Have you ever noticed those tiny, white bumps on Face that emerge just beneath the surface of the Skin, often noticed on a baby’s delicate skin? Commonly referred to as “milk spots” or “oil seeds,” these tiny cysts are medically known as milia and can also make an appearance on adult skin. Fortunately, milia on face is generally more of a cosmetic concern than a cause for alarm. 

These small bumps don’t pose a risk of scarring, rarely give rise to additional skin complications, and typically resolve on their own over time. Luckily, milia on face can be easily treated by following certain skincare steps and home remedies.

So read on, as we give you more details on the causes of milia formation on the face, home remedies, and face care products that help address this woe once and for all!

Types Of Milia

Primary Milia

Primary milia are the most common type and often occur in both children and adults. These small, white pimples on the face form when dead skin cells become trapped near the surface of your skin. They are typically found on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and around the eyes.

Secondary Milia

Secondary milia may develop as a result of trauma to your skin, such as burns, rashes, or excessive use of topical steroids. These cysts can appear in areas where your skin has been damaged, and they may persist until the underlying skin issue is resolved.\

Milia en Plaque

Milia en plaque is a less common form of milia characterised by a cluster of cysts appearing on an inflamed, raised patch of skin. This type is often associated with autoimmune disorders and may require medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Multiple Eruptive Milia

This rare form of milia presents as numerous small cysts erupting over various areas of your face and, occasionally, the upper trunk. The cause of multiple eruptive milia on face is not fully understood, but they may be linked to genetic factors or certain skin conditions.

Symptoms And Causes Of Milia On Face

Blocked Pores

Milia on face are commonly associated with blocked pores. When dead skin cells become trapped in your skin’s surface, they can accumulate and form tiny cysts, leading to the characteristic appearance of milia. 

Moreover, this blockage prevents the dead skin cells from naturally exfoliating, resulting in the formation of small, raised bumps on your face.

Use Of Heavy Skincare Products

The use of heavy or comedogenic skincare products can contribute to the development of milia on face. Products, such as rich creams, oils, and lotions may be too thick for some skin types, such as acne-prone skin, and lead to the clogging of pores. 

In this case, opting for non-comedogenic or oil-free products can help prevent the occurrence of white bumps on the face and under your eyes.

Lack Of Proper Exfoliation

Inadequate exfoliation is a common factor in the formation of milia on face. When your skin’s natural exfoliation process is disrupted, dead skin cells build up and increase the likelihood of blocked pores. 

Regular, gentle exfoliation assists in keeping your skin’s surface clear and reduces the risk of milia formation.

Sun Damage

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can also contribute to milia on face. Sun damage thickens your skin, which makes it more prone to trapping dead skin cells, leading to the formation of these tiny cysts. 

Wearing sunscreen and practicing sun-safe habits can help prevent milia associated with sun damage.

Injury Or Trauma To The Skin

Skin trauma, such as burns or injuries, can disrupt your skin’s natural healing process and contribute to the formation of milia on face or white bumps on the face. The healing skin may trap dead cells and create an environment conducive to the development of these small cysts. 

Gentle skincare and proper wound care can aid in preventing milia in such cases.

Genes

Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing milia on face. In such cases, your skin’s natural exfoliation process may be less efficient, leading to a higher likelihood of dead skin cell accumulation and milia formation. 

While genetic factors are beyond one’s control, adopting a proper skincare routine can still be beneficial in preventing the formation of milia or white pimples on the face.

Use Of Steroids

Prolonged use of topical steroids can disrupt the normal functioning of your skin and contribute to the development of milia on face. This is because steroids may alter your skin’s structure and make it more prone to pore blockages.

Hence, it’s crucial to use topical steroids under the guidance of a healthcare professional to minimise potential side effects.

Symptoms Of Milia On Face

• Milia on face appears as small, raised bumps, often in white or yellowish tones.
• They are usually painless and do not cause redness or swelling in the surrounding skin.
• Unlike acne, milia lack a pore or opening on the skin’s surface.
• Some individuals may experience mild itching associated with millia on face.
• In rare cases, milia may manifest as numerous small cysts erupting across various facial areas.

How To Get Rid Of Milia On Face

Cleanse With A Vitamin C Face Wash

Wondering how to get rid of milia on face? Cleanse your face with Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties that help protect your skin against oxidative stress and support collagen production. It also assists in gentle exfoliation, aids the removal of dead skin cells, and prevents pore blockages that lead to milia on face. 

Furthermore, vitamin C is renowned for its skin-brightening effects, which contribute to a more even skin tone. To get optimal results and treat white bumps on the face, you can opt for our recommended vitamin C face wash.

The Moms Co.’s Natural Vitamin C Face Wash

Formulated with rich antioxidants like vitamin C and orange beads, this face wash helps gently remove dirt and impurities, unclog pores, and boost collagen synthesis. It also contains pro-vitamin B5 and willow herb that soothe irritated skin and strengthen the skin barrier function to treat milia on face effectively.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, willow herb, orange beads

Benefits: Helps address milia or white pimples on the face and unclogs pores.

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Tone Your Skin With Green Tea

The natural process of skin shedding can sometimes be disrupted, leading to the accumulation of dead skin cells that contribute to milia on face. Applying toner helps remove these built-up cells, unclog pores, and promote a smoother skin texture. 

By incorporating toning into your regular skincare routine, you can aid the removal of trapped dead skin, and reduce the likelihood of milia development. 

If you are looking for a mild toner that is suitable for milia treatment, we have the best pick for you.

The Moms Co.’s Natural Green Tea Face Toner

This potent face toner from The Moms Co. contains mild antioxidants like green tea, apple cider vinegar, and aloe vera that gently exfoliate your skin, regulate oil production, and tackle bacterial growth. Additionally, the toner is enriched with natural AHAs that even tone your skin and reduce the appearance of inflammation and redness.

Key Ingredients: Green tea, apple cider vinegar

Benefits: Helps tackle the formation of milia on face and reduces acne breakouts.

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Related: How To Get Rid Of Pimples

Layer In A Potent Vitamin C Face Serum

Vitamin C is known for its powerful antioxidant properties and plays a crucial role in promoting skin health and preventing the formation of milia on face. This essential nutrient aids in collagen production, promotes skin elasticity, and reduces the likelihood of dead skin cells becoming trapped beneath the surface— a common trigger to milia or white bumps on the face. 

Additionally, vitamin C assists in brightening your complexion, diminishing hyperpigmentation, and creating a more even skin tone. Wondering how to get rid of milia on face? Use our recommended face serum!

The Moms Co.’s Natural Advanced 20% Vitamin C Face Serum

This enriching face serum contains 20% vitamin C, 0.5% ferulic acid, and liquorice extract that prevent oxidative stress and prevent the formation of damaged and dead skin cells to reveal a radiant complexion. 

In addition to these ingredients, the face serum contains vitamin E, which serves as a natural skin-conditioning agent that tackles hyperpigmentation and reduces the appearance of dull spots and blemishes.

Key Ingredients: 20% vitamin C, ferulic acid

Benefits: Reduces the formation of milia on face and nourishes the skin.

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Try An Oil-Free Face Cream

As mentioned, milia on face often results from the accumulation of dead skin cells and trapped sebum in your pores. Opting for an oil-free face cream helps maintain adequate skin hydration without introducing additional oils that may contribute to pore congestion. 

These lightweight formulations provide essential moisture, keep the skin supple and nourished, and minimise the risk of clogged pores that can lead to milia formation.  You can try our recommended oil-free face cream for milia treatment.

The Moms Co.’s Natural Vita Rich Face Cream

This oil-free face cream from The Moms Co. is blended with hyaluronic acid and kakadu plum that prevent oxidative damage, unclog pores, and tackle milia on face. Additionally, the face cream contains arbutin and chia seed oil that reduce acne breakouts and promote a nourished and radiant complexion.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, arbutin

Benefits: Prevents milia formation on the face and gives you an oil-free look.

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Opt For A Cream With Sun Protection

Prolonged sun exposure can lead to thickening of your skin, making it more prone to trapping dead skin cells and contributing to the development of milia on face.

Hence, using a multipurpose cream that offers sun protection helps create a shield against these damaging effects, and reduces the risk of milia. Looking for a potent face cream ideal for milia treatment? We have you covered with the best pick.

The Moms Co.’s Natural Green Tea Face Cream

This face cream from The Moms Co. features a lightweight formula and is blended with squalane that offers protection from UV rays. It also contains plant-based ingredients like green tea and willow bark that soothe skin inflammation and irritation associated with milia on face, and reduce the risk of breakouts.

Key Ingredients: Green tea, squalane

Benefits: Offers sun protection and tackles milia on face.

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Home Remedies For Milia

Ingredients like oatmeal and aloe vera gently exfoliate your skin and reduce discomfort associatedd with milia / Image credit: Freepik

Exfoliate Gently With Oatmeal

Oatmeal serves as a mild exfoliant, which aids in the removal of dead skin cells and promotes a healthy skin turnover. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it suitable for unclogging pores and soothing potential skin irritation associated with milia on face. 

You will need:

• Finely ground oatmeal
• Milk or water

How to:

• Create a paste by mixing finely ground oatmeal with water or milk. 
• Massage the paste onto the affected areas to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
• Rinse your face with lukewarm water after 5-10 minutes.

Apply Honey To Your Skin

Raw honey is a potent humectant that is ideal for milia treatment. It attracts and retains moisture and is essential for maintaining skin hydration. It also exhibits antimicrobial properties, which help prevent bacterial growth and diminishes the appearance of white pimples on the face. 

Moreover, honey contributes to the overall health of your skin by promoting healing and soothing any inflammation, and reduces the risk of irritation.

You will need: 

• Raw honey

How to:

• Apply a thin layer of raw honey to milia-prone areas.
• Wait for 5-10 minutes and then rinse with your cleanser.

Use Aloe Vera To Soothe Your Skin

This is considered one of the most effective home remedies for milia on face. Aloe vera is renowned for its ability to moisturise and hydrate your skin effectively. When applied to milia-prone areas, aloe vera softens your skin and aids in the natural shedding of dead skin cells that contribute to milia on face. 

Beyond its moisturising capabilities, aloe vera possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which help provide a calming effect on irritated skin. If you are looking for a natural aloe vera gel, you can try our recommended pick.

The Moms Co.’s Natural Aloe Vera Gel

This aloe vera gel from The Moms Co. is combined with glycerin and panthenol, which tackle bacterial growth on your skin, boost skin cell turnover, and reduce the appearance of milia on face. It also soothes skin inflammation and reduces redness or irritated skin.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, glycerin

Benefits: Reduces the formation of milia on face and soothes the skin.

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Exfoliate With Papaya

Papaya contains enzymes, such as papain, which gently exfoliate your skin, and aid in the removal of dead skin cells that contribute to the formation of white bumps on the face. 

Applying fresh papaya pulp to milia-prone areas allows these enzymes to work collectively to promote a smoother skin texture. Additionally, papaya is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which provide essential nutrients that support your overall skin health.

You will need:

• Papaya pulp
• Cotton balls

How to:

• Apply fresh papaya pulp directly to the affected areas. 
• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.

Apply Tea Tree Oil

This is also considered one of the most potent home remedies for milia. Tea tree oil is renowned for its ability to combat bacteria and prevent infections. When applied to milia-prone areas, diluted tea tree oil can effectively reduce the risk of bacterial growth and inflammation, which is one of the potential causes of milia on face.

Additionally, tea tree oil assists in the overall health of your skin and promotes a clean and clear complexion

You will need:

• 5-6 drops of tea tree oil
• Water
• Cotton balls

How to:

• Dilute tea tree oil with water and gently dab this mixture on your skin using a cotton ball.
• Wait for 10-15 minutes and then wash your face with warm water.

Try Coconut Oil Massage

Coconut oil serves as a natural emollient, which deeply penetrates your skin to provide hydration and softens the affected areas. Its lightweight consistency makes it a suitable choice for all skin types, and the oil is easily absorbed without clogging pores. 

Regular massage with coconut oil not only helps soften your skin but also facilitates the natural shedding of dead skin cells that contribute to milia on face. 

You will need:

• Extra virgin coconut oil

How to:

• Take a small amount of coconut oil and apply it to the milia-prone areas of your face.
• Massage gently in circular motions for about 5-10 minutes.
• Rinse your face with water and follow up with a moisturiser to lock in hydration.

Take Facial Steam To Open Pores

Steam facials are an effective and natural method to encourage the release of trapped dead skin cells and reduce the risk of milia on face. The warm steam helps soften your skin, which makes it more pliable and facilitates the gentle expulsion of impurities, including those contributing to milia. 

Additionally, steam enhances blood circulation, which helps promote a healthy skin turnover and aids in the natural exfoliation process. 

Milia on face is primarily triggered by blocked pores and the use of heavy skincare products. Incorporating appropriate skincare products, such as vitamin-enriched face wash and eye cream can effectively combat the appearance of white bumps on the face. In addition to these, you can also prevent milia by trying the home remedies we mentioned and getting regular steam facials.

Also Read:

Pimples on the forehead: Want to discover the secret to pimple-free skin? We have you covered with an effective skincare guide. Take a look!

How to close open pores: Banish your open pores with these simple skincare tips and home remedies. 

How to remove tan: Wondering how to get rid of tanned skin? Check out this skincare guide for effective remedies and product recommendations.

Cover Image Credit: Freepik.com

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