What Is Milia?

Milia are small, white or flesh-colored bumps that commonly appear under the eyes, on the cheeks, and across the face. They form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the outer layer of the skin, creating tiny cysts.

Milia are classified as primary or secondary:

• Primary milia develop spontaneously from trapped keratin and can occur in people of all ages.

• Secondary milia form after the skin has been disrupted—such as following injury, burns, blistering, aggressive treatments, or improper product use—when pores or ducts become blocked.

Who Gets Milia?

• Milia can occur in all skin types, ages, and ethnicities

• They are especially common in infants, affecting up to 50% of newborns

• In adults, milia often appear due to barrier disruption, congestion, or incorrect skincare use

Milia Treatment Options

In some cases, milia may resolve on their own. When they persist, professional treatment is recommended to prevent scarring or further congestion.

Treatment options may include:

• Manual extraction, performed by piercing each milium with a sterile lancet followed by careful removal using a comedone extractor

• Customized skincare recommendations to support healthy skin function and prevent recurrence

• Targeted treatment plans, which may include a series of gentle chemical peels or microdermabrasion, depending on skin condition and sensitivity

All treatments are customized based on skin type, underlying cause, and overall skin health.

If you are looking for professional milia treatment in Toronto, or would like to learn whether treatment is right for you, contact us to book a consultation. contact us