Eating ‘this food’ helps get rid of milia

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 clogged pores. 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 causes excessive sweating and sebum secretion. In the process of blood vessels expanding to dissipate heat, substances that cause inflammation in the skin may be secreted. 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 foods with a low glycemic index, such as green and yellow vegetables and beans, whereas,

 

It was found that patients treated for acne consumed refined carbohydrates, such as hamburgers, donuts, and ramen, which are high in simple sugars and have a high glycemic index, more frequently and in larger quantities. 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 eat a diet rich in dietary fiber, consisting mainly of 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. Irregular meals and late-night snacking also trigger acne, so it is important to eat meals at set times. Additionally, physical activity 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, open the pore opening with a fine needle and press the affected area with a cotton swab or gauze to remove them down to the root. Do not forcefully squeeze out the sebum during extraction.

 

If you squeeze with excessive force, skin cells can be damaged, leaving marks or scars. 

 

If you have squeezed out milia, you need to shrink the enlarged pores. If the pores do not shrink, waste products such as sebum and dust can accumulate again, leading to recurrence. It is recommended to wash your face with cold water after extraction to reduce pore size and apply acne medication or ointment to the affected 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.

 

 

Eating 'this food' helps get rid of milia © Provided by Health Chosun