How to Safely Get Rid of Milia: Dermatologist-Approved Advice
Gentle exfoliation combined with professional care can restore smoother, bump-free skin.
Milia are tiny, firm, white or yellow bumps that often appear on the face, especially around the eyes and cheeks. While completely harmless and strictly a cosmetic issue, milia can be persistent and frustrating. If you are bothered by their appearance, you may wonder about the safest and most effective ways to get rid of them. Here, we provide expert-backed advice on milia, including causes, prevention, home-care strategies, and how dermatologists can help.
What Are Milia?
Milia are small cysts that develop when dead skin cells or keratin—a protein naturally found in skin—become trapped under the skin’s surface. Unlike pimples, milia are not related to oil glands or bacteria, and they typically do not become inflamed or red. These tiny bumps often appear in clusters and are most commonly found on the face, particularly the cheeks, nose, eyelids, and under the eyes.
- Primary milia: Form directly due to trapped keratin, often seen in newborns but also common in adults.
- Secondary milia: Develop after skin damage such as burns, blisters, or following certain dermatological procedures.
Milia can occur at any age and affect all skin types, but they are especially common in infants—known as “baby acne,” although unrelated to acne—and adults with thicker or sun-damaged skin.
Are Milia Harmful?
Milia are entirely benign and do not pose health risks. According to dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, “Milia are strictly a cosmetic issue.” Most milia are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t hurt or itch, though some people may find them unsightly.
They often resolve on their own, especially in infants. However, milia can persist for weeks or months in adults and may require intervention if they are bothersome.
Causes and Risk Factors for Milia
Milia form when keratin or dead skin cells get trapped beneath the skin’s surface. The exact cause varies depending on the type:
- Use of heavy skincare or makeup products that clog pores
- Sun damage leading to skin thickening and reduced natural exfoliation
- Genetics—some people are more prone to developing milia
- Long-term use of corticosteroid creams
- Healing from burns, blisters, or abrasive skin treatments (secondary milia)
Age, skin type, and environmental factors also contribute to the risk of developing milia. They may form spontaneously, even without the above triggers.
Common Myths: Should You Pop Milia?
What others are reading
Never try to pop or squeeze milia at home. Milia are not like pimples; they do not have an opening or ‘head’ to be easily extracted and poking at them can result in skin damage, infection, or scarring.
Dermatologists universally advise against at-home extraction:
- Trying to extract milia with needles or fingers can introduce bacteria and cause infection
- Popping may lead to permanent scars or hyperpigmentation
- At-home kits and ‘milia removers’ are not only ineffective, but can be harmful
If milia persist and are bothersome, always seek the expertise of a dermatologist for safe and sterile removal.
Daily Skincare Habits to Prevent and Treat Milia
While milia sometimes resolve without treatment, certain skincare habits can help prevent their occurrence and support their clearance.
1. Prioritize Gentle Cleansing
- Use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser for daily washing
- Wash your face with lukewarm water and gently pat dry—avoid harsh scrubbing
- Allow your skin breaks from makeup to “breathe” whenever possible
2. Incorporate Mild Exfoliation
- Use gentle exfoliants like glycolic acid or lactic acid to encourage cell turnover
- Avoid gritty or abrasive scrubs, which can irritate the skin and worsen milia
- Weekly chemical exfoliation is often gentler and more effective than physical scrubs
3. Add Topical Retinoids (If Suitable)
- Topical retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) accelerate skin cell turnover and can help release trapped keratin
- Look for nonprescription retinoids like adapalene gel or consult a dermatologist for prescription-grade options
- Use retinoids at night and always follow with sunscreen in the morning, as these products increase sun sensitivity
4. Avoid Heavy and Occlusive Products
- Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens
- Avoid oily creams or thick balms, especially on areas prone to milia
5. Protect Skin from Sun Damage
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily—UV damage can trigger or worsen milia, especially on mature or aging skin
- Use protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors
Safe Home Remedies for Milia
Some mild cases of milia may benefit from home care, but always approach with caution:
- Steaming: Briefly exposing your skin to gentle steam (such as in a bathroom after a hot shower) can help soften the skin, making natural turnover easier.
- Consistent gentle cleansing and light exfoliation can support skin renewal.
Never use sharp tools, pins, or attempt to extract milia on your own. If in doubt, consult a dermatologist.
Professional Treatments for Stubborn Milia
If milia are persistent, widespread, or located in sensitive areas (such as near the eyes), a dermatologist can use the following treatments for safe and effective removal:
| Treatment | Description | Performed By | Risks/Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Extraction | Uses a sterile blade or needle to make a tiny opening and extract the contents | Dermatologist or licensed aesthetician | Minimal scarring, infection if not performed correctly |
| Electrodessication | Fine electric probe heats and destroys milia; area is numbed beforehand | Dermatologist | Temporary redness or slight scabbing |
| Cryotherapy | Liquid nitrogen freezes milia, which then flake off | Dermatologist | Cold burn, pigmentation changes |
| Topical/Oral Medications | Prescription-strength retinoids or antibiotics for widespread milia | Dermatologist | Skin irritation, dryness, sun sensitivity |
| Laser Ablation | Targeted lasers remove milia with precision | Dermatologist or medical professional | Redness, minor swelling, rare pigmentation changes |
Professional removal is quick, virtually painless, and greatly reduces the risk of scarring or infection.
How to Prevent Milia
While not all cases are preventable, certain lifestyle and skincare choices may reduce the chances of developing milia:
- Use gentle, non-comedogenic products, especially if you have a history of milia
- Avoid overuse of thick ointments, heavy creams, or oil-based formulas
- Incorporate regular gentle exfoliation (not daily, to avoid irritation)
- Always remove makeup thoroughly before bed to prevent buildup
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and avoid excessive sun exposure
- Avoid unnecessary trauma or disruption to the skin, particularly during healing from injury or dermatological procedures
When to See a Dermatologist
Milia are usually harmless, but you should seek professional advice if:
- The bumps cause pain, itching, or signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus)
- Milia persist for several months and impact your self-confidence
- You develop many milia suddenly, or in unusual locations
- You wish to explore safe removal options
FAQs About Milia
What are milia, and why do they appear?
Milia are tiny cysts formed when dead skin cells or keratin become trapped under the skin’s surface. They are not caused by infection or oil production issues and can occur at any age.
Is it okay to pop milia at home?
No. Attempting to pop or extract milia at home with needles or fingers can lead to infection, scarring, or skin damage. Only trained professionals should perform extractions.
Can exfoliation help remove milia?
Gentle chemical exfoliation can help prevent milia by encouraging cell turnover and keeping pores clear. However, abrasive or gritty scrubs should be avoided as they may irritate the skin and worsen the condition.
What products are best for skin prone to milia?
Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens. Consider topical retinoids if recommended by a dermatologist, and avoid thick creams or oil-based products on affected areas.
When will milia go away on their own?
In many cases, milia resolve naturally within a few weeks to months. Persistent or bothersome cases often require gentle skincare or professional removal, especially in adults.
Key Takeaways
- Milia are harmless skin cysts that do not require medical treatment but can be bothersome cosmetically.
- Never attempt extraction at home; see a dermatologist for safe removal.
- Gentle skin care, mild exfoliation, and topical retinoids can help clear current milia and prevent recurrences.
- Practice sun protection and use non-comedogenic products for long-term skin health.
With a combination of patience, gentle care, and, when needed, professional intervention, you can address milia safely and effectively—leading to a clearer, smoother complexion.
References
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320953
- https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/skin/a40296/how-to-get-rid-of-milia/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a42233755/how-to-get-rid-of-milia/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/how-to-get-rid-of-milia
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a43411493/milia-under-eyes/
- https://jan.mydigitalpublication.co.uk/articles/non-surgical-removal-of-milia-treatment-and-aftercare
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