Milia are tiny white or yellowish bumps that form when keratin gets trapped under the skin. They are harmless but can be annoying and slow to go away.
They are medically called Milia.
🧠 What causes milia
- Dead skin trapped under the surface
- Heavy skincare products (thick creams, oils)
- Sun damage
- Skin irritation or minor injury
- Natural skin cell turnover issues
🧴 How to get rid of milia safely
✔️ 1. Don’t squeeze or pop
- Milia are not pimples
- Squeezing can cause scars or infection
✔️ 2. Gentle exfoliation
- Use mild chemical exfoliants:
- Salicylic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic acid
- Helps skin shed dead cells naturally
✔️ 3. Retinoid creams
- Help speed up skin cell turnover
- Often recommended by dermatologists
✔️ 4. Avoid heavy skincare products
- Switch to lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers
- Avoid thick oils on milia-prone areas
✔️ 5. Sun protection
- Daily sunscreen helps prevent worsening
🧑⚕️ Medical removal (fastest option)
If milia don’t go away:
- Dermatologists can remove them using:
- Sterile extraction
- Laser treatment
- Minor procedures
⏳ How long do they last?
- Can disappear in weeks to months naturally
- Some may persist without treatment
🚨 When to see a doctor
- If they spread quickly
- If they are near the eyes and persistent
- If you are unsure whether it is milia or something else
🧠 Bottom line
Milia are harmless skin cysts that usually improve with gentle exfoliation and proper skincare, but stubborn cases are best removed by a dermatologist.
If you want, I can give you a simple skincare routine to prevent milia from coming back or help you identify if your bumps are really milia or something else (like whiteheads or syringomas).
