“If you're an adult with milia, you might try an over-the-counter exfoliating treatment that contains salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acid or a retinoid such as adapalene,” Dr. Piliang says. “These can improve the skin's natural turnover by removing the dead cells, and may help the bumps go away faster.”
“Try an acid toner or home peel twice a week, or look for a face lotion containing alpha hydroxy acids. On the spot salicylic acid treatments can be used over the milia to slowly peel the overlying skin, and thin out the layers that are trapping the milia cyst. Use this at night time.”
Glycolic acid. Here's why: Glycolic acid is one of the most effective and efficient ingredients to use for exfoliating skin. Its tiny Alpha Hydroxy Acid molecules penetrate and dissolve the outermost (and usually most damaged) layer of skin cells.
Dr Meder's tips for treating milia at home
Look for exfoliating cleansers that contain salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid. Chemical exfoliants containing AHAs and BHAs, including glycolic and salicylic acid, provide accelerated, chemical exfoliation without the need to aggressively scrub your skin.
Products that boost exfoliation and cell turnover keep the skin smooth and thin, thereby eradicating milia and preventing them from recurring. I highly recommend Skinceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, which is gentle enough to use daily without leaving the skin overly dry or irritated.
The most common procedure for milia removal is de-roofing. Dermatologists use a sterile needle to remove the tiny flap of skin trapping the keratin flake inside the pore. They then squeeze or prick out the flake. A less-common practice is curettage, which is a form of electrosurgery.
An over-the-counter exfoliating cosmetic with salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or a retinoid can help remove the dead skin cells. Baby skin is too delicate for lotions, oils, or other cosmetics. Wash your baby's face with warm water and baby soap daily and then pat the skin dry. Wait for the milia to clear.
Exfoliation is the most important thing you can do to get rid of milia for good. “[Physical exfoliation] with a facial brush or gentle scrub removes the top dead skin layer and will help milia open and resolve,” says Dr. Gmyrek.
Especially if you have sensitive skin, you don't want to damage your skin with poor milia removal techniques. If it doesn't bother you appearance wise—best to leave it alone. Occasionally, they can dissolve on their own.
Consistent use of well-formulated BHA exfoliants (AHAs are not effective for milia, as they cannot reach the pore) should help prevent its recurrence, but in some instances your milia will return. If that happens, management with a dermatologist/skilled aestheticitian is often the best course of action.
If you typically have milia around your eyes, then that eye cream you're using might be too heavy for your skin type. Choose serums instead since they penetrate deep into the skin without blocking the pores. Or if you are bent on using cream, use products with Hyaluronic acid that is gentle on this delicate area.
Marchbein also adds that if you're someone who is prone to milia, you should try using a combination of oil-free, non-comedogenic products (looking at you, CeraVe and Cetaphil), along with a cream containing a retinoid. This one by Paula's Choice absorbs quickly and also goes to work on fine lines and dark spots.
Invest In A Retinol Night Treatment
A super-easy and very effective way to get rid of milia is to regularly apply a topical retinoid to the affected area.
“Milia can stay there for years (same size and shape) if not removed,” Rouleau said.
"The biggest side effect of using the wrong moisturizer is developing milia, little hard white bumps on the face in random areas," said Dr. Forney. "This is very common if [you're] using a body moisturizer on the face but can also happen with moisturizers which are too heavy."
Milia develop when skin flakes become trapped under the surface of the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic, or when keratin builds up and gets trapped. Milia occur most often in newborn babies.
And, although regulations vary, in most states estheticians cannot remove milia (those pesky little white bumps). To remove milia, the skin needs to be pierced with a sharp instrument called a lancet. Making an opening in the skin, however small, is a no-no for anyone except medical professionals.
Primary or secondary milia in an adult may disappear on their own, but your doctor may treat you with one of the following: Piercing each milium with a sterile lancet or scalpel followed by removal of the cyst material with a tool called a comedone extractor.
Wet a washcloth with the hottest water you can stand, wring it out and hold it against the milia you want to remove. Step 2: Take a hypodermic needle or a milia lancet and sterilize it with rubbing alcohol. Gently poke the center of the milia. Press the area around it (like you would to extract a blackhead) gently.
Tips for Improving the Appearance of Delicate Eye Area Skin
You'll also want to look for a hydrating blend of moisturizing ingredients such as jojoba esters and niacinamide. Milia may be made more obvious by dark or puffy under eye circles.
How to treat milia? Milia don't have an opening onto the skin's surface, which is why they cannot be removed with a simple squeeze or pop. Attempting to pop them can lead to red, inflamed marks or scarring on the skin. Most cases disappear on their own, often lasting a couple of weeks to months.
When it comes to preventing milia, it's all about exfoliation, exfoliation, exfoliation! You want to maximise your cellular turnover, so things like chemical peels, topical retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), charcoal, mud masks, micro abrasion and vitamin C are amongst the recommended.
Colbert says to use Differin Gel (which is now available over the counter) or prescription Retin-A, or schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, who can safely get rid of them through extraction. And to prevent primary milia from happening in the first place, “exfoliation is key,” Dr.