How to get rid of milia bumps

They don’t usually go away on their own. And you can‘t pop it like you would a pimple. Milia removal usually requires an incision. The cysts are usually deep below the skin’s surface.

Milia develop when skin flakes become trapped under the surface of the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic, or when keratin builds up and gets trapped. Milia occur most often in newborn babies.

Milia don’t have an opening onto the skin’s surface, which is why they cannot be removed with a simple squeeze or pop. Attempting to pop them can lead to red, inflamed marks or scarring on the skin.

Warning: Don’t Self-Extract

Do not try to self-extract milia. You could do some serious damage to your skin, especially around the delicate eye area, and even cause permanent scarring.

Marchbein also adds that if you’re someone who is prone to milia, you should try using a combination of oil-free, non-comedogenic products (looking at you, CeraVe and Cetaphil), along with a cream containing a retinoid. This one by Paula’s Choice absorbs quickly and also goes to work on fine lines and dark spots.

Regular Exfoliation

I highly recommend Skinceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, which is gentle enough to use daily without leaving the skin overly dry or irritated.

When it comes to preventing milia, it’s all about exfoliation, exfoliation, exfoliation! You want to maximise your cellular turnover, so things like chemical peels, topical retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), charcoal, mud masks, micro abrasion and vitamin C are amongst the recommended.

“The biggest side effect of using the wrong moisturizer is developing milia, little hard white bumps on the face in random areas,” said Dr. Forney. “This is very common if [you’re] using a body moisturizer on the face but can also happen with moisturizers which are too heavy.”

Exfoliation is the most important thing you can do to get rid of milia for good. “[Physical exfoliation] with a facial brush or gentle scrub removes the top deceased skin layer and will help milia open and resolve,” says Dr. Gmyrek.

Medical Removal of Milia

The most common procedure for milia removal is de-roofing. Dermatologists use a sterile needle to remove the tiny flap of skin trapping the keratin flake inside the pore. They then squeeze or prick out the flake. A less-common practice is curettage, which is a form of electrosurgery.

A sterilized needle carefully removes the milia from under your eyes. Cryotherapy. Liquid nitrogen freezes the milia, destroying them. Cryotherapy is the most frequently recommended way to get rid of milia.

Usually, the best treatment for milia is to do nothing, says dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD. Milia usually disappears in a few weeks. “If you’re an adult with milia, you might try an over-the-counter exfoliating treatment that contains salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acid or a retinoid such as adapalene,” Dr.