What Is Milia?
Milia are tiny, white, pearl-like bumps caused by trapped keratin under the skin. Very common under the eyes and on the cheeks. Not painful, not red, and not dangerous — but can be frustrating. Unfortunately, they don't usually go away quickly on their own. At-Home Tips to Help Fade Milia (Under the Eye) 1. Warm Compress (Daily) Helps soften the keratin and open pores. Use a clean, warm towel or an eye mask (such as the Bruder microwavable mask). Apply for 5–10 minutes once or twice daily. A gentle massage with clean fingers can also help. 2. Use an Eye-Safe Retinol Cream (Night Only) This helps improve skin turnover, allowing the trapped keratin to release over time. Eye-safe Retinol Options: Product Description Avene RetrinAL Eyes Gentle retinoid (not too drying), safe near eyes The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream: Budget-friendly, slow-release retinol Paula's Choice Anti-Aging Eye Gel includes retinol + niacinamide Use the tiniest amounts, not directly on the bump, buton thee surrounding area. Start with 2–3 nights/week. 3. Keep the Area Clean Clean gently around the eyes daily. Use lid cleansing wipes like: Ocusoft Lid Scrub Blephaclean Wipes Avoid heavy, occlusive eye creams or greasy makeup removers that clog pores. 4. Optional: PHA or Lactic Acid Eye Products PHAs are gentler than AHAs and BHAs but can exfoliate slowly. Look for products marketed as “brightening” or “smoothing” for the eye area. Again, caution: Nothing harsh near your eye. Always patch test first. 🧴 What Are Milia? Milia are tiny, white, hard bumps under the skin — not pimples, not infected, and not painful. They form when keratin (a skin protein) gets trapped under the surface as the skin is regenerating. After CO2 laser resurfacing, milia are a common side effect during healing, especially: Around the eyes In areas that have been over-moisturized or occluded When the skin isn’t exfoliating naturally yet (which is common post-laser) ✅ What to Do Now 🔹 1. DO NOT try to extract them yourself Trying to squeeze, pick, or needle them can cause scarring or pigment changes, especially under the eye. This is delicate post-laser skin — hands off, even if they’re annoying! 🔹 2. Keep moisturizing — but lighten up Now that you’re ~20 days post-laser, and especially because you have milia: ✅ Switch from heavy ointments (like Aquaphor) to a lighter healing moisturizer, such as: Avene Cicalfate+ La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Vanicream moisturizer These still support healing but won’t clog as easily. 🔹 3. Gentle cleansing + patience Use a fragrance-free, non-foaming cleanser (like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser). Pat dry gently — no rubbing. Don’t exfoliate yet — even mild acids or scrubs are too much right now. 🔹 4. Milia often go away on their own Most post-laser milia will resolve naturally over 1–3 months as your skin exfoliates and remodels. If any milia remain after 6–8 weeks, your provider can safely extract them with a sterile needle. ⏳ When to Treat Actively (After You’re Cleared) Once your doctor says your skin is fully healed (usually around 4–6 weeks post-laser), you might be allowed to use: Treatment Use Purpose Mild chemical exfoliant (like 5% mandelic acid or 10% lactic acid) 2x/week To gently clear dead skin + prevent milia Retinol (very low strength) Eventually, if approved Increases cell turnover, prevents clogged pores Niacinamide Daily Anti-inflammatory, regulates oil and strengthens skin barrier But don’t start these without clearance from your provider, especially near the eyes. ✅ Summary of What to Do for Milia Now: Step What to Do 1. Don’t pick or squeeze Avoid irritation, scarring risk 2. Switch from Aquaphor to lighter cream Try Avene Cicalfate or similar 3. Be gentle with cleansing No scrubs, acids, or harsh rubbing 4. Monitor Most milia will resolve within weeks 5. Ask your provider at your appointment They can remove them or guide further care #minimalskincare #MiliaRemoval #UnderEyeMilia #NaturalSkincare #DIYSkincare #GentleSkincare #EyeSkincare #GetRidOfMilia #SkincareAtHome #HomeRemedy #GlowUp #SkincareTips #BeforeAndAfterSkin #skincarecommunity Gotucream Milia Treatment Cream — a herbal formulation; might be gentler for sensitive areas. Diva Stuff Milia Treatment Cream — includes salicylic acid + retinol; stronger, so use with care. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant — a classic chemical exfoliant (BHA) which some people use (diluted / very carefully) near milia‑prone areas. Diva Stuff Milia Spot & Scrubbies Treatment Set — a kit for spot treatment.
