How to Get Rid of Milia: Proven At-Home and Professional Treatments

Milia removal—is it something you have been considering? These tiny, little, milky spots won’t go away, bothered by their appearance. If you are not happy with their presence and are looking for ways to get rid of them, you are not alone. 

Many people seek at-home or professional treatments like ThermaVein for milia removal. This blog explores all the removal methods to help you decide which is suitable for you. But first, let’s see if removing milia is necessary. 

Is Milia Removal Necessary?

Milia are tiny white bumps on your skin that often go unnoticed. They may be nothing more than a minor cosmetic concern. According to the National Library of Medicine, 40-50% of healthy newborn babies have milia, and they disappear on their own. 

However, if milia becomes more noticeable and impacts your confidence because of its appearance, you may want to explore removal options. 

These spots sometimes cluster in sensitive areas, like the skin around your eyes, where they may cause discomfort or irritation. If the bumps are increasing in number, you may try home remedies or seek professional treatments. 

How Do You Remove Milia At Home?

There are various methods for at-home milia removal; however, it’s a good practice to discuss any of these methods with your doctor to ensure you do it correctly and stay safe from complications. They include:

1. Cleanse and exfoliate regularly
2. Steam your face
3. Apply topical retinoids
4. Avoid heavy products

Here are details of these at-home methods on how to get rid of milia.

1. Cleanse and Exfoliate Regularly

Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face and keep the dirt away. Exfoliating regularly removes dead skin cells, prevents clogging of the pores, and reduces the formation of milia. A gentle exfoliator containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) is best. These chemicals keep your skin smooth and healthy. 

2. Steam your Face

Steaming your face helps a lot. It can open up the clogged pores, making it easier to remove the impurities and dirt from your skin, including milia. To steam your face:

• Simply boil water.
• Pour it into a bowl.
• Place your face above the bowl— stay cautious and maintain your distance.
• Let the steam touch your face for 5-10 minutes.

You may sit under a hot shower as an alternative. After steaming, pat dry your face gently. This is an ideal time for exfoliation or topical treatment to get the best results. 

3. Apply Topical Retinoids

Retinoid is a Vitamin A derivative. Topical retinoid creams increase skin cell regeneration and prevent milia formation or clear them over time. However, start with a low-potency retinol cream and gradually increase concentration to avoid skin irritation. 

4. Avoid Heavy Products

If you have milia around your eyes or cheeks, it is best to use light skin care products. Milia occurs when thick or heavy skincare products clog pores. Opt for non-comedogenic moisturisers and sunscreens that won’t block your pores.

At-home milia removal methods can be effective, but results might take time. If you’ve tried these methods without success, it’s best to consult a skincare specialist.

How to Get Rid of Milia Professionally?

Your skin doctor will assess your skin and prescribe a suitable and professional method to remove milia, such as: 

1. Manual extraction
2. Chemical Peel
3. Laser Therapy
4. Cryotherapy
5. Thermavein

Let’s get into the details of professional methods on how to get rid of milia. 

1. Manual Extraction

The doctor may extract these milky cysts with a sterilised needle or comedone extractor. Having this procedure done by an expert practitioner ensures that it is done safely with proper technique and reduces the risk of scarring. 

2. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve applying an especially formulated solution of chemicals, such as glycollic glycolic or salicylic acid, to your skin. These acids unclog the pores and exfoliate the outer layer of your skin, which reduces and prevents milia formation. The expert practitioner tailors the chemical peel treatment to your skin type and the severity of these milk spots. 

3. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy involves treating your skin with a concentrated beam of light that penetrates it. It destroys dead skin cells and milia without damaging the surrounding skin. This method is highly effective for treating multiple milia or those located in sensitive areas. 

4. Cryotherapy

During cryotherapy treatment, the doctor freezes the milk spot using liquid nitrogen. When frozen, they dry up and fall off over time. This method is beneficial for treating multiple milia at once and is commonly used for other skin growths.

5. ThermaVein

ThermaVein uses a micro-current of heat to target and treat milia with precision. This non-invasive method is particularly effective for treating milia around the eyes, where the skin is delicate. The treatment is quick and minimally uncomfortable. However, you may need multiple sessions for the best results.

All these professional methods are safe when performed by an expert practitioner and deliver optimal results. 

How Does ThermaVein Help in Milia Removal?

ThermaVein is an innovative treatment that offers a precise, safe, and effective solution for stubborn milk spots. This method uses thermocoagulation, where a microcurrent of heat is applied directly to the milia. This heat effectively breaks down the keratin-filled cyst without damaging the surrounding skin. The treatment is highly controlled, keeping your skin unharmed.

One of ThermaVein’s key advantages is its ability to treat milia in delicate areas, such as around the eyes, where the skin is particularly sensitive. ThermaVein is a quick procedure that requires minimal downtime. You may feel a little discomfort during treatment and experience mild swelling or redness afterwards—usually subsiding within a few days with proper aftercare.

Overall, ThermaVein treatment is an excellent option if you are seeking a safe, efficient, and noninvasive method to remove milia, particularly when other treatments have failed.

Talk to Your Doctor about Milia’s Removal. 

It might be time to consult your doctor if you are bothered by persistent milky bumps or spots on your face that are not going away even after consistent home remedies. An expert practitioner will assess your skin and recommend the most effective milia removal method—tailored to your needs. Whether it’s manual extraction, laser therapy or advanced treatments like ThermaVein treatment, a professional ensures the procedure is done safely, minimising the risk of scarring or infection. Schedule a consultation with your doctor now and take the first step towards clearer, healthier skin in the long run. 

FAQs

1. What triggers milia?

The exact cause of milia is unknown, but it gets triggered when the dead skin cells do not fall off your skin and clog into the pores.

2. Can I pop milia?

No, popping the milk spots is not a good practice, as it may cause scarring or damage to the skin.

3. What is the best method to get rid of milia?

The best method for removing milia depends on the severity of the milia and your skin condition. However, ThermaVein is an innovative treatment that your doctor may prescribe as a safe and effective solution.

4. Will Milia go away on its own?

Milia usually go away on their own in newborns without needing treatment. In older adults, they usually go away, but in rare cases, they persist and require a professional method.