Milk spots, also known as Milia, can develop among people of all ages, but they are especially common in newborns. They are small, white, raised bumps that normally occur on the surface of the nose or the cheeks. Milk spots occur as a result of keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of the skin, that gets trapped underneath the skin.
Among adults, it is believed that they occur from a pre-existing skin condition, burns or blisters, long exposure to the sun, use of steroid cream or repeated skincare procedures, such as laser treatments. They are not dangerous, and rarely irritating or itchy, however, they may cause discomfort in some people and many adults feel extremely self-conscious about them too. Milk spots may be removed with laser or surgical procedures, but simple, cheap and natural alternatives work just as well.
Here are 11 remedies you can try:
1. Fenugreek leaves
Fenugreek's antiseptic and antioxidant properties work wonders on Milia. They are often used to stop acne breakouts too.
Use: Grind a handful of fresh fenugreek leaves into a paste with some water. Spread onto the affected areas and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing off.
2. Honey
Raw honey is an extremely useful and versatile ingredient that is becoming increasingly recognized not only for its amazing taste (you can eat a spoonful of honey directly or spread it on bread like jam) but also for its medicinal properties.
Use: Apply raw honey to your face to help moisturize and give a boost of antioxidants to the affected areas. Repeat daily, letting it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before washing off.
3. Oatmeal scrub
Use: Combine 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of honey and 3 tablespoons of oatmeal. Apply to your face daily to unclog pores and reduce milk spots.
4. Sugar lemon juice scrub
Use: To prepare this homemade scrub, combine 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Use as a scrub on your face and let it sit for 20 minutes before washing off. This exfoliation will help break up and unclog pores that are trapping Milia.
While they may seem like an unlikely combination, these two ingredients work wonderfully well together, especially when applied to the face. Cornstarch absorbs excess oil on the skin, while apple cider vinegar gets into the pores and cleans your face.
Use: Make a paste using the two ingredients and apply to the affected areas, letting it sit for 25 minutes before removing.
6. Pomegranate peel powder
Pomegranates are a wonderful fruit to add to your diet - they are an incredibly great source of vitamins A, C, and E. Pomegranate peel powder, however, is especially recommended for skin remedies. In fact, when powdered, the peel helps exfoliate the skin and provides a ton of antioxidant properties that help break up milk spots.
Use: To make the powder, roast the peels until they have turned brown. Then mash or blend them into a powder. Add lemon juice to reap further benefits and apply the paste to your face letting it sit for 20 minutes. Repeat three times per week.
7. Steam
This method is pretty simple and will help unclog pores and remove any debris or dead skin cells from your face.
Use: Soak a towel in hot water and squeeze it to remove any excess water. Place the towel across your face for several minutes.
8. Tea tree oil
This essential oil works wonders on all sorts of skin condition. It's pretty inexpensive to buy too and has many great antibacterial properties.
Use: Combine 12 drops of this essential oil with 50ml base oil (such as coconut oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil or Aloe Vera gel). Coat your milk spots with the blend and let the oil sit overnight. Wash your face thoroughly in the morning.
9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, making your skin glow and helping your milk spots vanish. To reap the benefits, apply the following remedy to your face:
Use: Halve a tomato and sprinkle with some sugar (this will make it more of an exfoliant) then rub over your face and over your milk spots.
10. Clay mask
While you can't make or prepare this remedy at home, it is pretty inexpensive to buy. The mask helps remove dead skin cells and reduces the milk spots on your face, leaving your skin soft and smooth.
Use: Just rub the mask onto your skin, letting it sit for a while then wash it off well.
11. Toothpaste
Use: The fluoride found in toothpaste helps remove the symptoms associated with Milia. Simply rub a dab of toothpaste on the milk spots and let it sit for 25 minutes.
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