Spotlight on Milia

Ready to say goodbye to stubborn milia? Safe & Effective Treatment

If you’ve ever noticed tiny white bumps on your skin — especially around the eyes, nose, or cheeks you may have come across milia. While they can look like stubborn whiteheads, these small cysts are actually something entirely different. The good news? They’re harmless. 

If you’re searching for milia removal in Christchurch, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with milia that resist home remedies and want a safe, lasting solution.

What are milia?

Milia (just one of them is called: milium) are tiny, dome-shaped cysts that form when keratin, a natural protein in the skin, gets trapped beneath the skin’s surface. They appear as small, white or yellowish bumps, usually about 1–2 millimeters in size.

Unlike acne or clogged pores, milia are not caused by bacteria or excess oil, so squeezing them won’t help and in fact can actually cause irritation or scarring.

Why Consider Milia Removal?

While milia don’t pose a health risk, they can be cosmetically bothersome, especially when they form around the eyes, nose, or cheeks.

• Frustrating & persistent – Unlike pimples, milia can last for months or even years without treatment.
• Affecting confidence – Many people feel self-conscious about visible milia.
• Unsuccessful DIY attempts – Home remedies rarely work and can damage your skin.

This is why professional milia removal is the safest and most effective solution.

Professional Milia Removal

Our skin specialists in Christchurch offer safe, precise, and effective milia treatments. Unlike at-home methods, professional removal ensures your skin is treated gently, reducing the risk of scarring or infection.

Treatment options may include:

• Electrocautery using small probe with an electric current running through it is used to destroy the undesired skin tissue.
• Topical treatments like retinoids to improve skin turnover.
• Advanced skin therapies such as chemical peels or laser for recurring cases.

Every treatment is tailored to your skin type and condition, giving you the best possible results.

⚠️ Important: Squeezing or picking milia at home is not effective and may lead to infection or scarring.

Who gets milia?

Milia can affect anyone, from newborn babies to older adults.

• Newborn Milia – About half of all infants develop milia in the first few weeks of life. These typically clear on their own within a few months.
• Milia in Adults – They can appear at any age, often around the eyes, cheeks, and nose.
• Secondary Milia – These may form after skin trauma (like burns or rashes), long-term sun damage, or even the use of heavy creams or steroid-based products.

Causes of milia

The exact reason why milia form isn’t always clear, but several factors play a role:

• Trapped dead skin cells that don’t shed properly.
• Skin trauma such as burns, blisters, or surgery.
• Chronic sun damage leading to thicker, less flexible skin.
• Use of heavy skincare products that can block natural skin turnover.
• Medical conditions or certain medications (less common).

Prevention of milia

You can’t always prevent milia, but you can reduce your risk with good skincare habits:

• Exfoliate gently but consistently to encourage skin renewal.
• Use lightweight, non-comedogenic products instead of heavy creams.
• Apply sunscreen daily to prevent sun-induced skin damage.
• Avoid overuse of topical steroids unless prescribed.

Key Takeaway

Milia may look like acne, but they’re a different type of skin condition altogether. They’re benign, not contagious, and often temporary. For babies, they’ll fade naturally. For adults, treatment is available if they’re bothersome, but the safest way to remove them is always under the care of a trained skincare professional.

Don’t let milia hold you back from clear, smooth skin. Whether you’re dealing with just a few bumps or recurring clusters, we’re here to help.

References

• DermNet NZ – Milium
• Cleveland Clinic – Milia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
• Healthline – Milia: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
• WebMD – What to Know About Milia