You’ve probably felt them before running a finger across your cheek or under your eye: small, firm, pearly white bumps that don’t budge no matter how much you cleanse or exfoliate. They’re not quite pimples, and they’re definitely not going away on their own timeline. If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of milia without making things worse, you’re in the right place — let’s walk through what they actually are and what genuinely helps.
What Exactly Are Milia?
Milia are tiny cysts that form when keratin — a protein naturally found in skin, hair, and nails — becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin instead of shedding normally. Unlike a typical blemish, there’s no bacteria or inflammation driving the bump, which is part of why traditional acne treatments often don’t touch them. They typically appear as small, firm, white or yellowish dots, most commonly around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead, though they can show up almost anywhere on the body.
They’re extremely common and affect people of every age, including newborns (where they’re often called “baby acne” milia, though it’s unrelated to true acne) and adults dealing with them for the first time well into their thirties or forties.
What Causes Milia to Form?
There are a few recognized categories, and understanding which type you’re dealing with can shape how you approach treatment.
Primary Milia
Primary milia develop when keratin becomes trapped directly under the skin, often for no identifiable reason. They’re common on the face, particularly around the eyes and cheeks, and tend to appear spontaneously in otherwise healthy skin.
Secondary Milia
Secondary milia form after something disrupts the skin’s normal shedding process — this could be damage from a burn, blistering, prolonged sun exposure, certain skin conditions, or even after procedures like dermabrasion or laser resurfacing. The trapped keratin forms in the area where the skin was healing.
Milia Related to Skincare Products
Heavy, occlusive creams and oils — particularly those applied around the delicate eye area — are frequently linked to milia development in adults. When the skin’s natural exfoliation process is disrupted or overwhelmed by rich products that sit on the surface, keratin can build up rather than shed properly.
Milia en Plaque
This is a rarer form where numerous milia cluster together on a raised, inflamed patch of skin, often around the jaw, ears, or eyelids. It’s more commonly associated with certain underlying skin conditions and generally warrants a dermatologist’s evaluation.
Milia vs. Whiteheads: How to Tell the Difference
It’s easy to confuse milia with whiteheads since both appear as small, pale bumps, but they behave very differently. Whiteheads are a form of acne, caused by clogged pores mixed with oil, dead skin, and sometimes bacteria — they can often be encouraged to resolve with typical acne treatments like salicylic acid, and they may eventually come to a head. Milia, on the other hand, sit in a closed pocket with no opening to the surface, which is exactly why they don’t respond to squeezing and why attempting to pop them can lead to irritation, scarring, or infection without actually removing anything.
| Feature | Milia | Whiteheads |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Trapped keratin, no pore opening | Clogged pore with oil, dead skin, bacteria |
| Texture | Hard, firm, pearly | Softer, may have a visible head |
| Responds to popping? | No — needs sterile extraction | Sometimes, though not recommended |
| Responds to acne treatment? | Rarely, on its own | Often, with consistent use |
Milia in Babies vs. Adults: What Really Differs
Although the underlying mechanism — trapped keratin — is the same at any age, why milia show up and how they should be handled looks quite different depending on whether you’re looking at a newborn’s nose or a grown adult’s under-eye area.
Milia in Newborns
Up to half of newborns develop milia, usually within the first few weeks of life, most often across the nose, chin, and cheeks. In babies, the trapped keratin is thought to relate to immature oil glands and skin that’s still adjusting to life outside the womb, rather than anything a parent did or didn’t do. Newborn milia is not the same condition as neonatal acne, even though the two are sometimes confused or grouped together as “baby acne” — milia are firm, white, and non-inflamed, while neonatal acne tends to look more like small red or pink pimples. The good news for parents is that newborn milia almost always clears on its own within a few weeks to a couple of months, with no cream, scrub, or intervention needed — pediatricians generally recommend simply keeping the area clean with plain water and letting it resolve naturally.
Milia in Children and Teens
Milia are less common in older children and teenagers than in either infants or adults, but they can still appear, sometimes after a skin injury, sunburn, or a period of using richer skincare or sunscreen products for the first time. Because teenage skin is also dealing with genuine acne and increased oil production, it’s worth having a dermatologist or pediatrician confirm that a bump is truly milia and not a whitehead or comedone before starting any treatment, since the approach for each is different.
Milia in Adults
Adult-onset milia tends to have different drivers than the newborn version. Sun damage accumulated over years, the natural slowing of skin cell turnover that comes with age, heavier skincare and makeup habits, and skin trauma from procedures like laser treatments or microdermabrasion are all more commonly implicated in adults than in babies. Adult milia also tends to be more stubborn and less likely to resolve without some form of exfoliation or professional extraction, which is part of why the guidance for adults leans more heavily on active ingredients and in-office treatment than the “just wait it out” approach that works for most infant cases.
Safe Ways to Help Manage Milia at Home
Gentle Chemical Exfoliation
Because milia involve trapped keratin, ingredients that support cell turnover may help some cases resolve gradually. Products containing alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic or lactic acid) or retinoids can encourage the skin to shed more efficiently, which may allow superficial milia to work their way out over time. Consistency matters more than strength here — a gentle formula used regularly tends to outperform an aggressive one used sporadically.
Lightweight, Non-Comedogenic Products
Switching to lighter moisturizers and avoiding heavy, occlusive creams — especially around the eyes — can help prevent new milia from forming while existing ones have a chance to resolve. Look for labels indicating “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” if you’re prone to this issue.
Consistent, Gentle Sun Protection
Since sun damage is associated with some cases of secondary milia, daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is a sensible preventive habit, alongside its many other well-established skin benefits.
Avoid Picking or Attempting DIY Extraction
It’s tempting to try to squeeze or pin-prick milia at home, but because they’re closed beneath intact skin, this rarely works and commonly leads to irritation, infection, or scarring. If pressure or picking hasn’t budged it after a gentle attempt, that’s a sign the bump needs professional attention rather than more force.
Choosing the Right Strength and Formula
Not all exfoliating products are created equal, and reaching for the strongest option isn’t necessarily the fastest route to clearer skin. For beginners, a lower-concentration lactic acid (which tends to be gentler than glycolic acid because of its larger molecular size) or an over-the-counter retinol at a modest percentage is usually a more sensible starting point than a prescription-strength retinoid or a high-percentage acid peel used at home. Over-exfoliating can actually damage the skin barrier and, ironically, contribute to more irritation and even more trapped keratin, so most dermatologists suggest starting with two to three applications per week and building up tolerance gradually rather than using a new active every night from day one. Look for formulas specifically labeled for the eye area if you’re targeting milia in that region, since the skin there is thinner and more easily irritated than skin elsewhere on the face.
A Simple Sample Routine
While everyone’s skin is different, a reasonable starting routine for someone managing milia might look like: a gentle, non-stripping cleanser both morning and night; a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer; a chemical exfoliant (AHA or retinoid) introduced two to three evenings a week and increased slowly as tolerated; and broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, since retinoids and acids can increase sun sensitivity. Patience is a genuinely important part of this process — visible improvement from consistent exfoliation typically takes several weeks to a few months, not days, so many people give up right before a routine would have started working.
Ingredients and Habits That May Make Milia Worse
Just as some products may help, others are more likely to contribute to milia forming or lingering. Thick, occlusive balms and oils — particularly mineral oil, petroleum-heavy eye creams, and heavy silicone-based primers — can sit on the skin’s surface and interfere with normal shedding, especially in the delicate under-eye area. Physical scrubs with rough granules are also worth using cautiously, since they can create micro-tears in the skin without actually reaching the trapped keratin underneath, sometimes making the area look more irritated without resolving the milia itself. Skipping sunscreen and accumulating unprotected sun exposure is another habit associated with more milia over time, particularly the secondary type linked to skin damage. Finally, layering multiple heavy products — a rich moisturizer, an occlusive eye balm, and a thick sunscreen all at once — can overwhelm the skin even if each individual product seems fine on its own, so simplifying a routine is sometimes as useful as changing any single item in it.
Professional Treatment Options
For milia that don’t resolve with gentle home care, dermatologists and licensed estheticians have safe, sterile methods available. The most common is manual extraction, where a fine sterile needle or blade is used to create a tiny opening and gently express the trapped keratin — a quick in-office procedure that’s far safer than attempting it yourself. Other options a dermatologist might discuss include chemical peels to support faster cell turnover, or in more stubborn or widespread cases, procedures like laser ablation or cryotherapy.
What to Expect During a Professional Extraction
A typical in-office milia extraction is quick and usually doesn’t require any numbing, since the sensation is generally described as a brief pinch rather than significant pain. The provider will clean the area, use a sterile fine needle, lancet, or comedone extractor to create a tiny opening in the skin above the milium, and then gently express the trapped keratin plug. Because the process targets the skin’s outermost layers, there’s typically little to no bleeding and minimal to no downtime — many people return to normal activities immediately, though the spot may look slightly pink or tender for a day or two. Multiple milia can often be addressed in a single visit, though very widespread cases may be treated over more than one appointment to avoid over-treating the surrounding skin at once.
At-Home Care vs. Professional Removal: Which Makes Sense?
At-home exfoliation is generally the right starting point for a small number of superficial milia, especially if you’re not in a hurry and are comfortable with a gradual, weeks-to-months timeline. Professional extraction tends to make more sense when milia are deep-set and clearly not budging with topical treatment, when they’re in a highly visible spot you’d like addressed sooner, when there are many of them, or when you simply don’t want to risk a DIY attempt on delicate skin like the eyelids. Cost and access can vary quite a bit depending on your location, provider, and how many bumps are being treated, so it’s reasonable to ask a dermatology office for a rough estimate during a consultation before committing to a treatment plan.
Preventing Milia From Coming Back
While milia can’t always be prevented entirely, especially the spontaneous primary type, a few habits may lower your odds of recurring bumps. Choose lighter formulas around the eye area rather than thick balms, cleanse thoroughly (but gently) to prevent product buildup, incorporate regular but gentle exfoliation into your routine, and protect your skin from excess sun exposure and burns. If you’ve had recurring milia after specific products or procedures, keeping a simple log of what you used beforehand can help you and your dermatologist spot a pattern.
A few additional habits can round out a prevention-focused routine. Double cleansing at night — a gentle oil or balm cleanser followed by a water-based one — helps ensure makeup, sunscreen, and the day’s product buildup are fully removed rather than sitting on the skin overnight, which matters most for anyone who wears eye cream, concealer, or primer daily. It’s also worth patch-testing any new rich cream or oil on a small area for a week or two before applying it all over the face, since a reaction that shows up as milia may not appear immediately. Finally, since skin needs and climate change with the seasons, revisiting your routine every few months — lightening up in humid weather and adjusting again when the air turns dry — can help you avoid unintentionally over-moisturizing skin that doesn’t need it.
When to See a Dermatologist
While many cases of milia are harmless and cosmetic, it’s worth scheduling a dermatology visit if the bumps are widespread, growing in number, appearing in clusters on inflamed skin (which could suggest milia en plaque), persisting for many months without change, or if you’re simply uncomfortable with their appearance and want a safe, professional extraction rather than risking a DIY attempt. A dermatologist can also confirm that what you’re seeing is in fact milia and not another skin condition that mimics its appearance, such as syringomas or small cysts, which require different approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can milia go away on their own?
Yes, particularly in newborns, milia often resolve on their own within a few weeks without any treatment. In adults, some cases clear gradually with consistent gentle exfoliation, while others persist until professionally extracted.
Is it safe to pop milia at home?
It’s not recommended. Because milia are enclosed under intact skin with no natural opening, attempting to pop them at home often fails to remove anything and can cause irritation, scarring, or infection.
Why do I keep getting milia around my eyes?
The eye area has thinner skin and is often where richer creams and eye balms are applied, which is frequently linked to recurring milia in that region. Switching to a lighter formula may help.
Are milia a sign of poor skincare habits?
Not necessarily. While heavy products can contribute, many cases of milia occur spontaneously in people with otherwise healthy, well-maintained skin, so it’s not something to blame yourself for.
Can sunscreen cause milia?
Some heavier, more occlusive sunscreen formulas could theoretically contribute in acne- or milia-prone individuals, but the benefits of daily sun protection far outweigh this risk — choosing a lighter, non-comedogenic formula is a simple solution.
Do retinol products help get rid of milia?
Retinoids support skin cell turnover, which may help some superficial milia resolve gradually over weeks to months, though results vary and deeper milia may still need professional extraction.
Can babies have milia removed?
Milia in newborns typically resolve on their own without any treatment or intervention needed, and pediatricians generally advise against attempting to treat or remove them at home.
Does diet play a role in milia?
There’s no strong evidence directly linking specific foods to milia formation, since it’s primarily related to keratin trapped beneath the skin rather than inflammation-driven like acne.
How long does professional milia extraction take?
In-office extraction is typically a quick procedure, often just minutes per bump, performed with sterile tools by a trained professional, with minimal downtime for most people.
Can exfoliating scrubs get rid of milia?
Physical scrubs are generally less effective and can be harsher on the skin than chemical exfoliants like AHAs or retinoids, which more directly support the cell turnover process that may help milia resolve.
Does milia run in families?
There may be a mild genetic component in some cases, since some families report multiple members dealing with recurring milia, but milia isn’t considered a strictly hereditary condition the way some skin conditions are, and most cases appear to relate more to skincare habits, sun exposure, or skin healing than to genetics alone.
What’s the difference between milia and closed comedones?
Closed comedones (a form of clogged pore, sometimes called “under-the-skin whiteheads”) sit within an existing pore and are part of the acne family, meaning they can sometimes respond to standard acne treatments like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Milia, by contrast, form in a closed pocket with no connection to a pore at all, which is why acne treatments often have little to no effect on them.
Can wearing makeup cause milia?
Makeup itself isn’t a direct cause, but heavy, pore-clogging formulas — particularly thick concealers or foundations used daily around the eyes without being thoroughly removed at night — may contribute to the kind of product buildup associated with milia in some people. Choosing lighter, non-comedogenic makeup and removing it fully before bed is a reasonable precaution.
How much does professional milia removal typically cost?
Pricing varies widely depending on your location, the provider (such as a dermatologist versus a licensed esthetician), and how many milia are being treated in a visit, so there isn’t one universal number. Many providers offer milia extraction as part of a standard visit or facial rather than as a separate specialty procedure, so it’s worth asking directly what’s included when you book.
Milia can be stubborn, but they’re rarely a sign that something is wrong with your skin or your routine. With the right light-touch approach — gentle exfoliation, appropriate products, and a little patience — many cases improve on their own timeline, and for the ones that don’t, a quick visit to a professional can take care of it safely in minutes.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or dermatologist before starting any new treatment, supplement, or exercise routine.
