A Complete Expert Guide on How to Remove Your Milia

Summary

Milia are small cysts filled with keratin that form beneath your skin’s surface.
Sometimes, it can be removed using retinoids or gentle exfoliation, but manual extraction is not safe.
Treatments that you can use to remove your milia are:
- Retinoids
- Chemical exfoliants
- Professional extraction
- Chemical peels
- Laser treatments

Introduction

Milia are small white bumps that often appear on your skin, especially around your eyes, cheeks, and nose. They can seem to appear suddenly and may stay for weeks or even months, despite having your regular cleansing or skincare.

If you’re wondering “How can I remove milia?”, there are several effective treatment options you can get. Some milia can improve with the right skincare products, while others may need a skin specialist to remove them.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

What milia are
Why they develop
The best way to remove them safely
How to help prevent them from coming back
When to seek professional treatment

Understanding the cause of milia is the first step you can do to achieve smoother, clearer-looking skin.

What Are Milia?

Milia are small, white or pearly bumps that form when keratin (a protein found in your skin, hair, and nails) becomes trapped under the surface of your skin. Instead of coming out through a pore, this keratin gets stock, forming a tiny, firm cyst just beneath your skin.

Milia vs. Whiteheads or Acne

Don’t get confused with Milia and Whiteheads, they are not the same.

Milia are tiny, hard, not inflamed bumps that are filled with keratin. They do not form because of oil and bacteria.
Whiteheads/acne occur when your pores are clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. They can become red, inflamed, or develop into pimples.

In short, milia are not a type of acne and you can’t treat them the same way as your acne.

Common Area Where You Can Notice Milia

Milia can develop anywhere on your face, but they are most commonly found in areas with delicate or thin skin, such as:

Cheeks
Under your eyes
Eyelids

These areas are more likely to be trapped with keratin, which is why you will see milia there.

What Causes Milia

Keratin Trapped Under Your Skin

The most common cause of milia is a build-up of keratin, a natural protein that can be found in your skin, hair, and nails.

Normally, your dead skin cells shed naturally. When this process slows down, the keratin can become trapped under your skin’s surface and create a small white cyst, known as milium.

Sun Damage or Injury

You can also develop milia while your skin is healing after:

Burns
Blistering injuries
Laser treatments
Dermabrasion
Other skin resurfacing procedures

During the process of your healing, keratin may become trapped under your newly formed skin.

Heavy Skincare Products

If you are using very rich or thick skincare products, it may increase your risk of having milia. This can include:

Heavy moisturisers
Thick eye creams
Occlusive products that create a barrier on your skin

These products don’t directly cause milia, but they can make it easier for keratin to become trapped.

Milia Removal treatment

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How Skin Type Affects Milia

A common misconception is that milia only affect oily skin.

In reality, they can occur in all skin types.

Oily Skin

Excess oil may contribute to congestion, but it is not the primary cause of milia.

Dry or Dehydrated Skin

Dry skin often sheds cells less effectively, which may increase the risk of keratin becoming trapped.

Dehydrated skin can also impair normal skin turnover, making milia more likely to develop.

Lifestyle Factors

Some of your daily habits may contribute to your milia formation.

Occlusive Cosmetics

If you are using heavy foundations, thick sunscreens, and rich eye products, it may create a place where keratin can be easily trapped.

Sun Damage

Heavy exposure to the sun can thicken the outer layer of your skin and can interfere with your cell’s natural turnover.

Poor Exfoliation Habits

Without doing a regular exfoliation, your dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface. This can increase your follicles clogging and formation of milia.

Can You Remove Milia at Home? (Safety First)

The answer depends on the size and location of your milia, and how long they have been present.

Some small, superficial milia may improve with the use of right skincare products. But, trying to remove your milia on your own is usually not recommended because it can only do more harm than good.

Why You Shouldn’t Squeeze Your Milia

Unlike whiteheads or pimples, milia sit deeper beneath your skin. This means that squeezing them won’t work and can damage the surrounding skin.

If you attempt to remove your milia at home, it may lead to:

Scarring
Infection
Skin Irritation or trauma
Dark marks (hyperpigmentation)
Ongoing redness

This is the reason why you need to avoid picking, squeezing, or puncturing milia on your own.

But you can still manage your milia at home if:

The bumps are small
They are not located near your eyelids
They are only few of them
Your skin is healthy

If this is your case, you may use gentle exfoliation and skincare products that can support your skin cell turnover to help improve their appearance over time.

When You Should Avoid Home Removal

It is not recommended to remove your milia on your own if:

Milia are located on your eyelids
There are many bumps present
The milia are not improving over time
You are not sure whether your bumps are actually milia

If your milia persists despite using the right skincare, you may need professional treatment. It is the safest and most effective way to remove them.

Home Remedies for Milia

There are some home-based treatments that you can use to encourage the natural renewal of your skin and help reduce your milia over time.

Gentle Chemical Exfoliation

Using chemical exfoliants can remove your dead skin cells and support your healthy cell turnover.

AHAs: Alpha Hydroxy Acid such as glycolic acid and lactic acid. It exfoliates the surface of your skin and supports its healthy renewal.
BHAs (salicylic acid): it penetrates into your pores to help prevent congestion.
PHAs (polyhydroxy acids): It provides gentle exfoliation and is often suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Retinoids

Retinoids are one of the most effective treatments if you have milia prone skin.

They work by increasing your cell’s turnover and reducing the accumulation of your dead skin cells.

Benefits:

Smoother skin texture
Improved skin renewal
Reduced your risk of future milia formation

Both over-the-counter retinol products and prescription retinoids may be beneficial depending on your skin type and severity.

Steam & Skin Softening

Facial steaming is often suggested as a way to help people treat their milia, but the effect they can get is quite limited.

Steam can temporarily soften your skin and may help absorb your skin care products a little better. However, it doesn’t help remove your existing milia.

Milia are trapped under your skin, so steam alone cannot bring them out or clear them.

But you can always use facial steaming as a supporting step in your skincare routine, and not a treatment that can remove your milia.

Natural Remedies (Myth vs. Reality)

Many online sources suggest that some natural remedies can remove milia.

The options they commonly mentioned are:

Honey
Coconut oil
Castor oil
Tea tree oil

While these ingredients may provide some benefits in your skin, they do not effectively remove milia. And most of these claims are not supported with scientific evidence.

Medical & Clinical Milia Treatments

Professional Extraction (Gold Standard)

This is the most effective way to remove your milia.

A skin specialist uses a sterile needle or small tool to gently open your milia and remove what’s trapped inside.

Works immediately
Quick and precise
Very safe when done by a professional

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can help your skin shed dead skin cells more effectively.

It helps prevent new milia from forming

Improve your overall skin texture

Best if you have mild or early cases

They don’t usually remove the existing milia you have right away, but it can help reduce build up in the future.

Laser & Advanced Treatments

You may need laser or advanced treatments if you have stubborn or widespread milia.

It targets the deeper layer of your skin
Helps improve your skin texture
Used for more difficult cases

This is usually done in clinics by a trained professional.

Prescription Retinoids

These are vitamin A cream that needs your doctor’s prescription.

Help your skin renew faster
Prevent keratin from getting trapped
Best if you’re looking for long-term prevention.

They don’t really move your milia quickly but it will help stop new ones from forming in the future.

Milia Removal Tools – Are They Safe?

You can buy milia removal tools online, but you should use them properly with caution.

Comedone Extractors

Comedone extractors are made for removing your blackheads and acne

They usually do not work well on milia and can damage your skin if it is used incorrectly.

Lancet & Needles

Some of the milia removal kits you may buy include sharp needles or lancets.

Using them yourself can cause:

Infection
Scarring
Dark or uneven skin marks (pigmentation changes)
Injury to your eye area

Skincare Routine for Milia-Prone Skin

A simple skincare routine can help reduce your chance of milia coming back.

Ingredients to Use

Retinol: Helps your skin renew itself and prevents the build up of keratin
Salicylic acid: Gently exfoliates your skin and helps keep your pores clear
Niacinamide: Supports your skin barrier and helps reduce your skin’s irritation

Ingredients to Avoid

If you are prone to milia, you should limit the use of the following:

Heavy moisturisers
Thick eye crams
Rich balms
Greasy cosmetic products

Daily Routine Example (A/M)

Below are the examples of skincare routines you can follow to achieve a healthy smooth skin and prevent your milia from coming back.

Morning:

Gentle cleanser
Niacinamide serum
Lightweight moisturiser
Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher

Evening:

Gentle cleanser
Retinol or exfoliating treatment
Lightweight moisturiser

Professional Milia Removal (UK Clinic Perspective)

When to Seek Expert Help

You need to get a professional treatment if:

Your milia have been present for several months
They keep on coming back
They appear on your eyelids
You have multiple milia
You’ve tried home treatments, but it doesn’t work

What Happens During Treatment

Consultation

Your doctor will examine your skin and confirms that the bumps you have are milia

Extraction

Your doctor will remove the trapped keratin with the use of sterile tools

Aftercare

Your doctor will provide a post-care guide after your treatment. This may include the use of skincare products, sun protection, and prevention of your future milia.

It’s usually easy to recover from this treatment. There’s only mild redness that usually fades within a short time.

Cost in the UK (range guidance)

The cost of milia in the UK depends on:

The number of milia being treated
The treatment area
The clinic’s experience
The clinic’s location

As a general guide, you can get professional milia removal in the UK at the costs of £50 to £200.

How to Remove Milia on Your Eyelids Safely

You need extra care if your milia is located on your eyelids because the area is very delicate.

The skin on your eyelids is:

Very thin
Highly sensitive
Close to your eyes

What Should You Avoid?

Do not:

Pierce or pick your milia
Use extraction tools near your eyes
Apply strong acids close to your lash line

Best Treatment Option

Professional removal is the safest and most effective way to treat your milia located on your eyelids.

A trained practitioner knows how to remove your milia safely while protecting the delicate skin around your eyes.

How To Prevent Milia from Returning

There’s a chance that your milia comes back, but the right skincare can help prevent it.

Exfoliate regularly: it will help remove your dead skin cells before they get trapped under your skin.
Choose products carefully: use light, non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores.
Wear SPF daily: daily sun protection helps keep your skin healthy and reduces changes that can lead to milia.
Avoid heavy products: avoid using thick or rich creams, especially around your eyes, as they can block your pores.
Keep your routine updated: check your skincare routine regularly and change your products if needed.

Conclusion

Milia are harmless but can be frustrating because they don’t usually do away quickly. They form when keratin becomes trapped under your skin, so they are not the same with acne.

If you have mild cases, you can use retinoids, gentle exfoliants, and a consistent skincare routine to help improve your skin and prevent future milia to occur. You need to avoid picking your milia because it can increase your risk of scarring and infection.

Professional extraction is the safest and most effective way to remove your milia easily, especially if you have stubborn milia and those located on your eyelids.

To get a safe and effective treatment, book a consultation with your trusted and qualified specialist. They can provide a personalised plan just for you.

FAQs

Can I remove milia myself?

If you have mild cases of milia, you can use exfoliants and retinoids to help improve them, but extraction is best done by professionals to avoid scarring and infection.