If you’ve noticed tiny white bumps on your face that look like whiteheads but won’t pop, you’re likely dealing with milia.
What is milia?
These stubborn little bumps are very common and often appear around the eyes, nose, and cheeks. While they’re completely harmless, they can be very annoying and usually can’t be removed at home.
What Causes Milia?
Milia happen when dead skin cells get trapped beneath the surface of your skin, forming small, pearl-like white cysts. They’re commonly confused with acne whiteheads, but unlike pimples, they can’t be extracted through squeezing or typical acne treatments.
Common causes include:
- Heavy, oil-based skincare products
- Not enough skin exfoliation
- Sun damage
- Skin trauma or injury
- Certain medications
Common Areas
While milia can appear anywhere, they typically show up as:
- White dots on eyelids
- Bumps on the nose
- Little white bumps across cheeks and in tear troughs
- Clusters around the eyes and temples
How to Remove Milia?
While there are several methods to remove milia, some treatments are more effective, cost effective and practical than others:
CO2 Lasers
- Highly effective but expensive
- Requires significant downtime as the skin can’t be exposed to sunlight for several days and sunscreen cannot be used because of infection risk
- May not be cost-effective for small areas (ie. several hundred dollars for only a few milia)
Electrocautery Treatment
At Elysian Laser, we prefer using electrocautery for milia removal. Here is why:
- Minimal skin damage
- Quick healing with less scabbing compared to co2 lasers
- No bleeding due to cauterization
- Very low risk of infection
- Makeup can be applied soon after treatment
- Cost-effective compared to laser treatments (ie. $75-$200)
- Quick procedure with minimal downtime
Why Not Remove Milia at Home?
While it’s tempting to try removing milia yourself, this often leads to:
- Increased inflammation and swelling
- Skin damage and potential scarring
- Risk of infection
- Making the milia look worse than before
How to Prevent Milia
To help prevent milia from forming:
1. Skincare Routine
- Cleanse your face thoroughly, especially before bed
- Avoid heavy, oil-based products
- Choose non-comedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens that are lightweight
2. Exfoliation
Include these in your routine:
- Gentle exfoliating scrubs (1-2 times per week)
- Chemical exfoliants like AHA/BHA acids
- Retinol products (start slowly to build tolerance and use daily sunscreen)
Remember to introduce new products gradually and always patch test first.
When to Seek Treatment
If you notice milia developing, it’s best to have them professionally removed rather than attempting home extraction. Professional removal is quick, safe, and provides nearly immediate results with minimal risk of complications.
At Elysian Laser, we offer consultations to discuss the best treatment approach for your specific situation and skin type. With proper treatment and prevention strategies, you can maintain clear, milia-free skin long-term.
