What those white spots are under your eyes and how to get rid of them

You may have noticed some small, hard white bumps under or on your eyes and been wondering what on Earth they are. You’ve probably poked and prodded at them, and even applied all sorts of products to them, yet nothing works.

Well, we’ve found the solution. But first, what are those white bumps? They’re actually called a milium cyst, or milia for short. They are often found in groups, and contain keratin that becomes trapped in the skin.

While milia can appear in people of all ages, they’re most common in newborns, though you might have only noticed them now.

Removing milia at home with more harsh methods is not recommended, especially if you have very thin skin. It should be mentioned as well that milia are not pimples and are unrelated. Popping a milia is not possible, which is why the following homeopathic remedies are much more gentle.

1. Honey

Honey can help to treat milia due to its antioxidant properties. All you need to do is spread raw honey on your face and leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse it off. Do this daily until you see improvement.

2. Sandalwood and Rose Water

A combination of sandalwood and rose water helps get rid of excess oil and removes dead skin cells, thereby reducing milia as well. Simply mix two tablespoons of sandalwood powder with sufficient rose water to make a smooth paste. Spread this paste evenly on your skin and leave it on for about 15 minutes before washing off. If you don’t have sandalwood powder, you can get away with just using rose water topically.

3. Castor Oil

Castor oil has natural healing and antibacterial properties and also helps control oil production, thereby discouraging the growth of more milia. Apply half a teaspoon of castor oil on your face and leave it on until it is completely absorbed in the skin.

4. Sugar scrub

Using a simple sugar scrub can help milia dissolve as it exfoliates the skin. Take half a lemon and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. Mix it with two tablespoons of sugar and one teaspoon of olive oil then gently scrub this mixture onto your skin for a few minutes.

5. Oat scrub

Oats are great for unblocking pores, one of the causes of milia. Take one tablespoon of sugar and raw honey and 3 tablespoons of oats and mix together. Apply to your face and scrub gently in the areas where you have the small spots. Rinse.

6. Steam

Steam can also unclog the pores and remove any debris and dead cells from the skin. All you need to do is wet a towel in hot water and squeeze out the excess. Place this towel on your face for a few minutes and then remove it. Repeat this process a couple of times.

7. Cornstarch and Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar works as an astringent, while cornstarch absorbs extra oil from the skin, which are both ideal properties for reducing milia. Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider in 3 teaspoon of corn starch to make a paste. After 30 minutes, remove the paste with a wet cloth.

8. Baking soda

Take half a cup baking soda and add water to make a thick paste. Apply all over your face and wait until it gets dry. Then, wash your face with lukewarm water. This is a simple solution that will alkalise the skin and help it breathe.

9. Lemon

The citric acid in lemon helps open the pores and dries the excess oil. Squeeze a lemon and add a pinch of salt to it. Soak a cotton ball in it and dab on milia and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse off and repeat daily.

Share your thoughts and other tips below.