How to Remove Milia on Face | Extraction Is The Real Fix

Those small, white, pearl-like bumps under your eyes or on your cheeks aren’t acne, and they won’t respond to squeezing. Milia are tiny keratin-filled cysts trapped beneath a thin layer of skin, which is exactly why at-home popping fails so often and risks scarring. The dependable route to clear skin is a short in-office visit with a dermatologist, though some home care can help prevent new ones from forming.

Why You Should Not Pop Or Squeeze Milia At Home

Treating milia like a pimple is the most common mistake people make. Because the keratin is sealed under skin rather than inside a pore, squeezing usually can’t release it — it just irritates the area.

Aggressive picking or scraping can break the skin, introduce bacteria, and leave permanent marks or an infection that takes longer to heal than the milia ever would. Cleveland Clinic explicitly warns that trying to remove milia yourself by squeezing or scraping can cause scarring and infection.

If you’re tempted to use a needle at home, don’t. A dermatologist uses sterile tools and knows exactly how deep to go; a mirror-and-safety-pin approach removes that margin for error.

What Dermatologist Removal Actually Looks Like

Professional extraction is quick, precise, and done in a clean clinical setting. A clinician makes a tiny superficial incision over the milium with a sterile needle or scalpel, then expresses the keratin plug with a comedone extractor, curette, or forceps.

This “de-roofing” method removes the entire cyst contents in one pass, and the small puncture heals within a few days with minimal aftercare. You’ll be told to keep the spot clean and protected with sunscreen while it heals.

For milia that are widespread, persistent, or recurring, dermatologists have additional tools. Cryotherapy freezes the lesion, while laser, electrocautery, electrodesiccation, chemical peels, and dermabrasion are all options for difficult cases, per DermNet’s clinical guidance. Topical retinoids like adapalene or tretinoin may also be prescribed to treat multiple milia and reduce the chance of new ones developing.

Can Any Home Care Help Or Prevent Milia?

But consistent, gentle skincare can reduce the odds of new milia appearing and may help some minor cases over time.

• Cleanse gently. Wash your face once or twice a day with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser, then pat dry instead of rubbing.
• Exfoliate lightly. Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid are gentler and more effective than gritty scrubs, which can irritate the skin and worsen the problem.
• Try retinoids slowly. For adults, OTC retinoids may help prevent milia. Start every other night and increase frequency only if your skin tolerates it — irritation is common if you rush.
• Use sunscreen daily. Sun damage thickens skin over time, which can trap keratin beneath the surface.

If you’re shopping for a cleanser to support your milia-prone skin, our tested roundup of the best face washes for milia breaks down which formulas are gentle enough to use daily.

One important distinction: these home strategies are for adults. Babies and young children have skin that’s far more delicate, and adult exfoliants or retinoids should never be used on an infant’s face. Congenital milia in newborns often clear on their own within a few months and typically need no treatment at all.

FAQs

Can milia go away without treatment?

Yes. Milia, especially the kind seen in newborns, can resolve on their own within a few months as the skin naturally sheds the trapped keratin. In adults, individual milia may also eventually clear, but the process can take considerably longer, so many people choose professional extraction for faster results.

Is milia removal painful?

Discomfort is minimal. The dermatologist makes a tiny superficial nick with a sterile needle before expressing the contents, so the procedure feels like a quick pinch rather than a deep cut. The area may be slightly tender and red for a day or two afterward, then heals cleanly with basic care.

What happens if milia are left alone?

Nothing harmful — milia are harmless and not a sign of a serious health issue. They can persist for months or even years in adults, which is mostly a cosmetic concern. If you notice milia that are changing, spreading, or unusually inflamed, have a dermatologist look at them to rule out other skin conditions.