# How to Get Rid of Milia, According to a Dermatologist
Milia are those tiny, white, hard bumps that appear under the skin, often around the eyes and cheeks. They look like small pearls trapped beneath the surface, and they frustrate people enough that many attempt the obvious solution: squeezing them. Dermatologists universally advise against this approach.
Milia form when dead skin cells become trapped in small pockets near hair follicles or sweat glands. Unlike acne, they are not bacterial infections and do not respond to standard acne treatments. This distinction matters because it changes how you should treat them.
The urge to pop milia stems from the same impulse that drives people to squeeze blackheads and whiteheads. The bumps look extractable. They sit right at the skin's surface. But attempting to remove them yourself risks infection, scarring, and skin damage that often makes the problem worse. The skin around the eyes is particularly delicate and prone to permanent injury from aggressive picking.
Professional removal remains the most effective option. Dermatologists use one of three methods. Extraction with a sterile needle or lancet punctures the skin and removes the trapped keratin inside. Microdermabrasion physically exfoliates the top layer of skin to encourage natural shedding. Chemical peels using glycolic acid or salicylic acid dissolve dead skin cells and prevent future blockages.
Prevention strategies target the root cause. Milia often appears after sun damage or trauma to the skin. Consistent sunscreen use reduces UV damage that leads to skin cell buildup. Gentle exfoliation two to three times weekly removes dead skin cells before they accumulate. Physical scrubs work, but chemical exfoliants with AHAs or BHAs tend to be gentler and more effective.
Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers support skin barrier health without clogging pores. Heavy creams and occlusive products can trap dead skin and worsen milia, particularly around the eye area where the skin is thinnest.
The timeline for improvement varies. Professional treatments often show results within days, but new milia may continue forming if prevention measures fail. Consistent skincare routines typically reduce milia over weeks to months.
Retinoids deserve special mention. Both prescription-strength retinoids and over-the-counter retinol products increase cell turnover and prevent dead skin accumulation. They work best as long-term preventative measures rather than quick fixes.
Milia are harmless and pose no health threat. Cosmetic concern alone drives most treatment decisions. This distinction matters when weighing the risks of DIY extraction against professional care. The skin damage from squeezing often looks worse than the milia itself.
A dermatologist consultation makes sense if milia persists despite proper skincare or appears suddenly across large areas of the face. They can rule out other conditions and recommend treatments tailored to your specific skin type.