How To Get Rid Of Milia: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips

Milia are tiny, white or yellowish bumps that can appear on the skin at any age, often causing concern for those affected. While frequently found on the face, especially around the eyes and cheeks, milia are considered harmless but can be stubborn to remove. This comprehensive guide explores what causes milia, how to prevent them, and both home and professional solutions for clearer, healthier skin.

Table of Contents

• What is Milia?
• What Causes Milia?
• Types of Milia
• How to Identify Milia
• Home Remedies for Milia
• Lifestyle Changes & Prevention Tips
• Professional & Medical Treatments
• What Not to Do
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Milia?

Milia are small, keratin-filled cysts appearing as white or yellowish papules just under the surface of the skin. Often mistaken for whiteheads or pimples, milia are not caused by bacteria or clogged pores in the same way as acne. Most commonly, they appear on the face – particularly around the eyes, nose, and cheeks – but can also form on other parts of the body.

What Causes Milia?

Milia form when dead skin cells (keratin) become trapped beneath the skin’s surface instead of exfoliating naturally. The exact causes vary according to age, skin type, environmental factors, and other triggers such as:

• Skin trauma or damage from burns, rashes, or harsh treatments
• Heavy, comedogenic (pore-clogging) creams blocking natural exfoliation
• Sun damage that thickens the skin and hinders shedding
• Genetic predisposition making some individuals more prone to milia
• Skin disorders or certain medications affecting skin regeneration

Types of Milia

Milia are classified based on their causes and the age group affected:

• Primary Milia: Appear spontaneously, usually due to dead skin cell retention. Common in both newborns and adults.
• Secondary Milia: Develop following skin trauma, burns, blistering conditions, or after using certain topical medications.

Primary milia are often seen on the eyelids, cheeks, and forehead, while secondary milia can develop anywhere the skin has been injured.

How to Identify Milia

Distinguishing milia from acne or other skin bumps is important for effective treatment. Milia are characterized by:

• Small, hard bumps – 1–2 mm in diameter
• White or yellow color
• No surrounding redness or inflammation (unlike pimples)
• Painless and generally non-itchy
• Commonly found on the face, especially under the eyes and on the cheeks

Note: For accurate diagnosis, consult a dermatologist if unsure.

Home Remedies for Milia

While milia often clear up without treatment, especially in infants, adults seeking quicker resolution can try several gentle at-home remedies. The following methods can help promote natural skin turnover and prevent further formation of milia:

1. Gentle Cleansing

• Wash your face twice daily with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oils and debris.
• Avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate or damage the skin and make milia worse.

2. Regular Exfoliation

• Exfoliate with a chemical exfoliant containing salicylic acid (BHA), glycolic acid, or lactic acid (AHAs).
• Choose products with gentle concentrations suitable for facial use – don’t over-exfoliate, as this can harm the skin barrier.

3. Retinoids

• Topical retinoids (vitamin A derivatives like retinol) enhance cell turnover, aiding the release of trapped keratin.
• Start with a low-concentration retinol cream and use only as directed to avoid irritation.

4. Steaming

• Expose your face to steam for a few minutes to soften keratin plugs, making it easier for dead skin to shed naturally.
• Avoid aggressive extraction; steaming should be followed by gentle cleansing only.

5. Avoiding Heavy Creams

• Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens.
• Minimize use of occlusive products (like thick eye creams or petroleum jelly) around the eyes and T-zone if you’re prone to milia.

Natural Ingredients for Support

• Honey: Offers mild exfoliating properties and moisturizes the skin.
• Aloe Vera Gel: Soothes irritation and supports gentle turnover.
• Rose Water: Can help tone and refresh the skin naturally.

Lifestyle Changes & Prevention Tips

Adopting healthy skin habits can minimize the risk of milia formation and promote overall skin clarity.

• Practice double cleansing (especially if using heavy makeup or sunscreen) to ensure all residues are removed.
• Exfoliate regularly to prevent dead skin buildup, ideally 1-2 times weekly based on your skin type.
• Protect skin from sun exposure by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
• Avoid using expired or heavy cosmetic products that may block natural skin shedding.
• Skip the urge to squeeze or pick at bumps, as this increases the risk of infection and scarring.
• Keep skincare simple and avoid unnecessary layering of occlusive products.

Professional & Medical Treatments

If milia persist despite good skincare, or if they are located in sensitive areas (such as around the eyes), professional removal may be required:

• Manual Extraction: A dermatologist uses a sterile needle or a small blade to lance and express the keratin. This should never be attempted at home due to the risk of infection and scarring.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing milia with liquid nitrogen, causing them to fall off as the skin heals.
• Laser Therapy: Lasers or diathermy (heat-based treatments) can ablate the cysts with minimal injury to surrounding skin.
• Topical Prescriptions: In stubborn cases, prescription-strength retinoids may be recommended by a dermatologist to speed up exfoliation.

What Not to Do

• Do not try to pop, squeeze, or needle milia at home. This can embed the cyst deeper, introduce bacteria, cause infections, or leave permanent scars.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive products on the delicate skin around the eyes and cheeks.
• Don’t skip professional advice if milia are persistent, recurrent, or associated with other skin changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Are milia dangerous or a sign of underlying health problems?

Milia are benign and not harmful. While they can be aesthetically bothersome, they do not indicate an underlying health condition for the vast majority of individuals.

Q2: Can milia be prevented entirely?

While prevention is not always possible—especially if you have a genetic predisposition—maintaining a regular cleansing and gentle exfoliation routine, using non-comedogenic skin products, and protecting your skin from sun damage can significantly lower your risk.

Q3: How long does it take for milia to disappear on their own?

In some cases, milia resolve within a few weeks, but they can also persist for months without treatment. Gentle skincare can help speed up this process, but professional removal may be needed if they linger.

Q4: Are babies and adults treated differently for milia?

Milia in infants (often called ‘milk spots’) typically require no treatment and clear up on their own as the skin matures. In adults, treatment may involve exfoliation or dermatologist intervention if the bumps persist.

Q5: Is it safe to use home remedies on milia around the eyes?

Because the skin around the eyes is especially delicate, avoid strong or abrasive treatments in this area. Consult a dermatologist before trying any remedy near your eyes.

Key Takeaways

• Milia are common, benign skin cysts stemming from trapped dead skin (keratin).
• Proper cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and avoiding heavy creams can reduce risk and support natural disappearance.
• Avoid popping or extracting milia at home. Professional removal is the safest approach for stubborn or sensitive cases.
• Consistency in skincare and sun protection is crucial for long-term skin health and milia prevention.

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete