Small white bumps on your skin?

You see them in the mirror, those little white bumps that just won’t go away. Maybe they’re around your eyes, on your cheeks or on your forehead. They can’t be squeezed, hardly respond to creams and seem to stay there stubbornly. Milia, also known as milia , are a common skin problem. But what exactly are these bumps, why do you get them and most importantly, how do you get rid of them safely without scarring?

In this blog I will tell you all about removing white bumps on the skin , the cause of milia and the best treatments, such as retinol, chemical peels and laser treatments . Whether you are looking for a solution for bumps around the eyes or want to know how to prevent small white bumps on the face , you can read all the facts here. As a skin therapist at Medicadermis I share insights and effective methods to tackle these stubborn bumps.

What are Milia?

Milia are small bumps under the skin filled with keratin and dead skin cells. They are not caused by clogged sebaceous glands, like acne, but are caused by a buildup of skin cells that are not naturally shed. This creates a small cyst-like bump that is covered with a thin layer of skin.

There are two types:

• Primary milia : arise spontaneously due to disturbed desquamation of dead skin cells.

• Secondary milia : occur after skin damage, such as burns, laser treatments or prolonged use of certain skin products.

Milia are completely benign and do not cause pain or itching, but can be cosmetically disturbing.

Why Do You Get Milia?

Normally your skin renews itself continuously and dead skin cells disappear by themselves. Sometimes this goes wrong and these cells become encapsulated under the skin. This can have several causes:

• Thick or occlusive skin care – Creams containing mineral oils or silicones can form a layer on the skin, preventing dead skin cells from being properly removed.
• Sun damage – UV rays thicken the top layer of skin, slowing cell turnover and allowing dead skin cells to become trapped.
• Skin Trauma – After abrasions, burns, laser treatments or dermatological procedures, skin cells can build up and form milia.
• Genetics – Some skin types are more prone to milia than others.
• Hormonal changes – Changes in sebum production and skin thickness can increase the risk of milia, for example during menopause.

How Do You Get Rid of Milia?

Because milia have no opening to the skin surface, they cannot be squeezed like a pimple. Here are the most effective treatments:

• Deroofing – A skin therapist or dermatologist opens the cyst with a sterile needle and removes the contents. This is the fastest way.
• Chemical peels – A peel with glycolic acid or salicylic acid helps loosen dead skin cells and help the milia disappear faster.
• Retinoids (vitamin A creams) – Creams containing tretinoin or adapalene ensure that the skin renews itself faster and milia have less chance of forming.
• Laser treatment – ​​Especially for stubborn milia, a laser can thin the skin layer and open the cyst.
  
• Electrocoagulation – This involves removing milia with electrical heat, which is effective for multiple bumps.

How Can You Prevent Milia?

Prevention is better than cure! With these simple changes in your skin care you can reduce the chance of milia:

Use light, non-occlusive creams – Avoid heavy, greasy products and opt for a non-comedogenic formula.
Regular exfoliation – A gentle exfoliation with AHAs (glycolic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid) helps remove dead skin cells.
Wear sunscreen daily – Choose a non-occlusive SPF to prevent damage and buildup of dead skin cells.
Be gentle with your skin – Over-scrubbing or over-cleansing can actually be counterproductive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Milia

What are milia and how do they develop?
Milia are small white bumps that are caused by encapsulated dead skin cells and keratin. They can occur spontaneously or due to skin damage.

Can you remove milia yourself?
No, squeezing milia does not work and can damage the skin. A skin therapist can safely remove them.

Does retinol work for milia?
Yes! Retinol and other vitamin A derivatives help the skin to renew itself faster, making milia less likely to develop.

Which treatment works best for milia?
Deroofing (extraction) is the fastest method. Chemical peels, laser treatments and retinol help to renew the skin faster and prevent milia.

Conclusion: Substantiated Treatment for Medicadermis

Although milia are harmless, they can be annoying. The best approach? Professional removal, gentle exfoliation, and proper skin care.

At Medicadermis I offer evidence-based treatments such as extraction, chemical peels and laser therapy. Want to know what works for your skin? Feel free to contact me!