What Causes Milia? 6 Situations You Should Beware + Why You Shouldn’t Use Needle to Remove Them

Milia can be even more stubborn than acne! While acne is undeniably annoying, it can typically heal completely in a matter of weeks with proper care and leave no trace. Milia, on the other hand, are far more persistent. These small, raised bumps—often likened to white sesame seeds—lack the pus-filled heads that acne has and can linger on the skin for months without going away. In most cases, you’ll eventually need aesthetic treatments to remove them. So what can you do when milia appear? This all-in-one “Milia Guide” is just what you need—it’ll teach you the best ways to tackle milia!

1

What Are Milia?

Milia can appear anywhere on the face. They are small, yellowish-white, grain-like bumps caused by excess sebum clogging the sebaceous glands. They feel slightly firm to the touch but are not hard. Regardless of gender or skin type—even those with dry skin—anyone can develop milia. They most commonly appear around the delicate eye area, where they are round, clustered, and difficult to remove once they form.

2

What Causes Milia on the Face?

There’s a saying: “There are no ugly women, only lazy ones.” Many women are diligent about skincare, but overdoing it is actually one of the main culprits behind milia. Overly rich products can be hard for the skin to absorb, leading to blocked pores and milia. Here are other key causes:

Cause #1: Abnormal Keratinization

Poor diet, dehydrated skin, genetics, and hormonal fluctuations can all disrupt keratin metabolism. When layers of dead skin build up on the surface, sebum gets trapped underneath and forms tiny raised bumps.

Cause #2: Excess Sebum Production

People with oily skin tend to have more active sebaceous glands, making clogged pores and milia more likely—especially when thickened keratin layers are also present.

Cause #3: Incorrect Makeup Removal

Many women use cleansing oils for full-face makeup removal. However, cleansing oils aren’t suitable for everyone—especially those with oily skin—as they can easily clog pores. If not thoroughly rinsed off, oily residues can lead to a milia breakout.

Cause #4: Inadequate Cleansing

Cleansing is a crucial step in skincare. To prevent keratin buildup, thorough cleansing and regular exfoliation are essential. Residual dirt easily clogs pores and traps sebum, giving milia a chance to form.

Cause #5: Overly Rich Skincare Products

Skincare must be tailored to your skin type. Using overly thick eye creams can increase the likelihood of milia—especially since the skin around the eyes is very thin. Heavy eye creams can easily lead to oil buildup in this area, forming milia over time.

Cause #6: Hormonal Changes

Unstable levels of adrenaline and testosterone can stimulate excessive sebum production. Factors like frequent late nights or stressful work environments can disrupt hormonal balance and hinder proper skin metabolism—greatly increasing the chances of developing milia.

3

Did You Know? There Are 2 Types of Milia

Milia can appear on any skin type—even dry skin—and are commonly found on the face. There are two main types:

Type #1: Syringoma

Syringoma is a benign skin tumor composed of sweat duct cells. Due to overgrowth of sweat ducts, these become more prominent and translucent in hot weather when sweat glands are overactive. They feel soft and can extend into the dermis, but are harmless to health.

Type #2: Primary Milia (Milia Seeds)

These look like tiny yellowish-white grains, often around the eyes. Caused by keratin buildup at sweat gland openings, they trap sebum beneath the skin. Frequently rubbing the eyes or using overly rich eye creams can lead to micro-injuries and accelerate their formation.

4

Quick Facts: Milia vs. Fat Granules vs. Comedones

Many people confuse milia with fat granules (lipomas). They look similar—small, white bumps on the skin—but milia don’t release anything when squeezed, while fat granules may eject small particles.

Comedones, often called “closed comedones,” are considered early-stage acne. They’re flesh-toned, slightly raised, and form when overactive oil glands and abnormal keratinization block the pores. Left untreated, comedones can turn into milia or even full-blown acne if bacteria and air exposure cause inflammation.

5

How to Improve Milia: 5 Daily Tips

Once milia form, they can stick around for months. Here’s how to deal with them:

Tip #1: Proper Makeup Removal & Cleansing

Cleanse twice a day using gentle products. Don’t over-cleanse, or your skin may become dry and produce even more oil. Always thoroughly remove makeup to prevent buildup that clogs pores. Avoid overly greasy cleansing oils, which can leave residue that causes milia.

Tip #2: Maintain Water-Oil Balance

An imbalance in moisture and oil can trigger excessive sebum production. Use hydrating serums and essences suitable for your skin type—not just toner—to ensure deep moisture absorption.

Tip #3: Regular Exfoliation

Thickened dead skin can clog pores, so exfoliate 1–2 times a week using scrubs, deep-cleansing masks, or gentle acids. Don’t overdo it, though, as excessive exfoliation can damage the skin barrier.

Tip #4: Avoid Over-Nourishing Products

Heavy products that the skin can't absorb will linger and cause problems. Choose skincare with appropriate textures, especially around the eyes. Follow instructions when using eye masks and other treatments.

Tip #5: Professional Extraction (Comedone Removal)

For faster results, consider extraction. But don’t do it yourself—improper technique or tools can cause inflammation or scarring. Leave it to trained professionals.

6

3 Professional Treatments for Milia

If your face is covered with milia and it’s affecting your appearance or confidence, consider these medical aesthetic treatments:

Treatment #1: Acid-Based Products

Salicylic acid helps exfoliate dead skin and clear out sebum inside pores. Many anti-milia products contain fruit acids to gently remove buildup and restore smooth skin.

Treatment #2: Oral Isotretinoin (A Acid)

This reduces sebum production and bacteria, accelerating skin turnover. While effective for severe milia and comedones, it can cause dryness and temporary flare-ups at first.

Treatment #3: Laser Therapy

Lasers (with wavelengths of 10600–10800nm) vaporize milia on the skin surface, drying them out so they fall off naturally. This is also effective for syringoma and other benign skin issues.

7

Editor’s Real-Life Test: Milia Emergency Treatment – Visible Results in 1 Week!

Since milia don’t have an opening, regular skincare isn’t enough to eliminate them. Our beauty editor tried Perfect Medical’s Acne Treatment, which claims to balance oil levels and unclog pores. Here’s what happened:

The treatment uses vacuum microdermabrasion to gently remove dead skin and clear out pores—preventing future milia, blackheads, and acne.

Surprisingly, the process was painless—just a light suction sensation. There was some redness afterward, but it disappeared after a hydrating mask.

One week after the treatment, milia on the nose and chin were visibly reduced. The skin felt slightly bumpy to the touch, but no milia could be seen. Results were amazing! With weekly sessions, milia can be completely eliminated.

If you’re troubled by milia, this treatment is definitely worth trying—even sensitive skin types can benefit. Don’t miss out on Perfect Medical’s special reader offer: register online for a free trial session (limited spots)!