Many people struggle with this problem. Just when they think they’ve finally gotten rid of their milia, tiny white bumps start appearing again around the eyes, nose, or cheeks. Although they usually aren’t painful, they can make the skin feel uneven and look less smooth, which makes people want to squeeze them out. But in reality, what most people call “fat granules” are not actually fat deposits. They are commonly known in medicine as milia. Their formation is usually related to oil production, skin cell turnover, and everyday skincare habits. So even if the visible bumps are removed, new ones may continue to appear if the underlying causes are not addressed. Why are people with oily skin more prone to milia? Certain areas naturally have more active sebaceous glands, such as around the nose, forehead, eye area, and parts of the cheeks. When people stay up late frequently, experience high stress, eat high-sugar or greasy foods, or have irregular routines, sebum production often increases. If the oil cannot be properly released, it may mix with dead skin cells and accumulate around the pores over time, eventually forming tiny white bumps. People who naturally have oily skin are especially more likely to experience recurring milia if they also use unsuitable skincare products or habits. Why does slower skin turnover contribute to milia? Under normal conditions, the skin continuously renews itself. Dead skin cells naturally shed, helping pores maintain healthy function. However, when skin turnover slows down, dead skin cells can build up and block the openings of hair follicles, preventing oil from being released properly. Over time, this can lead to tiny bumps and eventually visible milia. This problem is often more noticeable in people who use overly heavy skincare products, cleanse improperly, or use products that do not suit their skin type. Why does squeezing milia make them more likely to come back? Many people immediately think, “I’ll just squeeze it out.” But in reality, squeezing milia yourself often does not remove them completely. Repeated squeezing may also damage the surrounding skin tissue. The skin around the eyes is especially thin and delicate. Frequent picking, poking, or squeezing can easily cause inflammation, pigmentation, and a weakened skin barrier. Some people start with only a few small bumps, but after repeated squeezing, the affected area becomes larger and takes longer to heal. That’s why self-removal is generally not recommended. Why can over-cleansing also cause milia? Many people assume milia appear because the face is “not clean enough.” But excessive cleansing can actually be another trigger. Frequent exfoliation, harsh cleansers, or constant friction may damage the skin barrier and disrupt the skin’s natural balance and renewal process. On the other hand, overly rich or greasy skincare products may also increase the burden on the skin. So the key to managing milia is not washing the face excessively, but maintaining healthy skin turnover and barrier stability. How can you reduce recurring milia? In many cases, simply removing the bumps is not enough. What truly matters is reducing the factors that cause buildup in the first place. For example:
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
Reducing late nights
Limiting high-sugar and greasy foods
Choosing skincare products suitable for your skin type
Avoiding over-cleansing
These habits are often more important than repeatedly squeezing the bumps. For people prone to milia, lightweight and non-heavy skincare products are usually recommended, along with maintaining a healthy skin barrier so the skin can renew itself normally. The real key to managing milia Many people focus only on “how to remove them,” but the real issue behind milia is often long-term imbalance in skin turnover and barrier function. If you only keep removing the visible bumps without adjusting your lifestyle, diet, and skincare habits, new milia may continue to form. Instead of constantly squeezing them, focusing on healthier skin renewal and barrier repair often helps the skin gradually become smoother and more stable naturally. FAQ | Common Questions About Milia Can milia disappear on their own? Some smaller milia may gradually fade or shed naturally as the skin renews itself. However, more noticeable bumps often require professional treatment. Are milia caused by skincare products that are too oily? In some cases, yes. Using overly rich or unsuitable products may increase the chances of clogged pores and dead skin buildup. Why does the eye area get milia so easily? The skin around the eyes is thinner and has slower turnover. Using overly rich eye creams or rubbing the eye area frequently may increase the likelihood of milia forming. Can I remove milia myself with a needle? Generally, it is not recommended. DIY removal can cause skin damage, inflammation, and pigmentation, especially around the delicate eye area. Why do milia come back even after removal? Because the root causes are usually related to oil production, skin turnover, and skincare habits. If these underlying issues are not improved, milia can reappear even after removal
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