If you have a cluster of stubborn white spots on your cheeks, across your nose or near your eyes, you may want to think twice before popping them.
A skin condition known as milia looks very much like a smattering of small white pimples, however, picking these will do little to treat the problem.
According to skincare expert Darlene O’Gara of Australian Skin Clinics not only is this an ineffective solution, it could damage sensitive skin.
‘Milia is most common on the nose, cheeks and around the eyes where the skin is softer and more susceptible to damage, which is why it’s so important not to try and pop them yourself,’ Ms O’Gara said.
Milia is a skin problem that looks much like a cluster of whiteheads, however, squeezing these is an ineffective way to remove them (stock image)
The condition also goes by the nickname of ‘milk spots’ as it’s usually associated with newborns.
And while it occurs most commonly in children, it can also strike adults, and at any age.
Milia are tiny white bumps under the skin that are actually small, keratin-filled cysts.
These can be seen on the body but generally tend to be found on the face especially around the eyes, nose or cheeks
‘There are two kinds of milia, primary and secondary. Primary milia occur when dead skin cells build up in the pores, eventually becoming tiny cysts,’ Ms O’Gara explained.
‘Secondary milia is caused by infection and skin damage such as the blistering caused by sunburn.’
Milia usually appears as a cluster of spots and can occur along with other skin conditions such as rosacea (rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and bumps on the face).

Milia are tiny white bumps under the skin that are actually small,keratin-filled cysts, and these generally tend to be found on the face (stock image)
Milia can also be a result of skincare and makeup products which have clogged the pores.
And once the condition has set in, squeezing will do little to alleviate the problem, Ms O’Gara said.
‘Squeezing creates trauma and inflammation, and this leads to indents and delayed red marks, she said.
‘If you’re lucky, they can sometimes clear up by themselves without treatment, but milia in adults can be stubborn to clear, lasting a few weeks or even months.’
The expert recommends seeking treatment with a skincare professional as they have the tools and knowledge to remove the spots without damaging the layers of skin around it.
‘Milia removal with a skincare professional usually requires a small incision, especially when the cysts are deep below the skin’s surface,’ she said.
Outlining the process, Ms O’Gara said milia are removed using sterilised equipment such as a micro-lance needle and a comedone (blackhead) extractor.
As always skincare prevention is better than a cure, and there are a few simple things you add to your daily routine if milia is a recurring problem.
Ms O’Gara suggests using skincare products which contain exfoliating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), salicylic or glycolic acid.
And she advises using creams that include retinol as this will help prevent milia and in some cases will clear them completely.
‘If you’re after a deeper exfoliation, a microdermabrasion is a great option, however, ensure you do your research in terms of what is included in your treatment.’
‘Ensure the microdermabrasion includes extractions as part of the treatment and not just the exfoliation, especially if you’re wanting to specifically target concerns such as milia,’ she said.