How to Remove Milia Safely Without Skin Damage? Quick Guide

Quick Summary

• To avoid damaging the skin, the safest way to remove milia is not to squeeze, pick, or try to extract by yourself at home. Accumulations of trapped keratin cysts (not pimples) are known as milia and should never be squeezed, poked, or picked, as it can lead to irritation, infection, dark spots, and permanent scarring.
• Natural skin turnover can be helped with gentle exfoliation using some of the following: lactic acid, mandelic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid. This can help prevent the development of new milia over time and can help treat mild cases and not cause damage to the skin barrier.
• Retinoids will stimulate healthy cell regeneration, while also minimizing the accumulation of dead cells that can lead to milia. They should be added slowly and carefully, however, and especially in the sensitive eye area.
• Lightweight, non-comedogenic skin care products and the use of sunscreen every day can help minimize the things that can cause milia to form. Using heavy creams and thick occlusive products may increase the risk of developing these small bumps, particularly around the eyes.
• Professional removal by a dermatologist is the safest and most effective way to remove stubborn, deep, or eye-area milia. Milia can be removed by a trained professional with sterile techniques, reducing the risk of skin damage, infection, and scarring.

What Are Milia?

They're minute white or yellowish bumps that result from the accumulation of keratin under the skin's surface. Keratin is a naturally occurring protein that is present in the skin, hair, and nails. So milia are not something to be concerned about; they are a common and harmless occurrence in healthy newborns, with research indicating that about 40% to 50% of healthy newborns have milia.

They are most likely to occur near the:

• Under-eye area
• Eyelids
• Cheeks
• Nose
• Forehead
• Chin

Milia are not pimples. Usually, they do not show any redness, pus, or any visible opening of the pore; squeezing doesn't help, as it may help with a whitehead. They are typically small, 1-2mm in diameter, and clinically described as small, pearly white, keratotic dome-shaped cysts. This look can often be mistaken for whiteheads, although the two are completely different.

Can You Remove Milia at Home?

While mild milia can be treated at home, it is never a good idea to cut, poke, squeeze, or dig into milia.

The best way to actually get the maximum skin renewal at home is prevention. However, some milia will go away on their own as the skin exfoliates. Stubborn or deep milia, however, may need to be professionally extracted by a dermatologist or trained skin professional.

The important thing at home is not to make the bump worse. A study of 1,000 newborns revealed that 16.6% of infants were born with milia, and that the most common location of milia was on the cheeks, chin, and forehead; in accordance with the facial predominance of milia.

The Safest Way to Remove Milia Without Skin Damage

1. Do Not Squeeze Milia

The most critical measure is simple: Do not squeeze milia.

Pressure alone is not enough to push out milia since they are under a layer of skin. Too much pressure will result in:

• Broken capillaries
• Redness and swelling
• Scabbing
• Infection
• Post-inflammatory dark marks
• Permanent scarring

This is particularly dangerous near the eyes, where the skin is very thin and fragile. Milia can also be associated with skin trauma, with the study of blistering disorders and milia associated with cryotherapy showing the formation of secondary milia following skin trauma, burns, blistering disorders, or some procedures. This is the reason why it is not advised to pick, squeeze, or cut the milia at home.

2. Use Gentle Exfoliation

By gently exfoliating the skin, you can help get rid of dead skin cells and promote a healthy skin cycle, which may help prevent new milia and, over time, clear small milia on the skin surface.

Good mild exfoliants are:

• Lactic acid
• Mandelic acid
• Polyhydroxy acids
• Low-strength glycolic acid
• Salicylic acid (especially for oily or acne skin)

Be gentle and try only one or two times per week at first. If skin turns red, tight, flaky, or begins to burn, stop or slow down frequency right away.

Try not to scrub milia with physical exfoliants. Scrubbing with too harsh products can irritate and damage the skin barrier, making matters worse.

3. Try a Retinoid Carefully

Retinoids may also help to increase the turnover of skin cells, which can help to prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells that can lead to milia.

If you're new to retinols, it's best to begin with a mild over-the-counter retinol or retinal formula. Apply it at night, 2-3 times a week, and then moisturize.

Be careful when working near the eyes. The under-eye area is a very sensitive area and should not be treated with strong retinoids too close to the lash line unless a dermatologist says otherwise.

Retinoids should also not be used while pregnant, while attempting to become pregnant, or while breastfeeding, unless advised by a doctor.

4. Switch to Lightweight Skincare

Thick balms, heavy creams, and oil-based products can sometimes exacerbate the development of milia, especially near the eyes.

While working with milia, it's important to analyze your routine and substitute heavier items with lighter ones. Watch for the words like:

• Non-comedogenic
• Lightweight
• Oil-free
• Gel cream
• Fragrance-free

This is particularly true when it comes to eye cream. While a very rich formula can feel luxurious, it can also cause the formation of small bumps in some individuals.

5. Use Sunscreen Daily

Milia can be harder to manage, as the skin is thicker, rougher, and slower to turn over due to sun damage.

Sunscreen should be applied every morning, even if inside by windows. Use the highest SPF (30 or greater) and apply it in sufficient quantity to cover the face.

Try to use a lighter gel, fluid, or mineral sunscreen if your regular sunscreen is heavier and causing acne.

6. Keep the Skin Barrier Calm

The typical response to milia is that several different ingredients at once are used, which, at best, irritate the skin and aggravate the situation.

A straightforward and regular schedule is best:

Morning:

• Gentle cleanser
• Lightweight moisturizer
• Sunscreen

Night:

• Gentle cleanser
• Selected nights: Retinoid or mild exfoliant
• Lightweight moisturizer

If your skin does not tolerate exfoliating acids and retinoids well, don't use both simultaneously each evening. Too many actives can cause flaky skin, sensitivity, and that burning sensation.

Professional Milia Removal

For milia that do not seem to improve or for cosmetic reasons, professional extraction is usually the safest and most effective treatment.

Milia can be removed by a dermatologist using a sterile instrument to make a small opening in the skin and carefully removing the trapped keratin. This should always be done in a clean and controlled clinical environment.

Professional removal will lessen the risk of:

• Infection
• Scarring
• Uneven skin texture
• Dark spots
• Eye-area injury

Self-removal is especially discouraged if the milia are present on the eyelids, under the eyes, and close to the lash line.

What Not to Use on Milia?

There are a number of treatments that are too severe or simply don't work with milia. The following will not be allowed:

• Toothpaste
• Lemon juice
• Baking soda
• Harsh physical scrubs
• Pore strips
• Needles at home
• At-home comedone extractors
• Chemical peels to do at home
• Spot treatments for acne that are designed for inflamed pimples.

Since milia are not due to bacteria like acne, over-drying is unlikely to help and can irritate.

How Long Does It Take to Remove Milia?

The timing of milia removal varies according to the milia type, depth, and cause.

If the milia are small, they can be improved in a few weeks to a couple of months with a consistent and gentle skin care program. Left untreated, stubborn adult milia can last for a long time, however.

If the milia are visible, professional extraction can remove them quickly, but it is important to prevent them. New milia may reappear if the skin care regimen fails to remove dead skin cells or if it continues to irritate the skin.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

If you have any of the following, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist:

• Milia are near the eyes
• The growth of the bumps is fast.
• You're not sure if the bumps are milia
• The bumps are painful, red, or inflamed
• Home treatment for patients is not showing effectiveness.
• Milia continues to recur in the same area
• Safe removal without scarring is desired

This is especially crucial as not all small white bumps are milia. These can be clogged pores, syringomas, xanthelasma, sebaceous hyperplasia, or some other skin condition altogether.

How to Prevent Milia From Coming Back

The key to avoiding further milia is to be consistent, not aggressive.

Helpful habits include:

• Cleaning up makeup completely each evening
• Not sleeping with sunscreen or make-up on
• Using lightweight moisturizers and eye creams
• Exfoliating gently once or twice a week
• Applying sunscreen daily
• Avoiding thick occlusive products around the eyes
• Not picking or squeezing small bumps
• Maintaining a basic, easy-to-manage skin care regimen

Although these habits will not prevent milia, they may help to decrease the chances of new ones developing.

Final Thoughts

The best way to get rid of milia without harming the skin is to avoid squeezing, use skin-renewing products, and have a professional remove the milia if needed.

It is not advisable to treat milia as acne. They are underneath the skin and are not sensitive to pressure like a normal pimple is. This can lead to scarring, dark marks, and persistent irritation if they are forced out.

In mild cases, a simple regimen of mild exfoliation, gentle skin care, retinoids, and daily sunscreen can yield gradual improvement. A dermatologist is safest and most reliable when it comes to stubborn milia or those that are near the eyes.

Safe removal is not about speed, but about ensuring the safety of the skin and taking the right approach to the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Removing Milia Safely

1. Can I pop milia at home?

No. I would not recommend home popping of milia since they are beneath a thin surface of skin. These squeezes may result in a scar, cause irritation, break the skin, or cause infection.

2. What is the safest way to remove milia?

Professional removal is the safest option and is done by a dermatologist, particularly if the milia are close to the eyes. In mild cases, gentle exfoliation, light skincare products, and retinoids can help over time.

3. Can glycolic acid remove milia?

Some mild milia may benefit from the use of glycolic acid to promote cell turnover. I was careful not to use too much, just 1-2 times a week, and made sure not to get too near the eyes.

4. Does retinol help with milia?

Retinol can help prevent and improve milia because it helps the dead skin cells slough off more normally. But it should be applied gradually, as excessive retinol can cause skin inflammation.

5. Can retinol cause milia?

Although in general retinol is used to promote milia, for some individuals, the irritation caused by retinol, excessive application, or use of heavy retinol-based products can exacerbate the bumps. If new milia forms after beginning retinol, reduce your routine and application of retinol.

6. Does Vaseline cause milia?

Vaseline is very occlusive and does not directly cause milia for everyone. For people who are prone to milia, applying heavy occlusive products around the eyes can lead to the accumulation of product and increase the likelihood of bumps.

7. Does slugging cause milia?

Some people find that slugging can cause them to get milia, particularly around the eyes, as slugging will create a heavy cover on the skin. I would not slug around the eye if you're prone to getting milia.

8. What eye cream should I use if I get milia?

Opt for a light, non-comedogenic eye cream/gel. If eye cream causes tiny white bumpiness, steer clear of oily, heavy, or very thick types.

9. Can exfoliation remove under-eye milia?

Some light scrubbing might help, but the area under your eyes is sensitive. I would steer clear of strong acids near the eyes and opt for mild products if they are safe to use near the eyes.

10. How long does milia take to go away?

Some milia will resolve within weeks or months; however, adult milia can persist for years. If a bump persists or is troublesome, professional removal is generally the quickest solution.

11. Are pimple patches useful for milia?

Pimple patches tend not to be very effective for milia, as milia are not open pimples. They can help prevent picking, but will not be able to remove trapped keratin.

12. Can I use a needle to remove milia?

No. I wouldn't use a needle at home as it could lead to cuts, scarring, infection, and dark spots. This is particularly dangerous in the area around the eyes.

13. Why do I keep getting milia under my eyes?

Milia can occur under the eyes due to thin skin, too heavy a product, improper shedding of dead skin, or irritation. Using lighter skin care products can help decrease the recurrence of bumps.

14. Should I see a dermatologist for milia?

Yes, particularly if the milia are close to your eyes, painful, spreading, or not getting better. A dermatologist is able to diagnose if it is indeed milia and extract it painlessly when necessary.

15. Can milia come back after removal?

Milia may recur if the underlying causes are not resolved. To minimize the risk, I'd use light skincare products, never pick, gently peel my skin, and use sunscreen every day.