Jul
Skincare
How to Get Rid of Milia: Causes and Treatments That Actually Work
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It’s frustrating. You wake up, look in the mirror, and spot a cluster of tiny white bumps on your face that weren’t there before. They’re not pimples, they’re not blackheads – and no amount of squeezing gets them out. Those stubborn little dots? They’re called milia, and they don’t play by the usual acne rules.
If you’ve tried exfoliating, moisturizing, even ignoring them – and they’re still clinging to your cheeks or under your eyes – you’re not alone. Milia are incredibly common and, thankfully, treatable. But the trick is understanding what they are, what causes them, and how to deal with them the right way. Here’s how it works.
What Are Milia, Really?
Milia (the plural of milium) are small, keratin-filled cysts that form just beneath the surface of the skin. They look like tiny white or yellowish bumps, usually no bigger than a pinhead. Unlike pimples, milia aren’t inflamed or red, and they don’t contain oil or pus. They’re also not contagious.
They’re most common on the cheeks, nose, eyelids, forehead, and around the eyes, but can show up anywhere. Some people confuse them with whiteheads or clogged pores, but they’re not the same. Milia are trapped keratin (a protein found in skin, hair, and nails), not trapped oil.
Why Do You Get Milia?
There’s no one reason, and that’s part of the problem. Milia can be triggered by different factors and understanding what’s behind yours is the first step in treating them.
Primary milia happen when dead skin cells get trapped in small pockets on the surface of the skin. This can occur even in perfectly healthy skin. Newborns often have it (called “baby acne,” though it’s not actually acne). In adults, it’s often due to natural skin turnover being a bit too sluggish.
Secondary milia develop after something damages the skin – like burns, blisters, long-term sun exposure, or even laser treatments. In this case, the skin heals improperly, trapping keratin underneath.
Other common triggers include:
- Heavy or occlusive skincare products
- Overuse of steroid creams
- Not exfoliating regularly
- Harsh physical exfoliation that damages the skin barrier
- Genetics (some people just get them more easily)
Can You Prevent Milia?
Not always, but there are ways to make your skin less inviting for them. Use lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens. Avoid pore-clogging ingredients like mineral oil, lanolin, or thick waxes if you’re prone to milia. Exfoliate regularly – but gently. And don’t overdo it with heavy eye creams, especially those with occlusive ingredients.
What Not to Do
Let’s be clear: you cannot pop milia like a pimple. They have no pore or opening to the surface, so squeezing just damages the skin and increases the risk of scarring or infection. They won’t “come out” no matter how hard you try. If you’ve already tried, you probably know. The best approach is patience, proper skincare, and when needed, professional removal.
How to Get Rid of Milia at Home (Safely)
For mild or early-stage milia, the right skincare routine can help clear them over time. It’s a slow process – but for many, it works.
Try a Chemical Exfoliant
Look for products with gentle exfoliating acids:
- Salicylic acid: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates oil and helps shed dead skin.
- Glycolic acid or lactic acid: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that exfoliate the surface layer of skin.
- Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs): Gentler alternatives for sensitive skin.
Products like The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution or Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant are popular choices that can help with skin turnover.
Be consistent, but not aggressive. Start 2–3 times a week and monitor how your skin reacts.
Use a Retinoid (If Your Skin Tolerates It)
Retinoids can help prevent and slowly clear existing milia by increasing cell turnover. Over-the-counter retinol serums like CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 are good starting points.
Retinoids make skin more sensitive to the sun, so use sunscreen daily – no exceptions.
Gentle Cleansing and Moisturizing
Use a mild cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin. A balanced moisture barrier helps regulate keratin production. Try formulas with ceramides, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid. If you wear makeup, remove it thoroughly with an oil cleanser or micellar water before washing your face.
Don’t Use Harsh Scrubs
Physical exfoliants like walnut scrubs or rough brushes can damage the skin and worsen milia. Stick to chemical exfoliants or soft washcloths.
Skip the Heavy Creams (Especially Near Eyes)
Eye creams that are too rich can lead to milia under the eyes. If you use one, opt for a lightweight formula with peptides or caffeine, not thick occlusives.
When Should You See a Professional?
If the milia won’t budge, or if you have a large cluster that’s bothering you, a dermatologist or licensed esthetician can remove them safely.
They’ll use a sterile needle or a small lancet to create a tiny opening in the skin, then gently extract the cyst. It’s quick and usually not painful. And most importantly, it avoids the damage that comes from picking at your face.
In some cases, especially with widespread or recurring milia, a doctor may prescribe a topical retinoid like tretinoin or adapalene.
Can Milia Be a Sign of Something Else?
Usually, no. Milia are harmless. But when they show up all over the body or persist despite treatment, they can occasionally be linked to rare skin conditions or genetic disorders. If you’re unsure, or your bumps look different from typical milia, get them checked out.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
With at-home treatments, you may start to see results in 4–6 weeks, but it can take longer. Consistency is key. If you’re not seeing progress after a couple of months, professional extraction might be your best bet.
Are There Natural Remedies for Milia?
There are a few gentle, natural options that might help, though results are usually slower.
- Raw honey: Its antibacterial and exfoliating properties may help soften the skin and unclog the cysts. Apply as a mask a few times a week.
- Castor oil: Some people report success using a dab on milia-prone areas. It’s mildly exfoliating and can support skin healing.
- Rose water and sandalwood paste: Traditionally used in Ayurvedic routines, this combo may help reduce keratin buildup, though there’s limited scientific backing.
These won’t be miracle cures, but they’re low-risk and may complement a solid skincare routine.
What Products Help Prevent and Treat Milia?
Here are some trusted picks available on Amazon:
Chemical Exfoliants:
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Retinoids:
Cleansers:
Moisturizers:
Sunscreens:
FAQs
Can milia go away on their own?
Yes, in some cases. Primary milia in adults may resolve without treatment, but it can take weeks or months. Secondary milia may be more persistent.
Is milia removal painful?
Not really. Professional extraction is quick and usually feels like a small pinch. Most people tolerate it well.
Is it okay to use exfoliants near the eyes?
Use caution. The skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive. Avoid strong acids in that area unless the product is specifically formulated for it.
Are milia related to diet or hormones?
There’s no direct link between diet or hormonal changes and milia, though skin health overall can be influenced by both. For most people, milia are more about keratin buildup than internal changes.
Can kids and babies get milia?
Yes. It’s extremely common in newborns and usually disappears within a few weeks without treatment.
Can sunscreen cause milia?
Heavy, occlusive sunscreens may contribute. Use non-comedogenic, lightweight mineral or chemical formulas designed for facial use.
Bottom Line on Milia
Milia are annoying, but not dangerous. And you don’t have to live with them forever. With the right routine – gentle exfoliation, smart product choices, and patience – you can clear your skin without picking or poking.
If your bumps aren’t going away or keep coming back, professional help is a safe and effective next step. And once you’ve cleared them, a good skincare routine can help keep your skin smooth and bump-free. No squeezing. No scars. Just persistence.
