You know those random, hard little white bumps that pop up under your skin? Usually they’re tricky to get out and when you finally get it, it almost feels like a little marble.

That’s milia.

There are several factors that go into WHY they form. Sometimes it’s hereditary, but the most common reason is because of an imbalance of water and oil in the skin. When there is a lack of water in the skin (meaning, your skin is dehydrated), the oil that’s trying to get to the surface can crystallize into milia. 

One of my least favorite pieces of skincare advice I hear to solve everything, is to simply “drink more water.” Yes, every system in our body will thank us for drinking more water, but generally  we still don’t drink enough to reach the dermis. And, if you’re using products that are stripping your barrier and dehydrating your skin, causing trans-epidermal water loss, then NO AMOUNT of water you drink is going to make a difference here. 

So what to do about the milia you have? Visit an esthetician who can safely and carefully remove them.

What to do to bring balance to your skin? Add a water based hydrating serum into your morning and evening skincare routine. 

Typically I’m not a fan of using retinol to treat milia, because retinol can dry the skin and further exacerbate the issue. Some exfoliation can be helpful, it just needs to be used carefully and be diligently paired with a water based hydrating serum and moisturizer.