Small white bumps on your skin?

You see them in the mirror, those little white bumps that just won't go away. Maybe they are around your eyes, on your cheeks, or on your forehead. They won't let themselves be squeezed out, barely respond to creams, and seem to stick around stubbornly. Milia, also known as milia As mentioned, they 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 everything about remove 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 you small white bumps on the face can prevent, 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 subcutaneous bumps filled with keratin and dead skin cells. They are not caused by clogged sebaceous glands, like acne, but arise from an accumulation of skin cells that are not shed naturally. This results in a small cyst-like bump covered with a thin layer of skin.

There are two types:

• Primary milia: arise spontaneously due to a disrupted exfoliation of dead skin cells.

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

Milia are completely benign and cause no pain or itching, but can be cosmetically bothersome.

Why Are You Getting Milia?

Normally, your skin renews itself continuously and dead skin cells disappear on their own. Sometimes this goes wrong and these cells become encapsulated under the skin. This can have various causes:

• Thick or occlusive skincare – Creams containing mineral oils or silicones can form a layer on the skin, preventing dead skin cells from being properly removed.
• Sun damage – UV radiation thickens the upper layer of the skin, slowing cell renewal and allowing dead skin cells to become trapped.
• Skin trauma – After abrasions, burns, laser treatments, or dermatological procedures, skin cells can accumulate and form milia.
• Genetic predisposition – 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 do not have an opening to the skin surface, they cannot be squeezed like a pimple. These 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 make 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 to develop.
• Laser treatment – Especially with stubborn milia, a laser can thin the skin layer and open the cyst.
  
• Electrocoagulation – With this method, milia are removed using electric heat, which is effective for multiple bumps.

How Can You Prevent Milia?

Prevention is better than cure! With these simple adjustments to your skincare, you reduce the risk of milia:

Use light, non-occlusive creams – Avoid heavy, greasy products and choose a non-comedogenic formula.
Regular exfoliation – A mild peel 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 the buildup of dead skin cells.
Treat your skin with care – Scrubbing too aggressively or excessive cleansing can actually have the opposite effect.

Frequently asked questions about milia

What are milia and how do they form?
Milia are small white bumps caused by encapsulated dead skin cells and keratin. They can appear 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 against milia?
Yes! Retinol and other vitamin A derivatives help the skin renew itself faster, reducing the chance of milia developing.

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: Evidence-Based Treatment for Medicadermis

Although milia are harmless, they can be bothersome. The best approach? Professional removal, gentle exfoliation, and the right skincare.

Bee Medicadermis I offer evidence-based treatments, such as extraction, chemical peels, and laser therapy. Do you want to know what works for your skin? Feel free to contact us!