What milia are
Milia are small, pearly white or yellowish bumps, usually 1–2 mm across, that sit just under the surface of the skin. They are firm to the touch and do not have an opening like a blackhead or a whitehead. They most often appear around the eyes, on the eyelids, the upper cheeks, the nose and the forehead, but can occur elsewhere too.
Milia are harmless and not a form of acne, but they can be persistent and are easy to see, especially around the eyes where makeup sits. Trying to squeeze them at home rarely works and can leave marks or irritation, which is why many people come to us for help.
Why they happen: which layers are involved
In our 8-layer Skin Architecture model, milia sit in the epidermis . They form when keratin — the protein that makes up the outer layer of skin — becomes trapped beneath the surface instead of shedding normally, creating a tiny cyst. Skin cells normally renew roughly every 28 days; when that process is disrupted, keratin can build up.
Common contributors include:
- Heavy or occlusive products , such as rich eye creams or thick makeup, particularly around the eyes.
- Sun damage , which thickens the outer layer and slows normal shedding.
- Skin trauma or healing , for example after burns, blistering or some resurfacing treatments.
- Individual tendency — some people are simply more prone to them.
How Obliv approaches milia
- Doctor examination first. A doctor confirms the bumps are milia rather than another type of small growth, such as tiny cysts, oil-gland enlargement or skin tags. This determines the right treatment. See also skin tags and blackheads and congested pores .
- Gentle, precise clearing. Suitable milia are removed one by one using a sterile, precise technique that releases the trapped keratin with minimal disruption to the surrounding skin. Delicate areas around the eyes are treated with particular care.
- Improving turnover. If you are prone to milia, supporting healthy skin renewal can help reduce how often new ones form. The doctor may suggest epidermis-level care such as NeoGen , a nitrogen-plasma skin regeneration device, or adjustments to your routine.
- Home care that fits. We review your products and may recommend lighter, pH-balanced home care to help keep the skin barrier healthy without clogging.
What to expect
Clearing milia is usually a short appointment. Afterwards, you may see small red dots or tiny scabs where each one was released; these normally settle within a few days. Makeup can often be applied again once the skin has settled. New milia can still develop in future, particularly if the underlying triggers continue, and results vary from person to person.
Preventing new milia
- Use lighter textures around the eyes and avoid applying heavy creams too close to the lash line.
- Cleanse gently but thoroughly, especially after makeup.
- Protect the skin with daily SPF50+.
- Avoid picking or squeezing, which can cause marks.
Visiting from abroad
Milia clearing is quick with little downtime, so it fits easily into a busy trip and pairs well with other skin treatments. Send close-up photos and your travel dates on WhatsApp and we will help you plan.
Milia or something else? How to tell
Several small bumps can look similar at first glance, which is why a doctor checks before anything is treated. As a rough guide:
- Milia are white, hard and dome-shaped, with no visible pore opening, and they do not come and go.
- Whiteheads are softer, may become inflamed and often appear with other breakouts. See acne for more.
- Oil-gland enlargement tends to be yellowish, slightly larger and may have a small central dip.
- Small skin tags are soft, skin-coloured and hang from the surface.
Each of these is handled differently, and treating one as another can irritate the skin or leave a mark. If you are unsure, a short dermatologist consultation is the simplest way to get a clear answer before planning treatment.
At a glance
- Layer: Epidermis
- Common areas: Eyelids, under-eyes, cheeks, nose
- First step: Doctor confirms they are milia
- Treatment: Gentle, precise clearing in one short visit
- Downtime: Small red dots for a few days
- Cost: Ask us on WhatsApp for a personalised quote
Questions about milia
Can I squeeze milia myself?
It is best not to. Milia have no opening, so squeezing usually fails and can damage the skin or leave marks. A sterile, precise technique in clinic is safer.
Are milia a kind of acne?
No. Milia are tiny keratin cysts, not clogged pores with oil and bacteria. That is why acne products often do not help them.
Will they come back?
Treated milia do not usually return in the same spot, but new ones can form if the triggers continue. Adjusting your products and supporting healthy skin turnover may help reduce this.
Can milia around the eyes be treated?
Yes, with extra care because the skin is thin. The doctor will examine the area and choose the gentlest suitable approach.
Talk to us about milia
Message us on WhatsApp in English. Obliv Clinic Seoul Origin, Pagoda Tower, 93 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu — about 5 minutes on foot from Jonggak and Euljiro 1-ga stations, close to Myeongdong.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Suitability, number of sessions and results vary from person to person and are decided with a doctor at consultation.
