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Manage Milia with Silk: A Smooth Solution to Bumpy Skin

Milia bumps, sometimes called "milk spots," are small, harmless bumps that form on the skin. This article explains what causes milia; how to prevent and treat this skin condition; and why sleeping on pure silk pillowcases can help maintain healthy, hygienic skin. 
Baby milia

If you've ever looked closely at a newborn (one of life's sweetest pleasures) you may have noticed "milk spots" on their skin; these tiny bumps across the baby's nose, cheeks, and face typically resolve on their own. But milk spots-which are formally known as milia-can occur at any age, including in adults. Milia are small (1-2 mm), pearl-like bumps that are white or slightly yellowish in color. They are dome-shaped and, as with babies, commonly found around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead.

Fortunately, milia are harmless. But their persistent nature and appearance can become frustrating for anyone affected (a few of us here at Mulberry Park Silks struggle with milia, so we speak from experience). Read on to learn more about milia-including causes and treatments-and why sleeping on one of our hygienic pure silk pillowcases can help.

Understanding Milia: A Benign, Bumpy White Spot

Adult Milia

While they are sometimes mistaken for acne, milia are actually tiny cysts that form when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the skin's surface. Unlike acne, milia feels firm to the touch and won't pop when squeezed (and shouldn't be squeezed at all). Milia bumps often appear in clusters, creating a "scattered pearls" effect across the skin, though they can also occur as single bumps. Milia can occur on every skin type.

Dr. Lisa, a dermatologist with EvenSkyn, Canada's leading anti-aging brand specializing in advanced skincare devices, elaborates. "Unlike typical pimples, milia lack an opening to the surface, making them harder to remove with standard skincare techniques. There are two types of milia: primary, which develop independently, and secondary, which can form after a skin injury or burn."

Common causes of milia:

The buildup of dead skin cells and keratin

Clogged pores (from heavy makeup, eye cream, or skincare products)

Skin damage from sun exposure

Use of steroid cream

Certain skin conditions or skin infections

Skin trauma

Milia Prevention and Treatment: From DIY to Professional Intervention

There are several things you can do at home to prevent milia and treat milia bumps. (Of course, always consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment advice before beginning any regimen).

At-Home Treatment for Milia

Applying Retinol

To prevent the build-up of old skin cells, maintain a regimen of regular cleansing and gentle exfoliation. You should avoid heavy cream and rich moisturizers; instead, choose non-comedogenic products that don't block the pores. Be sure not to slip up on sunscreen application, as sun damage can lead to milia.

Dr. Lisa also says, "Low-dose over-the-counter retinoids can be helpful in increasing cell turnover, though they should be used with caution to prevent irritation."

Professional Milia Treatment Options

Milia Professional Removal

For stubborn milia removal, your professional treatment options include extraction by a dermatologist or skin care practitioner; chemical peel procedures; cryotherapy, which freezes the milia; and the use of prescription topical retinoids under doctor's orders. For stubborn milia bumps, laser treatments can break down the cysts to clear the skin.

Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcases: Hygienic and Hypoallergenic

While milia treatment often focuses on active interventions, prevention is equally important. The surface we sleep on plays a big part in the health of our skin. And the stakes grow higher when we are coping with any type of skin issue. Switching to a pure silk pillowcase can help control the conditions that make it easier for Milia to grow.

Model Holding Sage Pillowcase

Dr. Lisa explains the benefits of sleeping on silk, saying "Pure silk pillowcases can be particularly beneficial for milia-prone skin. Unlike cotton, silk has natural hypoallergenic properties that reduce bacterial growth, which helps to create a cleaner sleep environment. This hygienic surface reduces skin irritation and minimizes the potential for further clogging or inflammation."

Ready for a Silk Pillowcase?

Wondering which Momme is best?

Along with being hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, silk delivers other benefits for the skin. The smooth charmeuse surface of our silk pillowcases helps minimize friction and sleep wrinkles, particularly in the delicate area around the eyes. Silk also helps skin maintain its natural hydration and is temperature regulating. On top of all of that, silk is also supremely luxurious, with an indulgent look and feel that is absolutely unparalleled.

Mulberry Park Silks: Your Partner in Skin Health

Woman sleeping on silk with a black silk head scarf to protect hair

At Mulberry Park Silks, we understand that quality matters when it comes to your skin. Our pure silk pillowcases are crafted from the finest Grade 6A silk and are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified to be safe from harmful chemicals. We offer a range of momme weights and colors to suit your needs, allowing you to protect your skin while enjoying the ultimate in luxury.

Our silk pillowcases are also easy to care for; they can be washed by hand or machine following these simple directions.

While silk is not a cure-all (and we recommend seeing a dermatologist for any symptoms), our silkpillowcases can help you maintain smooth, healthy skin. As always, the Mulberry Park Silks design team is here to answer questions you have about our products and offer personalized recommendations to suit your budget and style.

Our Clients Also Ask These Questions:

What is the main cause of milia?

Milia are benign tiny white bumps caused by dead skin cells getting trapped beneath the skin's surface.

Can you pop your milia?

No, you should never attempt to pop a milia bump as this could lead to scarring.

How can I remove milia naturally?

Use a gentle cleanser and exfoliate as a natural home remedy for milia. Take extra care using any type of exfoliant in your eye area.

Are silk pillowcases hypoallergenic?

Yes, mulberry silk pillowcases are hypoallergenic. Pure, genuine silk is made from the protective cocoon of the silkworm. It is protein-based and naturally resistant to mold, dust mites, allergens, and bacteria.

Mulberry Park: Accessible and Affordable Luxury Silk

We founded Mulberry Park with one simple mission: to design the highest quality silk items in the market and offer them at an affordable price. And we've done just that, with a full range of silk products made from 100% pure mulberry long strand silk fabric. The silk fabric used for our silk sheets and silk pillowcases has also been OEKO-TEX® Certified (Standard 100) to be free of chemicals.

Visit us online or call us at (800) 860-1924 to learn more about our silk sheets, silk pillowcases, duvet covers and shams, and real silk accessories including sleep masks, travel pillows, and silk hair scrunchies.