Milia: the little pearly spots you shouldn’t squeeze

You’ve probably noticed them at some point: tiny, firm, white or pearly bumps, often around the eyes, cheeks or nose. They’re not quite like a pimple, they don’t come to a head, and they don’t seem to go anywhere. These little spots are usually milia.

Here’s what milia are, why squeezing them is a bad idea, and what you can do to help keep your skin smooth.

What are milia?

In general terms, milia are small cysts filled with keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of the skin. Instead of shedding naturally, keratin becomes trapped just beneath the surface, forming a tiny, hard, pearly bump.

Milia are different from blackheads and breakouts. They aren’t caused by oil and bacteria in the way a pimple is, and there’s no opening at the surface, which is why they don’t respond to the usual breakout approaches. If you’re dealing with breakouts too, our guide to breakouts and acne covers those separately.

Why you shouldn’t squeeze them

It’s tempting, we know. But because milia sit under a closed layer of skin, squeezing doesn’t work the way it might with a blackhead. Pressing and picking can:

• Irritate and inflame the surrounding skin.
• Break the skin, which can lead to marks or scarring.
• Leave the area red and sore, especially around the delicate eye area.

Please don’t try to remove milia with needles, pins or tools at home either. If you’d like them gone, the safest path is professional advice.

Gentle exfoliation to help prevent build-up

Because milia involve trapped keratin, regular, gentle exfoliation can help prevent the build-up of dead skin that may contribute to them. Options include:

• At home: the AHA Power Exfoliant ($59) from Australian Skin Institute. Your therapist can advise how often to use it for your skin.
• Micro Skin Treatment ($180, 40 min): a mechanical exfoliation. Skin may be a little pink for a few hours.
• Peels ($180, 40 min): from the gentle Sensitive Peel to stronger options, chosen by your therapist. Read professional peels explained.
• Dermaplaning ($275, 60 min): a sterile blade removes dead skin and peach fuzz. Read our dermaplaning guide.

Whatever you choose, wear SPF 50+ daily, especially after exfoliating treatments.

Could your eye cream be playing a part?

Milia often appear around the eyes. For some people, heavy, rich eye creams can contribute. If you notice milia around your eyes, it may be worth reviewing what you use there and asking your therapist whether a lighter texture would suit you better. The Hydra-Lift Eye Gel ($59) is a gel formula, if you’d like a lighter option to discuss.

Cleansing matters too. The Rejuvenating Foaming Cleanser ($69) is oil-free, but its label advises avoiding contact with the eyes, so keep it to the rest of your face and use a separate, gentle method around the eye area.

When to see your GP or dermatologist

If your milia are persistent, numerous, bothering you or you’re not sure what they are, see your GP or a dermatologist. They can confirm what the bumps are and discuss removal if appropriate.

In clinic, our focus is on gentle exfoliation and homecare to help prevent build-up. If you have questions about removing individual milia, ask your therapist or GP for advice. You can also book a free 20-minute Advanced Skin Consultation to talk through your skin and routine.

Keep skin smooth with Skin Club

Preventing build-up is all about consistency, which is where our Skin Clubs help. With a professional skin treatment every month, your therapist can keep an eye on your skin and adjust your plan as you go.

• Radiance Club, $135 a month (regular value $180, save $45 a month, or 25%): one Radiance Skin Treatment every month, plus 20% off Australian Skin Institute and Tugun Compounding Pharmacy retail.
• Renewal Club, $220 a month (regular value $275, save $55 a month, or 20%): one Renewal Skin Treatment every month on an advanced plan, plus 25% off Australian Skin Institute and Tugun Compounding Pharmacy retail.

Both include a Welcome Pack and a one-time Bring-a-Friend voucher, with a 6-month minimum term, then month to month. If you’d prefer a set course, the Clarity & Refinement Program is $860 (valued at $1,080, save $220) and includes 2 x LED, 1 x Dermaplaning and 2 x Peels over 6 months, plus the AHA Power Exfoliant to use at home. See everything on our memberships page.

Ready to book? Book your skin treatment online or visit one of our six Brisbane clinics.