Many people are concerned about small, bumpy whiteheads on their skin. How should they be managed?

 

◇ You must prevent debris from accumulating in the pores

 

Milia are caused by the accumulation of sebum, cellular debris, and keratin produced by cells inside the skin when pores are clogged. To alleviate milia, you should reduce your intake of foods that increase sebum production. First, you should avoid excessively spicy foods. Eating spicy food raises body temperature and stimulates the secretion of sweat and sebum. As blood vessels expand to dissipate heat, substances that cause skin inflammation may be released. This can lead to facial flushing or worsen acne.

Sweet foods are also not good. This is because high blood sugar induces 'IGF-1,' a sebum-producing factor. According to a study by Seoul National University Hospital, people without acne consumed large amounts of low-glycemic index foods such as green and yellow vegetables and beans, whereas patients treated for acne were found to consume refined carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, which are high in simple sugars, more frequently and in larger quantities, such as hamburgers, donuts, and ramen. Greasy foods like pork belly and fried chicken are also detrimental as they increase sebum production.

 

◇ Consume foods rich in Vitamin C

 

To alleviate milia, it is best to avoid sugary and greasy foods and instead focus on a diet rich in fiber-rich vegetables and fruits. Fruits are rich in antioxidant vitamins, such as Vitamin C. Antioxidant vitamins reduce the activity of sebaceous glands and suppress sebum secretion. Since irregular meals and late-night snacking also trigger acne, it is important to make sure to eat meals at set times.

 

In addition, moving your body promotes the secretion of anti-inflammatory substances and improves blood circulation, which helps alleviate acne. Let's exercise for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. However, be careful, as excessive exercise can have a negative effect on the skin.

 

 

◇ Wash your face with cold water after extraction

 

Meanwhile, to remove milia, you can open the pores with a fine needle and press the affected area with a cotton swab or gauze to remove them down to the roots.

 

You should not forcefully extract sebum. Applying excessive force can damage skin cells, leaving marks or scars. If you have squeezed out milia, you must shrink the enlarged pores. If the pores do not contract, waste products such as sebum and dust will accumulate again, potentially leading to a recurrence. After extraction, it is recommended to wash your face with cold water to shrink pores and apply acne medication or ointment to the extracted area.

 

If you perform self-extraction at home, you must thoroughly disinfect the extraction site and the extraction tool after washing your face. Failure to disinfect properly can lead to inflammation due to bacterial infection. If it is difficult to disinfect and manage thoroughly, receiving extraction treatment at a dermatology clinic is also an option.

 

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Replenish your vitamins with fiber-rich vegetables and fruits, and

After opening your pores with warm water, wash your face

Extraction... and closing the pores with cold water is good.