Tiny White Bumps on Your Face?

What are those tiny white bumps?

Milia are small, hard white bumps that form when keratin (dead skin) gets trapped under the surface of the skin.

They’re:

• Firm, NOT squishy

• Not filled with pus

• Not acne, not contagious

• Common around eyes, cheeks, forehead and nose

They’re harmless, but many people find them annoying or “textured” looking.

First: What not to do

Please don’t:

• Try to pop them like pimples

• Dig at them with nails, needles, or tools

• Scrub your skin raw

This can cause:

• Scarring

• Dark marks

• Infection

• Slower healing (especially on mature skin)

Gentle Home Care to Help Milia Fade

You often can improve milia at home with patience and soft care.

Daily cleansing

• Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser

• Wash with warm (not hot) water

• Pat dry, don’t rub

Soft exfoliation (1–2× per week)
Option A: gentle chemical exfoliant (lactic or glycolic acid)
Option B: DIY version:

• Mix 1 tbsp ground oats + 1 tbsp honey

• Apply to damp skin, massage very gently 2–3 minutes

• Rinse with warm water

Steam once a week

• Pour hot water into a bowl

• Hold your face 10–12 cm above it

• Cover head with a towel and steam 5–7 minutes

• Pat dry and apply a light moisturizer

Avoid heavy, greasy creams (especially around eyes)
Choose products labeled:

• “Non-comedogenic”

• “Gel” or “lightweight”
  Look for: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide.

Protect from the sun every day

• Use SPF 30+ on face, even when cloudy

• Sun damage thickens skin and can make milia more likely

 When to See a Dermatologist

Get professional help if:

• Bumps are spreading or changing

• You’re not sure it’s milia

• They really bother your confidence

• You have very sensitive or reactive skin

Dermatologists can remove milia safely with:

• Tiny sterile needle extraction

• Mild prescription retinoids

• Other in-office treatments

Never try these methods yourself at home.

What about babies?

Milia on babies’ noses and cheeks are very common and usually go away on their own.
Just rinse with lukewarm water and don’t apply scrubs, acids, or adult creams.

Final reminder

Milia are:

• Common

• Harmless

• A normal part of how some skin ages and renews

Be gentle, be patient, and treat your skin with kindness.
Texture is normal. Wanting smoother skin is also normal. You can have BOTH: self-acceptance and good skincare.