Under the eyes
On the cheeks
Around the nose
On the eyelids
On the forehead
Milia are harmless, but many people want to remove them for cosmetic reasons.
What Causes Milia?
Anyone can get milia, but a few common triggers include:
Build-up of dead skin (lack of exfoliation)
Heavy skincare products or makeup
Sun damage
Genetics
Skin injury or burns
Long-term use of thick creams or oils
Because milia are not pimples, squeezing or picking at them won’t work—and can irritate or damage your skin.
How to Treat Milia Naturally and Safely at Home
While stubborn or sensitive-area milia often require professional removal, mild cases may improve with gentle, consistent care. Here are safe, natural methods that many people find helpful.
1. Gentle Exfoliation (But Not Harsh Scrubs)
Soft exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that contribute to milia.
Try:
A mild chemical exfoliant containing lactic acid or PHA
Natural gentle exfoliants like finely ground oatmeal paste
Avoid gritty scrubs—they can irritate the skin, especially around the eyes.
2. Steam to Soften the Skin
A simple steam session can open pores and help loosen trapped skin cells.
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How to do it:
Fill a bowl with warm (not boiling) water
Lean over it for 5–10 minutes
Pat skin dry
This won’t remove milia instantly, but it can improve the skin’s texture over time.
3. Use Lightweight Skincare Products
Heavy creams can trap dead skin, contributing to milia.
Instead:
Choose non-comedogenic moisturizers
Avoid thick oils on the face
Use lightweight gel-based products
4. Honey Masks for Gentle Hydration
Honey has natural skin-soothing and balancing properties.
Apply a thin layer of raw honey for 10–15 minutes, then rinse.
This helps maintain moisture without clogging pores.
5. Aloe Vera Gel for Skin Calming
Pure aloe vera can soothe irritated skin and support healthy turnover.
It won’t dissolve milia but may help prevent more from forming.
6. Regular Sun Protection
Sun damage can thicken and toughen the skin, which makes milia more likely.
Use a lightweight sunscreen daily to help keep the skin clear and prevent long-term buildup.
What NOT To Do
To protect your skin, avoid:
Popping or squeezing milia
Using needles or sharp tools at home
Applying harsh acne treatments not designed for milia
Using heavy oils on areas where milia appear
Attempting to extract milia yourself—especially near the eyes—can cause scarring or infection.
When to Consider Professional Removal
If your milia:
Persist for months
Cause irritation
Are located very close to the eyes
Bother you cosmetically
…a dermatologist or licensed skincare professional can safely remove them using sterile tools.
The Bottom Line
Milia are incredibly common and completely harmless — just small cysts caused by trapped dead skin. With gentle exfoliation, lightweight skincare, and consistent habits, many people see improvement right at home.
If home care doesn’t help, professional treatment is quick, safe, and effective.
Your skin knows how to heal — sometimes it just needs the right routine.