Sometimes you look in the mirror in the morning and your face looks perfectly fine. But then... you notice them. Those little, white bumps that aren't pimples or blackheads. They don't itch, they don't hurt, but they're there. A silent reminder that despite your nightly routine, serums, and thorough cleansing, your skin is still not perfect. At first, you think they're just ordinary blemishes. Maybe even fatigue. But then you take a closer look. And you quickly realize: these are no ordinary skin blemishes – they're milia.
Milia They're one of those skin ailments that's completely harmless but extremely annoying. They appear without warning and often persist, like a stubborn song in your head on the radio. What's the worst? Squeezing doesn't help. In fact, it does more harm than good. So before you reach for a sterile needle (or worse, a paper clip!), read on. There's a better way.
What are milia – and why do they decide to settle on your face?
Milia are tiny, white or yellowish cysts that form when keratin (the protein that makes up our skin, hair, and nails) gets trapped beneath the epidermis. Unlike acne, which is about inflammation and bacteria, milia are non-infectious, meaning they are not caused by dirt or poor hygiene. Therefore, they are not contagious and do not spread like pimples.
They are most often seen on face – especially around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead, but they can also appear elsewhere: on the breasts, genitals, or even the scalp. Although they are newborns something completely normal and go away within a few weeks, in adults they can occur due to skin damage, excessive sun exposure, unsuitable cosmetics or as a result autoimmune diseasesThey can persist for weeks, months – and sometimes even years.
Types of milia: more than just one type of mole
Although they all look quite similar, dermatologists differentiate milia based on: cause of occurrence or life spanin which they appear. Neonatal milia They are typical of newborns and mostly appear on the face and disappear on their own. Juvenile milia are rarer and associated with certain genetic syndromes, while Milia en plaque occur in association with autoimmune conditions and most commonly affect eyelids, ears, and jaw.
In adults, the most common are primary miliathat occur for no apparent reason, and traumatic milia, which arise after skin injuries, burns, chemical peels, or even aggressive shaving. If the bumps look slightly inflamed, with a red border and a white center, it is most likely this form.
How do you recognize milia – and what should be the first sign that you shouldn't squeeze them?
The good news is that milia are not sinister. The bad thing is that you can't just squeeze them out like a regular pimple. The skin over the cyst is often too thick and strong to reach with your fingers. Attempting to squeeze it out may leave scars, pigment spots and – the irony of all ironies – new milia.
Therefore, let this rule guide you: if it is white, hard and does not hurt – leave it aloneFor an accurate diagnosis, your dermatologist will make an assessment with the naked eye. Biopsies are very rare and usually unnecessary.
How to (safely) remove milia
In most cases, milia are completely harmless and disappear on their ownBut if you decide to remove it – for aesthetics, discomfort, or simply because it’s annoying – there are several professional methods. But don’t try it yourself at home with improvised tools from your office folder.
Among the most common methods performed by dermatologists are:
- Cryotherapy (freezing with nitrogen)
- Deroofing (puncture with a sterile needle)
- Use of topical retinoids (vitamin A)
- Chemical peels (controlled skin exfoliation)
- Laser ablation
- Diathermy (heat treatment)
- Curettage (surgical removal)
Each of these methods has its own advantages, but to implement them qualified professionalto avoid lasting consequences.
How to prevent milia – because prevention is better than a sterile needle
Although milia are not dangerous, they are aesthetically unpleasant. And because they are caused by clogged pores and the skin's inability to regenerate properly, they can be prevented to some extent with a few simple changes in care.
1. Use sunscreen.
UV rays damage the skin and increase the risk of milia. So treat yourself to a good sunscreen even in winter. SPF, especially if you use active ingredients in cosmetics.
2. Avoid heavy and greasy cosmetic products.
Thick creams, oily makeup, and even lip balms can clog pores. Choose instead light, non-comedogenic products that let your skin breathe.
3. Exfoliate your skin regularly (but gently).
Adult skin needs regular removal of dead cells. Mechanical exfoliants should be gentle, while chemical exfoliants should contain AHA or BHA acids – but without exaggeration.
Conclusion: Milia aren't the end of the world – but they're also not a reason to experiment.
Although they look like something you could "fix in five minutes with two fingers," milia are stubborn and require patience—or a professional hand. Don't try to squeeze them out. You should consider changing your routine, using appropriate products, and – if they persist – consult a dermatologist.
Sometimes the most beautiful face is the one that knows how to wait for its skin to tell it what it needs.
