How to Remove Milia Under Eyes Safely

Quick Summary

Milia are small, firm white bumps that often appear under the eyes. They form when keratin becomes trapped just beneath the surface of your skin. Milia are harmless but they are difficult to treat on your own.

You may be tempted to squeeze them, but it is not recommended, because the under eye skin is very delicate and thin, so doing this can cause scarring, infection, or damage to your skin.

There are several ways to prevent new milia from forming, but they are unlikely to remove milia that have already formed. If you want to remove existing milia safely, professional extraction is usually the best option. A trained clinician uses sterile tools to carefully remove the trapped keratin with less discomfort and a very low risk of scarring.

 

Understanding Milia

What are milia?

Milia are tiny, hard white bumps that form when keratin gets trapped just under the surface of your skin. Keratin is a natural protein that is found on your skin, hair, and nails.

Normally, your skin sheds old, dead skin cells on its own. But sometimes these dead skin cells become trapped instead of falling away. When this happens, keratin builds up under the skin and develops into a small, firm cyst called a milium.

The skin under your eyes is very thin and delicate, which is why milia often appear in this area. They can also develop on other parts of the face, including the cheeks, forehead, nose, eyelids and around the lips.

Milia may look like whiteheads, but they are not. They are not acne and do not contain oil or pus. They are harmless and do not cause pain or itching. They are small measuring around 1 to 2 millimetres, and firm to touch.

 

Different types of milia

Although all milia look similar, there are several different types depending on how and why they develop.

 

Primary milia

This is the most common type. They form when keratin becomes trapped under the skin and typically appear around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, or eyelids and are seen in both children and adults.

 

Secondary milia

This type of milia develops after the skin has been damaged. Burns, rashes, blistering conditions, laser treatments, chemical peels, or skin injuries can affect your skin’s healing process, allowing the keratin to become trapped as new skin forms.

 

Milia en plaque

Milia en plaque is a rare type of milia, where instead of one or two small bumps, several milia appear together on a raised patch of skin. It is commonly found around the ears, eyelids, or jawline. And in some people, it may be linked to certain skin conditions.

 

Multiple eruptive milia

This type of milia appears when lots of small white bumps develop over a few weeks or months. They show up on the face, upper arms, or upper body. Though uncommon, it can sometimes run in families.

 

Neonatal milia

They are very common in newborn babies. They are harmless and disappear on their own in a few weeks, so there is no need for treatment.

 

Are milia dangerous?

Milia are not dangerous. They are harmless and do not increase your risk of skin cancer or any health problems. Most people want them removed because they do not like how they look. But because they look like other skin conditions, it is best to have it checked by a qualified skin professional to be safe.

 

 

Why do milia form under the eyes?

Several reasons why it usually appear under the eyes are:

 

Skin type and genes

If your family gets them, you are more likely to get milia.

 

Rich skincare products

Using very rich eye creams can sometimes lead to milia. These products may sit on the surface of the skin and make it harder for dead skin cells to shed properly.

 

Sun damage and ageing

Excessive sun exposure and ageing change the texture of your skin and this makes it easier for keratin to get stuck under the surface.

 

Skin irritation and everyday damage

Everyday habits like rubbing your eyes, exposure to pollution, or skin irritation can damage the surface of the skin. Even some skin treatments done incorrectly can cause them.

Related read: Milia Removal Cost in the UK: Prices, Factors & Options

 

Can You Remove Milia at Home?

There are few things you can do at home to reduce the chance of developing new milia. But these methods do not remove milia that have already formed. Existing milia need professional treatment to safely remove it.

 

What not to do

• Avoid squeezing or pricking milia. It can cause scarring and infection.
• Do not use harsh scrubs or abrasive tools near the eyelids.
• Avoid applying strong skincare products that may damage the delicate skin around your eyes.

 

Gentle at-home options

• Mild exfoliation: low-strengths AHA’s or PHAs can gently loosen dead skin.
• Enzyme exfoliants: these can be used for especially if your skin is sensitive.
• Low-strength retinol: it helps speed cell turnover and can stop the forming of new milia.

Related read: Best Milia Removal Tools: Safe & Expert Guide

 

Do milia removal creams work?

Creams that contain retinol or gentle exfoliating acids like AHAs or PHAs are unlikely to remove existing milia, especially if they have been there for a while.

If you want to try cream, choose the one that is labelled as safe for use around the eyes. It is also best to patch test first to make sure your skin does not react.

 

Professional Milia Removal Treatments

Treatment	How It Works	Best For	Things to Know
Professional extraction	It uses a small sterile needle or fine blade to carefully open the milium and remove the trapped keratin.	Single or stubborn milia, especially around the eyes.	This is the fastest and most effective treatment.
Gentle chemical peels	A light chemical peel helps remove dead skin cells and encourages healthy renewal of the skin.	Multiple small milia	Eye-safe peels must be applied carefully by a trained professional. Several sessions may be needed for best results.
Laser treatment	A laser targets the affected area and can help remove milia and improve the skin texture.	Milia that keep coming back or develop after skin damage	Lasers can be effective but are more intensive than extraction.
Microdermabrasion	A device is used to gently exfoliate the outer layer of the skin to remove dead skin cells.	Improving overall skin texture and helping prevent new milia forming.	This does not remove stubborn milia. Often used alongside other milia removing treatments.

For most people, professional extraction is the best choice to quickly remove existing milia in a safest and most effective way, especially around the eye area.

Related read: Milia Removal London

 

How to Stop Milia From Coming Back

You cannot always stop milia from returning, but having a good skincare routine can help reduce the chances of new bumps forming.

 

Follow a gentle eye care routine

Wash your face with a mild cleanser and use a lightweight eye cream. Also, introduce retinol or gentle acids slowly and follow your clinician’s advice.

 

Choose non-comedogenic skincare

Pick products labelled non-comedogenic. These are designed to not clog your pores.

Protect your skin from the sun

Wear sunscreen that is safe for the eye area. Use sunglasses, and avoid too much direct sunlight.

 

Avoid heavy eye creams at night

Apply rich eye creams away from the lash line to help reduce the risk of keratin getting trapped.

 

When to See a Skin Specialist

See a dermatologist if:

• Milia keeps coming back or spreading across the face.
• They are making you feel self-conscious or affecting your confidence.
• The bumps become red, swollen, painful or show signs of infection.

A skin specialist can check your skin and recommend the best treatment depending on your skin type and type of milia.

Related read: A Complete Expert Guide on How to Remove Your Milia

 

FAQs

• What is the fastest way to remove milia?

A sterile extraction is the quickest and safest way to remove milia.

• Will milia go away on their own?

Sometimes they do, but many do not. If they are persistent, professional treatment helps.

• Are milia from poor hygiene?

No. They are caused by trapped keratin, not dirt.

• Is it safe to pop milia at home?

No. Trying to pop milia yourself may cause more irritation and infection.

 

Final Thoughts

Milia under the eyes are common, harmless, but often hard to treat. There are gentle at-home care treatments that can prevent new ones, but do not remove the long-standing cysts fast. For safe and immediate results, a professional extraction by an expert clinician is the best choice. If you would like a check-up or treatment, contact our specialists at Harley Street Skin Clinic for a personal consultation.