Do you have whiteheads that won't go away? Find out what milia are and how to get rid of them without damaging your skin.
Small, white, and persistent. Milia aren't ordinary pimples or whiteheads: they're keratin cysts that can remain on your skin for weeks or months if you don't know how to treat them properly.
Although they're harmless, they can be aesthetically bothersome, especially when they appear in visible areas like the eyes, eyelids, or cheeks. In this article, we'll tell you what they are, why they appear, and how to safely remove them without damaging your skin.
Milia , those small white bumps that appear on the skin—especially on the face, eyelids, and nose—can be a cause for cosmetic concern. Although they're often mistaken for pimples, they're actually keratin cysts: firm, painless, and difficult to remove if not treated properly.
📌 The Mayo Clinic explains that milia are caused by keratin trapped beneath the skin's surface, forming small white cysts. Although they're not dangerous, it's common to want to remove them for cosmetic reasons. (Mayo Clinic, 2024)
Although they don't pose a health risk, knowing why they appear and how to treat them properly is key if you want to get rid of them without damaging your skin.
What are milia and why do they appear on the face?
Milia , also known as "keratin cysts" or "milium cysts," are small, hard , white bumps measuring 1 to 3 mm that appear on the skin.
They are often mistaken for blackheads , but unlike blackheads, milia are not associated with pore blockages caused by sebum and dead skin cells. They form when a keratinocyte , a keratin-producing cell, becomes trapped beneath the skin's surface .
These cysts are usually found on the face , particularly around the eyes , eyelids and cheeks , although they can also appear in other areas of the body.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology , milia are small, hard, white bumps that appear on the skin due to keratin becoming trapped beneath the surface (AAD, 2024). They are benign and pose no health risk, although they are often a cosmetic concern.
When and why do milia appear on the skin?
Milia can appear in people of all ages , from infants to adults. In newborns, they are common and are known as "neonatal milia." In these cases, they usually disappear on their own within a few weeks.
In adults , milium is often the result of skin damage , sunburn, skin injury, or as a side effect of certain dermatological treatments.
Milia are benign white bumps that can appear on the skin due to a buildup of keratin cells. While they aren't a health problem, they can be aesthetically bothersome.
The formation of milia is related to abnormal keratinization of skin cells.
When keratin-producing cells accumulate beneath the skin 's surface instead of sloughing off naturally, they can form small cysts.
They are accumulations of keratin in the hair follicle, produced when keratin is blocked at the exit of the pilosebaceous glands. They are benign, meaning they appear on healthy skin, so they don't pose any health problems, merely an aesthetic issue.
The exact causes of this abnormal accumulation are not fully known, but it is thought that they may be related to genetic factors , sun exposure , skin damage , and the use of certain cosmetic products.
How to remove milia without damaging your skin? Step by step.
If you have milia on your face and want to remove them safely, these are the most effective steps:
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Don't handle them at home. Trying to remove them can cause irritation or infection.
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Use gentle exfoliants regularly. They help renew your skin and prevent keratin buildup.
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Consult a dermatologist if they persist. They can safely remove them.
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Incorporate products with AHAs, BHAs, or natural enzymes. They promote skin regeneration and prevent reappearance.
Can milia be safely removed at home?
Although the ideal approach is to see a dermatologist, some gentle routines and appropriate products can help prevent and gradually reduce them without damaging your skin.
👉 If you're looking for a gentle yet effective exfoliation, OhMyKoko's Renewing Exfoliating Cleanser is a great option to incorporate into your routine.
Effective treatments to eliminate milium
It's important to keep in mind that milia are not dangerous and in many cases can disappear on their own over time. However, if milia are persistent or cause cosmetic discomfort, there are treatment options available:
1. Gentle exfoliation : Regular use of gentle exfoliants can help remove dead skin cells and prevent keratin buildup. It's recommended to use exfoliants with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or fruit enzymes.
2. Removal by a dermatologist : A dermatologist can perform milia removal using sterilized tools to carefully remove the cysts from the skin. This procedure should be performed by a professional to avoid inflammation or scarring.
3. Laser or electrocautery treatments : In severe or persistent cases, milia can be treated with laser or electrocautery to remove the skin bumps more quickly and effectively.
It's never advisable to try to pop one of these tiny pimples. Besides being a difficult task, there's a considerable risk of causing a skin infection. Although there's no miracle cure for milia, following a proper skincare routine and taking the right measures can significantly help eliminate them and prevent them from recurring.
How to prevent milium: habits that work
While there is no guaranteed way to completely prevent milia from forming, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:
1. Maintain good facial hygiene : Cleanse your face regularly with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that can contribute to clogged pores.
2. Protect yourself from the sun : Sun damage can contribute to the formation of milia, so be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before going out in the sun.
3. Avoid comedogenic products : Use non-comedogenic moisturizers or skincare products, i.e., those that don't clog pores, to reduce the risk of dead skin cell buildup.
4. Avoid excessive skin manipulation : Avoid squeezing or manipulating skin bumps, as this can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of scarring.
Adopting a good skincare routine and avoiding triggers such as sun exposure and the use of comedogenic products can help prevent the formation of milia.
Don't try to exploit them!
The OhMyKoko Renewing Exfoliating Cleanser is an ideal alternative to activate regeneration for all skin types. Its multifunctional properties deeply cleanse the skin, including makeup, leaving no trace of oil or impurities, and ridding it of dead cells day after day. Its exfoliating action is due to its 5 fruit acids.
The daily exfoliating purifying toner is your perfect match. It complements the skin's daily regeneration action, thanks to its action on removing dead cells . Plus, thanks to gluconolactone , it provides a super boost of hydration , combats the signs of aging, and the harmful effects of free radicals. More than a toner, it's a true treatment serum.
It's ideal for all skin types , from normal to dry. For oily, acne-prone skin, its antibacterial properties are a very effective complement to acne treatment.
❓ Frequently asked questions about milium
How long does it take for milia to go away? They may disappear on their own in a few weeks, but some last for months if not treated properly.
Which cosmetic products cause milium? Highly occlusive, comedogenic, or silicone-based formulas can promote their appearance.
Can I pierce a milium at home? It's not recommended: Doing it incorrectly can cause scarring or infection.
📰 Do you notice lumps on your skin after using your cream?
It may not be your skin, but the formula. Discover how to avoid the buildup that clogs and clogs your complexion. Read the full article 👉
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At OhMyKoko we not only offer natural and vegan cosmetics, but we are also the first skin activist brand .
Our products are formulated with high-quality, natural ingredients, free of toxic chemicals , designed to care for your skin and respect the environment.
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