Have you ever noticed tiny, hard, white bumps appearing under your skin often around your eyes, on your cheeks, or even near your nose? They might look like little whiteheads, but no matter how much you cleanse, scrub, or even try to squeeze them, they just don’t budge. These stubborn bumps are called milia, and believe it or not, they’re far more common than most people realise.
If you’ve ever been tempted to grab a pin or a needle, or maybe even just squeeze them in the mirror, you’re definitely not alone. A lot of people assume milia are just another type of blemish that can be popped at home, just like a pimple. But here’s the thing milia are completely different from regular spots. Trying to remove them yourself isn’t just tricky; it can actually cause more harm than good.
So, what exactly are milia, and why can’t you just get rid of them on your own? Milia are tiny cysts filled with keratin a protein that’s naturally found in your skin. Because the skin around them is so tough and thick, these little bumps don’t come to a head the way pimples do. That’s why no matter how much you scrub or exfoliate, they tend to stick around.
Before you start digging around with tools at home, it’s worth understanding the risks. Attempting to extract milia yourself can lead to skin irritation, redness, scarring, or even infection. And let’s face it none of us wants a tiny cyst turning into a painful skin problem.
The good news is that you don’t have to live with milia forever. There are safe, dermatologist-approved options that can help you get rid of them without putting your skin at risk. From professional extractions to gentle chemical treatments and targeted skincare routines, there are ways to handle milia effectively while keeping your skin healthy.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about milia what they are, why you shouldn’t try removing them yourself, and which safer alternatives you can consider. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident about how to deal with milia the right way and know exactly when it’s time to call in a professional.
What Are Milia?
If you’ve ever spotted tiny, hard bumps on your skin that just won’t go away, there’s a good chance you’re looking at milia (singular: milium). These are small cysts that form when keratin the protein that helps give your skin its structure gets trapped just beneath the surface. They usually appear as firm, dome-shaped bumps and can be white or pale yellow in colour.
Now, here’s the important part: milia are not the same as pimples or spots. They aren’t caused by bacteria or clogged pores, so no matter how many acne creams, exfoliants, or at-home remedies you try, they won’t disappear on their own. That said, while milia are harmless and usually painless, they can be incredibly stubborn and frustrating, especially if you’re someone who loves smooth, clear skin.
You’ll often notice milia popping up in certain areas more than others, including:
- Eyelids those little bumps near your eyes can be especially tricky to hide.
- Cheeks they can make your skin feel uneven to the touch.
- Nose sometimes clustered around the bridge or sides.
- Forehead a common spot, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Sometimes, milia appear in clusters, which makes them even more noticeable. Seeing a small cluster of these bumps can make you want to tackle them immediately, but remember: rushing to squeeze or pick at them could make matters worse.
Types of Milia
Understanding which type of milia you have can give you some clues about why they appear and what the best approach might be for managing them.
- Primary milia: These are the most common type, and they usually develop when skin cells get trapped beneath the surface during your skin’s normal turnover process. If you’re an adult dealing with stubborn, white bumps around your eyes or cheeks, primary milia are most likely what you’re seeing.
- Secondary milia: These appear after some form of skin trauma, such as burns, blisters, cuts, or even from aggressive skin treatments. If you’ve recently had a chemical peel, laser treatment, or injury to your skin, secondary milia can sometimes show up as a result.
- Neonatal milia: You don’t usually see this in adults, but it’s very common in newborn babies. These tiny bumps often appear on a baby’s nose, chin, or cheeks, and the good news is that they usually clear up on their own within a few weeks.
- Multiple eruptive milia: This type is quite rare, but when it happens, you’ll notice clusters of bumps appearing across larger areas of the body rather than just one or two spots.
For most adults, it’s primary milia that are the culprit. While they’re harmless and generally painless, they can linger for months or even years if left untreated which is why many people turn to professional treatments for removal rather than trying risky at-home methods.
Why Do People Try to Remove Milia at Home?
It’s easy to see why you might be tempted to tackle milia on your own. After all, these tiny white bumps can look a lot like regular spots or whiteheads, and your first instinct is often to just get rid of them yourself. You might find yourself thinking, “If I just squeeze it or poke it, it’ll go away.”
Many people end up trying a few common home remedies, such as:
- Squeezing them with your fingers, hoping they’ll pop like a pimple.
- Using needles or pins to puncture them and release what’s inside.
- Applying acne creams or exfoliants, thinking the same products that clear breakouts will work on milia too.
The motivation is understandable. Milia can be annoying and unsightly, especially when they appear on visible areas like your eyelids, cheeks, or nose. You want smooth, clear skin, and it can feel frustrating when these tiny bumps refuse to budge despite all your efforts.
But here’s the thing: treating milia like regular spots rarely works. In fact, trying to squeeze or pick at them can make your skin worse causing redness, irritation, scarring, or even infection. Instead of clearing the bump, you could end up with a bigger problem than you started with.
Understanding why home removal is risky can help you make smarter choices for your skin and that’s exactly what we’ll dive into next.
Why You Shouldn’t Remove Milia Yourself
If you’ve ever stood in front of the mirror, tempted to “just get rid” of a milia bump, you’re definitely not alone. But here’s the truth: trying to remove milia at home can do your skin far more harm than good. Here’s why it’s best to leave them alone or seek professional help instead:
1. They’re Not Like Spots
Although milia may look like small whiteheads, they’re not the same at all. They sit much deeper under your skin than regular pimples. That means no amount of squeezing or pressing will push them out. In fact, you’re far more likely to damage the surrounding skin than actually clear the cyst.
2. Risk of Infection
When you use your fingers, a sewing needle, or any unsterilised tool, you’re introducing bacteria directly into your skin. What started as a harmless, painless bump can quickly turn into an angry, red, infected area that takes weeks to heal and could even require antibiotics.
3. Risk of Scarring
Even if you manage to break the skin, there’s a high chance you’ll leave behind a scar, dark spot, or uneven texture. This risk is especially high in delicate areas, where the skin is thinner and more prone to marking.
4. Delicate Skin Areas
Milia most often appear around the eyes and eyelids, where your skin is at its thinnest and most fragile. Trying to extract a cyst here yourself can cause swelling, bruising, or even long-term damage to this sensitive area. It’s just not worth the risk.
The bottom line? While it’s tempting to treat milia like regular spots, self-removal often leads to bigger problems than the tiny bump you started with. If you’re serious about getting rid of milia safely, a dermatologist or trained skin specialist can do it quickly, cleanly, and with minimal risk.
Safe Alternatives to DIY Removal
The good news? You don’t have to live with milia forever, and you certainly don’t need to risk your skin by trying to remove them yourself. There are safe and effective ways to tackle these stubborn bumps methods that actually work without causing damage.
One of the best options is to see a dermatologist or trained skincare professional. They can remove milia safely using sterile tools and techniques designed specifically for these tiny cysts. The process is quick, precise, and much less risky than anything you could attempt at home.
There are also gentle skincare approaches that may help prevent new milia from forming. These can include using exfoliating products, such as those containing mild acids, or retinoid creams that encourage normal skin turnover. While these won’t always remove existing milia instantly, they can help keep your skin smooth and reduce the likelihood of new bumps appearing.
The key takeaway is that safety comes first. Trying to extract milia on your own might seem like a shortcut, but the consequences irritation, infection, or scarring are not worth it. With the right professional guidance or targeted skincare routine, you can address milia effectively and keep your skin healthy.
Professional Extraction
If you want milia gone quickly and safely, professional extraction is the way to go. Dermatologists and trained skincare clinicians have the right tools and expertise to handle these tiny cysts without putting your skin at risk. They use sterile instruments to make a very small incision, gently remove the trapped keratin, and ensure the surrounding skin stays intact. The procedure is usually quick, virtually painless, and minimises the risk of scarring or infection.
Chemical Peels
Another safe way to manage milia is through gentle chemical peels. These treatments work by encouraging your skin to renew itself more effectively, helping to prevent new milia from forming. Over time, regular peels can also soften existing cysts, making them less noticeable and easier for a professional to remove if needed.
The great thing about chemical peels is that they improve overall skin texture and tone, so your skin not only looks smoother but also feels healthier. It’s important to stick with gentle, dermatologist-recommended peels, especially if you’re dealing with sensitive areas like around the eyes.
Laser Treatment
For milia that are particularly stubborn or widespread, laser therapy can be an effective solution. This treatment works by precisely targeting and breaking down the cysts, helping to clear them without damaging the surrounding skin.
Laser procedures are usually quick and performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can often go home the same day. Because the approach is so controlled, the risk of scarring or infection is minimal compared with trying to extract milia at home.
Cryotherapy
Another professional option for treating milia is cryotherapy, which involves freezing the bumps with liquid nitrogen. This method isn’t usually the first choice for every case, but it can be very effective for certain stubborn or persistent milia. By carefully targeting the cyst, cryotherapy helps destroy the trapped keratin while minimising damage to surrounding skin.
Topical Retinoids
If you’re looking for a long-term way to prevent milia, topical retinoid creams can be a smart choice. These creams work by speeding up skin cell turnover, which helps keep keratin from building up under the skin in the first place.
At-Home Skincare to Prevent Milia
While you shouldn’t remove milia yourself, you can reduce the likelihood of them appearing with the right skincare habits.
- Gentle exfoliation: Use mild chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs to keep skin smooth.
- Avoid heavy creams: Thick, oily products can clog pores and trap keratin.
- Cleanse properly: Remove makeup and sunscreen thoroughly each night.
- Use retinol (with guidance): Low-strength retinol products can improve skin turnover.
- Sun protection: UV damage can make milia more likely, so daily SPF is a must.
When to See a Dermatologist
You don’t need to rush to the doctor for every milium, but you should consider professional advice if:
- Milia are persistent and don’t go away over time.
- They’re spreading or appearing in large numbers.
- They’re causing you emotional distress.
- They’re located in delicate areas like the eyelids.
A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and suggest the safest, most effective treatment for you.
Myths About Milia Removal
You may have read or heard advice online that isn’t always accurate. Let’s clear up some common myths:
- Myth: Milia can be popped like pimples.
Truth: They sit too deep and won’t respond to squeezing. - Myth: They’ll go away with acne cream.
Truth: Acne treatments target oil and bacteria, not keratin. - Myth: Only babies get milia.
Truth: Adults can develop them at any age.
Emotional Impact of Milia
Even though milia are completely harmless from a medical standpoint, that doesn’t mean they can’t affect how you feel about your appearance. Seeing tiny, persistent bumps on your face every day especially around sensitive areas like your eyes or cheeks can make you feel self-conscious or frustrated.
It’s normal to want your skin to look smooth and clear, and those little bumps can feel like a constant reminder that something is “off.” That’s why safe, professional removal isn’t just about your skin’s health it’s about boosting your confidence and feeling comfortable in your own skin.
Taking the right approach ensures you can address milia effectively without risking scarring or irritation, so you can enjoy a clearer complexion and the peace of mind that comes with it.
FAQs About Milia:
1. What exactly are milia?
Milia are tiny, firm bumps that appear under the skin, usually white or pale yellow in colour. They form when keratin, a protein naturally found in your skin, becomes trapped just beneath the surface. Unlike pimples, milia aren’t caused by bacteria or clogged pores, which is why regular acne treatments or trying to squeeze them won’t work. While harmless, they can be persistent and noticeable, particularly on the face.
2. Can I pop milia like a pimple?
No, you can’t. Milia sit much deeper than regular pimples, so squeezing or picking at them can damage the surrounding skin rather than remove the bump. Using unsterilised tools or needles can also introduce bacteria, which may lead to infection, redness, and even scarring. Leaving milia to be treated by a dermatologist is the safest approach.
3. Why do milia appear in adults?
Adults can develop milia for several reasons. Primary milia appear when skin cells get trapped during the normal turnover process, while secondary milia form after skin trauma, such as burns, cuts, or aggressive treatments. Some skincare products, particularly thick creams or oils, can also contribute to milia by trapping keratin. Slower skin renewal as we age can make adults more prone to developing these bumps, even if they never had them before.
4. Are milia painful?
Milia are generally painless. Most people notice them because of their appearance rather than discomfort. However, if a bump becomes red, inflamed, or sore, it may be irritated from picking or an infection, in which case consulting a dermatologist is recommended.
5. Can milia go away on their own?
In newborns, milia often clear naturally within a few weeks without treatment. In adults, however, they usually persist until professionally removed. That’s why safe, professional treatments are often necessary for long-lasting results.
6. What are the safest ways to remove milia?
The safest ways to remove milia involve professional treatments. Dermatologists can perform professional extractions using sterile tools, gentle chemical peels to improve skin turnover, laser therapy to target stubborn or widespread milia, and cryotherapy, which freezes the bumps for removal. Topical retinoid creams are also helpful for preventing new milia by promoting healthy skin cell renewal. These treatments are precise and minimise the risk of scarring, irritation, or infection.
7. Can skincare prevent milia?
Yes, the right skincare can reduce the chances of new milia forming. Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, proper cleansing ensures makeup and sunscreen don’t clog pores, and avoiding heavy creams reduces keratin buildup. Low-strength retinoids, when used under guidance, can improve skin turnover, and daily sun protection keeps your skin healthy, as UV damage can make milia more likely. While skincare alone may not remove existing milia, it’s effective for prevention.
8. When should I see a dermatologist for milia?
You don’t need to see a doctor for every tiny bump, but professional advice is important if milia persist for months, spread across your face, affect your confidence, or appear in delicate areas like around the eyes. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the safest and most effective treatment for your specific case.
9. Are milia dangerous?
Milia are harmless and don’t indicate infection or serious skin conditions. The main concern is cosmetic, as they can affect the appearance of your skin and how you feel about it. Safe professional removal can restore confidence and keep your skin healthy without causing damage.
10. Can DIY removal cause long-term problems?
Yes, attempting to remove milia yourself can lead to scarring, infections, irritation, and swelling, particularly in delicate areas like the eyelids. Even if you are careful, the risk is high. Professional treatments are quick, clean, and minimise all these risks, giving you a smoother, safer result and lasting improvement in your skin’s appearance.
Final Thought: Safe and Effective Ways to Deal with Milia
Dealing with milia can be frustrating, especially when they persist despite your best skincare efforts. While it might be tempting to try removing them yourself, doing so can lead to irritation, infection, or scarring, particularly in delicate areas like around your eyes. The safest and most effective way to manage milia is through professional treatment.
You can book a consultation with one of our expert dermatologists at London Dermatology Centre, a trusted milia removal clinic in London, where trained professionals use precise, sterile techniques to safely remove these stubborn bumps. Taking this approach not only clears your skin but also protects it from potential long-term damage. By working with an experienced dermatologist, you can restore smooth, healthy skin and regain the confidence that comes with it.
Reference:
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2. Stefanidou, M.P., 2002. ‘Milia en Plaque: A Case Report and Review of the Literature’. Dermatology, [online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11896786/
3. Avila, P.P.G., 2023. ‘Milia’. In: StatPearls. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560481/
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5. Wikipedia (2025). ‘Milium (dermatology)’. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milium_%28dermatology%29