🌕 Milia That Look Like Tiny Grains, Is It Okay to Leave Them Alone?

A white speck inside the skin, called ‘milia’—from the cause to removal, we’ll explain it clearly.

Hello, this is Yonsei Bomvit Dermatology.

Do you have white specks that feel like tiny grains around the eyes or on the cheeks?

They are often mistaken for sebum or acne, but in fact, ‘milia’ develop for completely different reasons.

If you squeeze them forcibly or leave them untreated, they can lead to scars and pigmentation,

so proper care is needed. Today, we’ll explain the causes of milia, how to remove them, and how to prevent them.

A white speck inside the skin, ‘milia’—from the cause to removal

1️⃣ What is milia?

Milia are small ‘clusters of keratin’ trapped beneath the skin’s surface.

They appear as small, firm grains that are white or yellowish in color,

and they commonly form in areas where the skin is thin and sensitive, such as around the eyes, on the cheeks, and on the forehead.

✔ They are not sebum or acne, but are caused by keratin that cannot escape

✔ They are not painful and inflammation is rare, but they often remain on the skin for a long time and are visually bothersome

2️⃣ What is the scientific cause of milia?

✔ A structure where keratin cannot escape to the outside of the skin and becomes trapped inside

Normally, the skin sheds dead skin cells at regular intervals and replaces them with new cells.

But when turnover slows down or the stratum corneum becomes too thick,

this keratin cannot exit and becomes trapped inside the skin.

At that point, the keratin hardens like a small cyst inside the skin, forming milia.

This process is especially likely to occur in the following cases:

• When skin regeneration slows down or the turnover cycle becomes irregular

• When keratin easily accumulates in thin, sensitive areas such as around the eyes

• When you have a skin type whose sweat glands or pores are prone to blockage

✔ They also tend to appear after external irritation or skin damage

When the skin is damaged by procedures, peeling, burns, wounds, and so on,

keratin may remain inside the skin during the healing process.

This type of ‘secondary milia’ often develops after procedures,

and it is especially common in areas that heal slowly, such as around the eyes.

In particular, milia often form at the inner corner of the eye incision area and can look like something is stuck there.

✔ Although rare, cosmetics can also be a cause

If you frequently apply oily-textured cosmetics such as eye cream or rich moisturizers around the eyes,

the skin may not be able to breathe and keratin may build up inside.

The eye area is especially sensitive because the stratum corneum is thin and circulation is slower.

✔ Some people are naturally more prone to it

People whose skin turnover is naturally slow or whose skin easily accumulates keratin

have a constitution that makes recurrent milia more likely.

In such cases, regular extraction and keratin care can help.

3️⃣ How is milia removed?

✔ Never squeeze them by hand!

Milia are not structured like regular acne, where sebum comes out.

If you force them out, skin damage, pigmentation, and scars can occur,

and especially around the eyes, there is also a risk of bruising or skin indentation.

✔ Yonsei Bomvit Dermatology’s safe removal method

• After disinfecting the skin, make a very small incision with a fine CO2 laser and remove it safely

• If needed, carefully clean up the surrounding tissue

• Performed in a way that reduces scarring

The removal is completed quickly, and you can return to daily life immediately after the procedure.

4️⃣ Can milia be prevented?

Milia can happen to anyone, but you can help prevent them with the following habits.

✔ Exfoliate gently, only 1–2 times per week

It is best to use a gentle, enzyme-based exfoliating product.

Excessive peeling can make the skin even more sensitive.

✔ Use oily cosmetics sparingly around the eyes

Choose an eye cream that absorbs quickly,

and it is important to apply only a small amount and gently pat it in for absorption.

✔ What if your skin gets milia often?

Regular management through periodic extraction or dermatology visits is also a good option.

🧴 In closing

Milia are not something that can simply be solved by squeezing them out.

Because they are a skin reaction caused by multiple factors,

such as skin turnover, keratin management, and the recovery process after irritation,

accurate diagnosis and safe removal are necessary.

Before leaving scars from unnecessary extraction,

take care of them healthily with a specialist!

📍 Yonsei Bomvit Dermatology

📞 02-837-8275

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