If You Have Tiny White Bumps on Your Face, Don’t Try to Remove Them! Here’s What They Really Are — and How to Treat Them Safely

Noticing tiny white bumps on your face can be confusing — and your first instinct might be to squeeze them like regular pimples. But dermatologists warn: don’t touch them. These bumps are often milia, and removing them the wrong way can damage your skin.

What Exactly Are These Tiny White Bumps?

Milia are small, hard, pearl-like cysts that sit just under the skin. They’re not acne, not caused by dirt, and not a sign of poor hygiene. Instead, they form when dead skin cells get trapped instead of naturally shedding.

Most common areas:

• Around the eyes

• On the cheeks

• On the nose

• On the forehead

Why You Shouldn’t Try to Remove Them

Unlike pimples, milia don’t have an opening, so squeezing them will not work. Instead, it can cause:

• Redness

• Scarring

• Skin irritation

• Infection

This is why dermatologists strongly recommend never popping milia at home.

Common Causes of Milia

These bumps often appear because of:

• Heavy or oily skincare products

• Skin damage (sunburns, lack of exfoliation)

• Sleeping with makeup on

• Naturally dry or thick skin

• Using harsh products around the eyes

Sometimes, they simply appear for no clear reason — and that’s normal.

Safe Ways to Get Rid of Milia

 

 

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