If your skin is covered in lots of small colorless or red bumps, you may be dealing with Milia, these are small, bump-like cysts found under the skin. They are usually 1 to 2 millimeters (mm) in size. They form when skin flakes or keratin, a protein, become trapped under the skin. Milia most often appear on the face, commonly around the eyelids and cheeks, though they can occur anywhere.

Another possibility is it is subclinical acne. This type of acne can cause the skin’s surface to look and feel uneven, without ever developing into the typical “pimple” – pus-filled and inflamed. Rather, subclinical acne is simply congested, clogged pores.

These little bumps are caused by an excess of sebum – the waxy, oily substance that your sebaceous glands naturally produce. When there is an excess of sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, your pores become clogged, resulting in protruding follicles and a bumpy texture. Subclinical acne can occur in large numbers on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. It is usually most common on the forehead and cheeks, because the oil glands on these two parts of the face are highly active.

Subclinical acne is most often tied to your lifestyle, stress, and/or hormonal changes. So how can you reduce its appearance? 

1. The first step is to improve in your cleansing regime.

Subclinical acne is caused by clogged pores, the first step in reducing them is to improve your cleansing technique. Firstly take a look at the cleanser you’re using. The best type of cleanser to use will be an oil-based cleanser. Oil dissolves oil, making a cleansing oil extremely helpful. Foaming or soap-based cleansers can dry out the skin, which will actually lead to MORE oil production, as your body will try and make up for what you’re stripping away!

The next technique to utilise is double cleansing. This may seem counter-intuitive, especially if you’re used to drying cleansers, but double cleansing with an oil cleanser will help to clear and remove dead skin cells. You will cleanse daily am and pm, but only double cleanse once a day, preferably at night, when your skin really needs it, after a day of makeup, dirt, and pollutants!

2. Use a toner

To remove any leftover oil or dirt left on your face (which is possible even after double cleansing!), the toner helps to balance your pH levels and decrease excess oil production. ( the Omveda rose toner is divine, smells gorgeous and is very hydrating)

3. Choose your moisturiser wisely.

Whilst you're working on clearing out subclinical acne, you want to make sure your moisturiser is nice and light and not too heavy.

4. Do not squeeze or pick

This is especially important for subclinical acne, which won't normally break the skin on its own, as the bumps are congested pores. Picking at them could lead to scarring, and can cause breakouts to worsen. The best bet is to flush out the congestion with professional facials and recommended products.

5. Peels & Masks

We have so many different type of peels & masks, we can choose one that will break down the congestion, cleanse and clarify the skin while also supporting healthy circulation.

6. Go makeup free for a few days

We know it can be hard when you want to cover up your skin but the best option is to leave it as clean as possible. If you feel like you can’t go bare then opt for an all-natural, lightweight coverage that will allow your skin to breathe.

7. Drink lots of water

Drinking water is essential for keeping your skin clear. Our cells are nourished and hydrated by water, and dehydration can cause your skin to compensate by overproducing oil. Double certified MD, Dr. Amy Shah, recommends drinking between 10-14 glasses of water a day.