powder and 1 tablespoon of baking soda and some lemon juice.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas and leave it to dry completely.
- Wash off the application with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process 2 times in a week.
Note: For people with sensitive skin, this combination may cause skin irritation. You can reduce it by adding some water into the paste.
14. Green Gram Flour Scrub
Green gram flour sloughs off the dead skin cells and other impurities present on the skin. Jojoba oil contains anti-inflammatory properties. This combination is safe and effective in reducing the milia to a maximum extent.
- Combine equal amounts of green gram flour and jojoba oil.
- Scrub the mixture on the affected areas.
- After few minutes, rinse off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process daily to treat milia.
15. Egg Mask
Eggs contain two components – retinol and retinol ester which are used in many skin care products. They help to treat the milia quickly and safely.
- Combine 1 egg white, 1/2 teaspoon almond oil, 1 tablespoon each of yogurt and raw honey.
- Mix well and apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process 3 times in a week.
16. Almonds
Vitamin E present in almond is helpful in maintaining healthy skin. This process makes a scrub which is effective in removing the dead skin cells and other impurities from the skin pores.
- Blend some almonds into a powder.
- Combine enough amounts of almond powder, 1 teaspoon oatmeal and some water to make a paste.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat the process regularly.
17. Orange Peel Scrub, Garlic and Lemon
The polymethoxyl flavonoids present in orange peels protects the skin from UV rays. Lemon is helpful in reducing the milia. Garlic contains strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Combine 2 garlic cloves (crushed), 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and some orange peel powder to make a thick paste.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process regularly until the milia clear.
18. Yogurt
The lactic acid present in yogurt is very beneficial in treating milia. Apart from that, it moisturizes and hydrates the skin.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, 3 tablespoons of yogurt, 1 tablespoon each of lemon juice and olive oil.
- Spread the paste on the affected areas and leave it on for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Rinse off with cold water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process regularly.
19. Clay Mask
Clay mask is effective in cleansing the pores and absorbing the excess oil present on the skin. It is very helpful in treating milia.
- Combine enough amounts of clay mask and rosewater to make a paste.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for few minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat the process regularly.
20. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains antifungal and antibacterial properties which deal with bacterial activity. It prevents the further growth of milia. Its natural disinfectant properties work wonders for your skin.
- Dilute few drops of tea tree oil in any carrier oil.
- Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture on the affected areas.
- Leave it on overnight and rinse off in the morning.
- Repeat the process daily before going to bed.
21. Fenugreek Leaves
Fenugreek seeds are one of the excellent herbal remedies in treating milia. Fenugreek contains antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Blend some fenugreek leaves and some water to make a paste.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat daily until you achieve the results.
22. Sandalwood and Rosewater
The combination of sandalwood and rosewater makes an amazing face pack which is effective in reducing milia. It removes excess oil and dead skin cells from the skin.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder and some rosewater to make a smooth paste.
- Spread the application all over your face.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
- Repeat the process daily until you notice improvements.
23. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which are helpful in healing milk spots or milia. Apply aloe vera gel directly on the affected areas and leave it to dry completely. Or else follow the process below.
- Brew some green tea and let it cool down.
- Combine equal amounts of aloe vera gel and green tea.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat the process regularly.
24. Coriander Leaves and turmeric Pack
The combination of turmeric and coriander leaves makes an excellent face pack in treating milia.
- Blend handful of coriander leaves into a smooth paste.
- Add a dash of turmeric into a paste and mix well.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat the process once in a week.
25. Tea Bags
The astringent properties of tea bags provide soothing and softening effect on the skin. It also helps to reduce and prevent further growth of milia.
- Empty the contents of a used tea bag while it is still wet.
- Rub its contents on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for few minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat the process 2 times in a week.
26. Chickpea Flour and Rosewater
This combination removes the dead skin cells and other impurities that are clogging the pores. It is helpful in maintaining the skin cells healthy and hydrated.
- Combine enough amounts of chickpea flour and rosewater.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave the application for 20 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat the process 3 times in a week.
27. Milk
Milk is one of the best ways in cleansing the skin pores and removing the impurities. It also regulates the normal oil production.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of whole milk, 1 tablespoon each of salt and lemon juice.
- Mix well and rub the mixture on the affected areas for a minute.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat the process regularly.
28. Potato
Potatoes are a rich source of starch which is one of the best and easy ways in reducing milia. Rub a fresh potato slice on the affected areas and leave it to dry completely. Rinse with water and pat dry. Or else you can follow the process mentioned below.
- Blend a potato and extract juice from it.
- Using a cotton ball, apply the juice on the affected areas.
- Leave it on to dry completely.
- Repeat the process daily until you achieve the results.
29. Gelatin Peel Off Mask
A peel off mask is one of the most effective ways in treating milia. It removes the dead skin cells and unclogs the pores.
- Combine 1 egg white, a tablespoon of gelatin, orange juice, and honey.
- Apply a thin layer of the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it on to dry completely.
- Slowly peel off the mask and rinse off with warm water.
- Repeat the process regularly.
30. Cloves
Cloves dissolve the keratin that is helpful in getting rid of milia. Avoid this process if you have milia near the eyes.
- Blend 2 – 3 cloves with some water to make a paste.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it on to dry completely and rinse off with water.
- Repeat the process regularly.
Tips and Precautions:
- Green tea is also helpful in unblocking pores, flushing toxins and removing milia. Drink 2 cups of green daily for the same.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins from the body.
- Avoid applying heavy makeup as it can clog the pores and worsen the problem. Make sure to remove the makeup before going to bed.
- If you are suffering from milia then sunburn can easily spread and worsen the problem. So, make sure to wear a hat or scarf to avoid direct sunlight.
- While you are treating the milia near the eyes then make sure to be extra careful. Avoid the mixture from the entering the eyes. Be gentle while scrubbing.
- Avoid scratching, picking and scraping the milia as they can make them worse.
- Facials are also helpful in preventing and removing milia. The exfoliation, facial sauna, and packs involved in a facial are perfect for treating milia.
- Warm up some mustard oil and apply it on the affected areas. Leave it on overnight and rinse off in the morning. This process also helps in breaking down the milia.
- Avoid using excess amounts of sunscreen and heavy duty moisturizers.
- Maintain proper hygiene by washing your face 2 times in a day and exfoliating 2 – 3 times in a week.
- Make sure to change the pillow covers once in a week.
- Decrease junk food and avoid taking vitamin D supplements.
- Avoid touching the affected areas with dirty hands.
- Even after using the above-mentioned methods, if you haven’t achieved results, then consult a doctor.
We hope the information provided in this article wash helpful for you. If you have any concerns and suggestions, write to us in the comment section below.
source: homeremediesforlife.com