Hello.

This is Chief Director Kim Ha-won.

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These days, many people are troubled by the

small, bumpy kernels that appear on their faces.

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At first, you might think it's acne, but they don't pop,

and they just settle in like small spots.

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Especially, they tend to appear around the eyes or cheeks,

making it hard to cover up with makeup,

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and because they don't go away over time,

it can be frustrating.

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In such cases,

it is likely to be milia.

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Since they are difficult to distinguish by sight alone,

a precise diagnosis is necessary.

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Today, let's talk about what these milia are and

how they can be treated.

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💡 What are milia?

Milia are small, firm, rice-like bumps that appear

on the surface of the skin,

benign skin lesions.

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They mostly occur around the eyes, between the eyebrows, on the cheeks, and eyelids,

and are small, about 1mm in size,

with a white or yellowish color.

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They form in the shape of cysts caused by trapped sebum and keratin,

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and they seem as if oil droplets are embedded

on the surface.

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That's why they are also called 'oil seeds' or

'milk spots'.

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❓ Why do milia occur?

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Milia occur when the skin's keratin and sebum

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are not properly expelled and get trapped inside the pores.

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They are more likely to appear on skin with high sebum production,

in cases of insufficient exfoliation,

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or due to genetic factors.

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In other words, if the pores are blocked

and shedding of keratin is not smooth,

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keratin builds up in the skin

and turns into small cysts.

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To accurately diagnose these causes,

it's advisable to see a dermatologist specializing in milia

to closely examine the condition.

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💆‍♀️ How to treat milia?

Small milia may disappear naturally, but

most require dermatological treatment.

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The most common method is

CO2 laser treatment.

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CO2 laser works by gently opening the surface of the milia

to expel the trapped keratin and sebum.

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Depending on the case, it can be done after local anesthesia,

and post-treatment, hydrocolloid dressings are used to aid recovery.

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Typically, recovery occurs within a few days, and

the advantage is that scarring is minimal.

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Depending on the skin condition, electric cautery or

micro-incision treatment may also be combined.

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However, it's a big no to forcibly squeeze or

poke with needles at home!

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This can lead to infections or pigmentation

and cause scarring.

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Always get treated safely at

a specialized milia dermatology clinic.

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🧴 Prevention of milia

🧴Thorough cleansing twice a day

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🧴Thorough cleansing after makeup

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🧴Using gentle exfoliants 1-2 times a week

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🧴Consistent moisturizing to strengthen the skin barrier

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If the skin is dry, keratin builds up and

sebum production increases,

raising the probability of milia occurrences.

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Regular care and healthy lifestyle choices

are the most important points to prevent milia.

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💡 Key points when choosing a milia dermatology clinic

Milia are difficult to diagnose just by their appearance.

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They can resemble other conditions like sebaceous cysts or flat warts.

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Therefore, instead of just selecting based on the laser devices,

choose a place where experienced medical staff can diagnose

and make careful adjustments.

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The results may vary depending on the depth, intensity, and interval of the laser treatment,

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If the energy is too weak,

it won't work,

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but if it's too strong,

it can lead to scarring or pigmentation.

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Especially, milia located near the eyes or on thin skin require

more delicate adjustments.

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For this reason, rather than choosing a milia dermatology clinic

just based on the equipment,

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it's important to select a medical professional who can accurately understand

the skin thickness and depth of lesions to perform treatments with customized energy levels.

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💬 Q&A

Q1. How many treatments are needed?

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👉 Usually, one treatment is sufficient for removal, but

in cases of recurrence or multiple lesions,

it may require 2-3 sessions.

Q2. Will scars be left where the milia disappeared?

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👉 Since micro-lasers only open the epidermis,

scarring is minimal.

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However, you must use sunscreen after treatment

to prevent pigmentation.

Q3. Can I wash my face or wear makeup immediately after the procedure?

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👉 Light washing and makeup are possible from the next day after the procedure.

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However, do not rub areas with scabs,

and let them fall off naturally.

Q4. How can I prevent recurrence?

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👉 By ensuring thorough cleansing,

coupled with exfoliation and moisturizing,

you can reduce the recurrence rate.

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If your skin is dry or overly oily,

it's also good to incorporate regular care.

Q5. How do I differentiate between milia and sebaceous cysts?

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👉 Milia are small, white, firm granules,

while sebaceous cysts are flesh-colored or slightly reddish

and have a spreading appearance.

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However, it is difficult to distinguish them visually,

so a professional dermatological diagnosis is the most accurate.

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📌 Today's Summary

1️⃣ Milia are small, firm, benign skin lesions.

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2️⃣ They are caused by the buildup of sebum and keratin.

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3️⃣ They can be safely removed with CO2 laser and other methods.

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4️⃣ Accurate diagnosis and choosing a skilled milia dermatologist is key.

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5️⃣ Improving lifestyle habits can help prevent recurrence.

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Milia may seem like just a cosmetic issue,

but if management and treatment approach are wrong,

it can actually lead to scarring.

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Through the meticulous care of a

milia dermatologist,

you can regain clear skin.

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Thank you for reading.

This has been Kim Ha-won from the milia dermatology clinic.