Have you ever noticed small, white pimples on your face, especially around your cheeks, forehead, or around eyes that just won’t disappear, no matter how much you cleanse or exfoliate? These stubborn blemishes, known as milia, can seem to appear out of nowhere, leaving you wondering what is happening with your skincare routine. Don’t worry!! Milia, often confused with whiteheads, are harmless but quite bothersome with their location. So, if you are seeking safe and effective treatment to get rid of milia on face, this is the right place for you. Let’s uncover what milia on the face, how to remove them, and advanced treatment options available to treat milia on the face for clear skin.

What exactly is milia on the face?

Milia, also known as white pimples or milium cysts, are small white or yellowish cysts filled with keratin that are trapped under the skin. Keratin is a protein that contributes to the formation of the outer layer of your skin. Unlike acne, milia on the face are not caused by clogged pores or bacteria. There are two main types of milia:

• Primary Milia: These are common in newborns and usually resolve on their own within a few months.
• Secondary milia: These appear later in life due to factors like sun damage, prolonged use of steroid creams, skin conditions, or certain dermatological treatments.

Key characteristics of Milia

• Size and Shape: Tiny, dome-shaped, and firm to the touch.
• Pain Level: Painless and non-inflammatory.
• Color: White or yellowish.

What are the symptoms of milia? Recognizing the signs

• The appearance of small 1-2 mm size white bumps resembles whiteheads.
• Firm texture, which feels hard to touch
• Appear in small clusters, particularly around the eye area.
• Unlike acne, rosacea, or eczema, milia are painless.

Why Do Milia on the Face Form: Causes You Should Know

Anyone can develop milia (white pimples on the face), but certain factors can increase the risk of development, such as:

• Overuse of heavy skincare products: Using thick moisturizers and oil-based foundations can trap keratin beneath the skin, which may lead to milia.
• Sun Damage: Extended sun exposure can damage the outer layer of your skin, making it harder to shed naturally. This trapped keratin forms milia.
• Poor Exfoliation: Not exfoliating properly to remove dead skin cells can delay the skin’s natural turnover process.
• Post-Skin Trauma: Injuries like burns, rashes, or certain procedures can disrupt the skin barrier, resulting in the formation of milia.
• Genetics: Some people are prone to developing milia if it runs in their families.
• Dermatological procedures: Aggressive scrubbing or microdermabrasion can contribute to milia formation if not performed by a certified dermatologist.

Can milia be found beyond the face?

These tiny white pimples, called milia, may form anywhere on the body, but they are often found in:

• Cheeks, forehead, and nose
• Eyelids and under the eyes
• Neck and chest
• Hands and arms
• Scalp in infants

What are the risks of untreated milia?

While milia are generally harmless, leaving them untreated can lead to:

• Cosmetic issues, particularly when found in noticeable areas.
• Increased risk of infections if they are not handled properly or are picked at.
• A tendency to last longer, especially in adults.

How to treat milia on the face effectively—Advanced Milia treatment options

At Evenly Clinic, we offer advanced milia on face treatment that includes surgical excision, RF ablation, chemical peel, and topical retinoids. These are customized based on the severity, location, and skin type.

Professional Surgical Removal—Effective Treatment for Milia on Face

When milia are deeply embedded or continue to persist despite other treatments, surgical removal can be a precise and effective treatment for milia on the face.

How It Works:

• Our skilled dermatologist uses a sterile needle or blade to make a small incision in the skin.
• The keratin plug that causes the milium is gently extracted, ensuring minimal discomfort and no scarring.

Why Choose Surgical Removal?

• It’s ideal for stubborn or larger milia.
• You can expect immediate results.
• The procedure is minimally invasive and conducted in a hygienic, clinical environment.

Recovery:

• You may experience slight redness or mild irritation, but this typically resolves within a few days.
• Follow-up care involves keeping the area clean and applying any recommended ointments to aid healing.

Must Read: How to get rid of milia under eyes: Best & Safe Milia Extraction Treatment

RF ablation (Radio Frequency Ablation)

For patients looking for a non-invasive treatment, our dermatologist recommends RF (Radio Frequency Ablation)—an advanced treatment solution to treat.

What Is RF Ablation?

This procedure utilizes controlled radiofrequency energy to accurately target and eliminate the keratin that causes milia. The heat produced by the RF waves ensures that the surrounding skin remains unharmed. 

Benefits of RF Ablation:

• Quick and Painless: Sessions usually last less than 30 minutes with minimal discomfort.
• No Scarring: Leaves the skin smooth and clear without visible marks.
• Suitable for Delicate Areas: Especially effective for milia around the eyes or on sensitive facial skin.
• Aftercare: Limit sun exposure and stick to a mild skincare routine in the days following your treatment.

Topical Medications

For the newly appeared milia or mild milia, our dermatologists prescribe topical retinoids as a part of the treatment.

What are retinoids?

Retinoids are forms of vitamin A that help increase cell turnover and reduce the accumulation of dead skin cells and keratin. Common types include tretinoin and adapalene.

How Retinoids Work for Milia:

• They gently exfoliate the top layer of skin, allowing milia to come to the surface and fade away.
• They also help prevent new milia from forming by keeping pores clear.

How We Use Them:

• Based on your skin type and sensitivity, a dermatologist will prescribe a customized retinoid cream.
• Retinoids are frequently used alongside other treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation or other treatments, to increase their effectiveness.

Precautions:

• You may experience mild dryness or peeling when you first start using them.
• Retinoids can heighten your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so using sunscreen is crucial.

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are an excellent choice for exfoliating the skin, effectively removing the superficial milia and enhancing overall skin texture and tone.

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

• Active acids, like glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid, are carefully applied to the skin.
• These acids work to dissolve the outer layer of dead skin cells and clear out trapped keratin.

Types of Chemical Peels We Offer:

• Light Chemical Peel: Perfect for mild milia and sensitive skin types.
• Medium Chemical Peel: Aims at deeper milia and boosts skin rejuvenation.

Benefits:

• Eliminates existing milia and helps prevent future occurrences by encouraging exfoliation.
• Enhances skin clarity, diminishes pigmentation, and smooths out texture.

Post-Peel Care:

• Cleanse your skin with a mild product and avoid using any harsh skincare treatments  for the next few days.
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen after the treatment, as the skin is more susceptible to UV damage after peeling.

Is it possible to remove Milia from the face at home?

Not Absolutely!!! Some of the home remedies may help manage milia, but taking professional treatments with a certified dermatologist is ideal to avoid further risks.

Warning: Picking or popping milia is not advised, as it can lead to infections or permanent scars.

Exploring the Connection Between Milia (White Pimples on Face) and Lifestyle Habits

Did you know that your daily habits might be contributing to the formation of milia? Let’s uncover some common culprits and how to counteract them:

Habits That Can Trigger Milia:

• Inconsistent Cleansing: Failure to properly remove makeup or sunscreen can lead to buildup under the skin.
• Overuse of Occlusive Products: Heavy creams and oils can suffocate the skin, increasing keratin entrapment.
• Lack of Sun Protection: Chronic UV damage disrupts the natural exfoliation process.

Lifestyle Habits that Help Prevent Milia on Face

• Pick non-comedogenic products to help keep your face clear of blockages.
• Ensure your skin stays safe from UV rays by applying broad-spectrum SPF.
• Exfoliate your skin gently one to two times a week.
• Avoid harsh scrubs and prefer gentle ones that suit your skin.
• To keep your skin balanced, incorporate lightweight hydrating products.
• Regular visits to a dermatologist can help identify and address skin concerns early on.

If you have extensive milia, large milia, or milia on your face or any other body part that hasn’t responded to home remedies after several weeks, it’s best to consult a dermatologist. They can diagnose the type of milia you have and recommend the most appropriate treatment course.

Milia vs. Other Skin Conditions

1. Acne:

• Characterized by red, inflamed pimples or blackheads, often accompanied by pain or pus.
• Unlike milia, acne develops due to clogged pores and bacterial activity.

2. Sebaceous Hyperplasia:

• Enlarged oil glands are often mistaken for milia but are yellowish with a central dent.

3. Syringomas:

• Benign tumors of sweat glands that appear as small, flesh-colored bumps.

How to Choose the Right Milia Treatment for Your Skin

At Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic, we customize each treatment plan based on:

1. The severity of Milia: Small, isolated milia—white pimples on the face—may require only topical treatments, while more extensive cases benefit from professional intervention.
2. Skin Type: Sensitive or acne-prone skin demands gentle, non-irritating approaches.
3. Long-Term Goals: Whether you seek milia removal alone or broader skin rejuvenation, our treatments deliver comprehensive results.

Why choose Evenly Clinic for milia treatment?

• Experienced dermatologists with proven expertise.
• State-of-the-art treatments for milia and other skin concerns.
• Customized care plans to suit every skin type
• Advanced USFDA-approved equipment and techniques
• Trusted by 10,000+ satisfied customers
• Well-trained and certified therapists
• Stringent guidelines and protocols to ensure safety

Before and after images of milia extraction at Evenly Clinic

One of the most rewarding aspects of milia extraction is witnessing the dramatic transformation in your skin. Check out the below gallery of our client with Milia on his face and witness the results he achieved after 2 sessions.

Milia, while harmless, can be a cosmetic concern. With the right treatment approach, you can effectively treat and prevent these tiny white pimples on your face.

Schedule a consultation with Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic and get clear, radiant skin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

We hope this information has been helpful. If you have any skin and hair-related questions or would like to discuss personalized solutions, please reach out to us at 7337899030. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing personalized care that meets your unique needs. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you by scheduling a consultation with us today. Your journey to vibrant skin and stronger hair begins here.