If you’ve ever noticed small, hard white bumps on your skin—especially around the eyes or cheeks—you’ve likely encountered milia. These tiny cysts form when dead skin cells or keratin become trapped beneath the skin’s surface, creating bumps that can be stubborn and difficult to remove.
While exfoliation helps, not all exfoliants penetrate deeply enough to prevent milia from forming. That’s where an unusual but highly effective ingredient comes in: marine sponge spicules.
What Are Marine Sponge Spicules?
Marine sponge spicules are microneedle-like structures naturally found in sea sponges. When applied topically in skincare formulations, these microscopic structures create a gentle, controlled micro-exfoliation effect. Unlike harsh scrubs, they don’t rely on abrasive particles; instead, spicules work by temporarily lodging in the upper layers of skin, stimulating renewal from within.
How They Help Prevent Milia
Milia form because dead skin and keratin can’t escape through the surface. Marine sponge spicules address this in three ways:
1. Boosting Skin Cell Turnover
- The microchannels created by spicules accelerate exfoliation and encourage new cell growth.
- This prevents the build-up of keratin that leads to milia.
2. Improving Absorption of Active Ingredients
- The microchannels also allow serums and treatments (like retinoids or PDRN) to penetrate more effectively, further reducing congestion and build-up.
3. Stimulating Microcirculation
- As spicules interact with the skin, they increase local blood flow and activity in the dermis, supporting cellular repair and renewal.
Why Spicules Work Where Traditional Exfoliants Fall Short
Chemical exfoliants (like AHAs or BHAs) dissolve bonds between dead skin cells, but they may not penetrate evenly in thicker or stubborn areas.
Physical scrubs can be too harsh, potentially irritating sensitive skin around the eyes—the area most prone to milia.
Spicules, however, combine the benefits of both: they exfoliate deeply yet precisely, stimulating the skin’s natural repair processes without the risk of over-exfoliation.
The Bottom Line
Milia are frustrating, but they don’t have to be permanent. By encouraging cell turnover, improving product penetration, and preventing keratin build-up, marine sponge spicules provide an innovative, science-backed way to keep skin clear and smooth.
When paired with regenerative actives like PDRN or barrier-strengthening ingredients like ectoin, spicules become part of a truly effective routine—helping you not only prevent milia but also rejuvenate and strengthen your skin over time.
