Have you been noticing white, raised bumps on your skin that just don’t seem to go away? They’re not pimples, they aren’t itchy like a rash – so what is it? The most likely answer is milia – or “milk spots”, as the condition is most commonly known – which are small, white, raised bumps that usually cover the nose and cheeks.

Although this skin condition is usually found in babies, it’s not uncommon to be found in adults, too. But it can be alarming if you don’t know what they are or if they’re dangerous to your health. Never fear, we have a brief guide of what milk spots are and the safe, natural ways to get rid of them!

What Causes Milk Spots?

Milk spots are caused when keratin, a protein found in human skin, gets trapped underneath the outer layer of skin, resulting in visible white bumps.

In adults, scientists believe milk spots occur from a pre-existing skin condition, from burns or blisters, long exposure to the sun, use of steroid cream, and repeated skincare procedures, like laser treatments.

Milk spots are not dangerous to your health, in fact they are rarely even irritating or itchy at all. They can cause some people discomfort and many adults feel extremely self-conscious because of their milk spots.

While you can remove milk spots with lasers or surgical procedures, those aren’t the only options. There are simple, cheap, and all-natural ways to get rid of milk spots, too!

1. Fenugreek Leaves

These leaves are known for their antiseptic and antioxidant properties, and are used in many cultures to stop acne breakouts. Using a handful of fresh fenugreek leaves, grind them into a paste with some water. Spread the paste on the afflicted areas and let sit for 15 minutes before washing off.

2. Honey

Is there anything some raw honey can’t do? Apply raw honey onto your face to moisturize the areas and give them a boost of antioxidants. For the best results, try this every single day for 15-20 ,minutes before washing off.

3. Oatmeal Scrub

You’ve probably seen this in stores, but you can make your own facial scrub at home, too! Take 1 tbsp. of granulated sugar and honey, and 3 tbsp. of oatmeal. Combine to make a face scrub that you can use every day to unclog pores and beat milk spots.

4. Sugar Lemon Juice Scrub

For this homemade scrub, combine 2 tbsp. of sugar, 1 tsp. lemon juice and 1 tsp. olive oil. Scrub your face and let the mixture sit on your skin for 20 minutes before washing off. This exfoliate will help break up and unclog pores that are trapping milia.

5. Cornstarch and Apple Cider Vinegar

These two are a dream team. Cornstarch absorbs excess oils on the skin and apple cider vinegar gets into pores and cleans your face like actual magic. Combined, they make a paste that you can spread on the afflicted areas and let sit for 25 minutes before removing.

6. Pomegranate Peel Powder

This one is fancy. Many people rely on pomegranate peel for many of their skin remedies – when powdered, the peel helps exfoliate and has a ton of antioxidant properties that help breakup milk spots. To make the powder, roast the peels until they’re brown, then mash them into a powder. Add lemon juice for extra skin benefits. Rub the powder on your face and let sit for 20 minutes 3 times a week.

7. Steam

Perhaps the most simple method of all! Steaming your face is a simple process that you can do at home that will unclog pores and get any debris or dead skin cells off your face. Soak a towel in hot water and squeeze out the excess. Then set the towel across your face for several minutes. Repeat this a few times for the best results.

8. Tea Tree Oil

This all-natural oil is a great solution for milk spots. You might not be able to make this at home, but it’s a pretty inexpensive buy, and it’s antibacterial properties are well worth it. Coat your milk spots in this oil overnight and then give your face a good wash in the morning.

9. Tomato

It might sound a little bizarre, but rubbing a tomato over your milk spots will really help clear them up. Just sprinkle a tomato slice with sugar (this will make it more of an exfoliant) and rub that tomato slice over your spots. The vitamin C that tomatoes are rich with will make your skin glow and your milk spots vanish. Keep up with this routine for at least a month.

10. Clay Mask

Again, you can’t make this at home, but it’s a cheap investment that’s well worth the buy. The mask removes the dead cells and helps reduce the milk spots on your face, and it also leaves your skin soft, smooth, and glowing. Double win.

11. Toothpaste

We’re pretty sure you have this one at home! Toothpaste contains fluoride, which helps remove the symptoms associated with milia. Rub a dab of toothpaste on the milk spots and let it sit for 25 minutes. This might burn slightly, but this is natural!

 

It’s important to keep in mind that in adults, it might take a month or two of following one of these routines to clear your milk spots. Find the remedy that works for you and your skincare routine, and then keep with it!