Tiny bumps, cleared safely: milia treatment in Massapequa
Small, hard white bumps under the eyes or on the cheeks that never come to a head, or skin-colored bumps across your forehead that make it feel bumpy. At Skin Space in Massapequa, we help clients across Long Island clear milia and closed comedones safely, and keep them from coming back.
Also known as tiny white bumps, milk spots, closed comedones and clogged pores under the skin.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jimenez, Medical Director. Last reviewed September 2026.
What milia and closed comedones are
Two kinds of small bumps that don't behave like pimples.
Milia are tiny cysts filled with keratin, the protein that makes up the skin's surface. They're firm, pearly white and sit just under the skin, so they can't be squeezed out like a pimple. Closed comedones are different: they're pores clogged with oil and dead skin beneath a closed surface, which makes them look like small, flesh-colored bumps.
Both are harmless, but they're stubborn. Picking or squeezing rarely works and often leaves marks. Clearing them safely takes the right technique, followed by exfoliation and product changes that stop new ones from forming.
Milia
Hard, white, pearl-like bumps, often under the eyes, on the eyelids or on the cheeks.
Closed comedones
Soft, skin-colored bumps, usually on the forehead, chin and jawline.
Secondary milia
Milia that appear after sun damage, heavy creams, burns or skin procedures.
Open, dark clogged pores are covered in blackheads and clogged pores. For overall bumpy texture, see rough or bumpy texture.
What causes it
Trapped skin cells and blocked pores.
Milia and closed comedones form when skin cells or oil get trapped under the surface instead of shedding.
- Heavy creams and eye products, which can trap keratin, especially around the eyes.
- Pore-clogging makeup and skincare, a common cause of closed comedones on the forehead.
- Sun damage, which thickens the skin and makes it harder for cells to shed.
- Slow cell turnover, which lets keratin and oil build up beneath the surface.
- Skin injury or procedures, which can lead to milia as the skin heals.
- Long-term use of steroid creams, which can contribute to milia in some people.
Treatments for milia and closed comedones at Skin Space
Your Skin Space provider will clear bumps safely, then help you stop new ones from forming.
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Signature Facial
A customized deep-cleansing facial that softens the skin and clears closed comedones and suitable milia with professional, sterile extraction technique.
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Glass Skin Glo2Facial
An exfoliating, oxygenating facial that loosens buildup and helps clear closed comedones while leaving skin smoother and brighter.
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Microdermabrasion
Controlled exfoliation that removes the surface layer trapping keratin and oil, helping prevent new milia and comedones.
Also used alongside these
- BioRePeelA gentle peel that helps clear congestion and smooth bumpy texture.
- DermaplaningRemoves surface buildup so pores are less likely to clog.
What to expect at Skin Space
From your first visit in Massapequa to smoother skin.
Assessment
We look closely at your bumps to tell milia from closed comedones, and check your eye creams, moisturizers and makeup.
Clearing
Suitable bumps are cleared with sterile technique during a facial. Milia very close to the eye may be referred to a medical provider.
Prevention plan
We recommend lighter products and gentle exfoliation so new bumps don't form.
Maintenance
Regular facials every few weeks keep pores and skin clear.
Preventing new bumps at home
Lighter products and steady exfoliation.
- Don't pick or use needles at home. It can cause infection, marks and scarring, especially near the eyes.
- Switch to lighter eye creams and moisturizers if bumps cluster where you apply them.
- Choose non-comedogenic makeup and sunscreen.
- Exfoliate gently with a salicylic acid or retinoid product your provider recommends.
- Remove makeup every night so pores don't stay clogged overnight.
- Wear sunscreen daily to reduce the sun damage that contributes to milia.
When to see a dermatologist
Most bumps are harmless, but some need a closer look.
See a dermatologist or your doctor if you notice:
- Many milia appearing suddenly, or after blistering or a skin injury
- Bumps on the edge of the eyelid or very close to the eye
- A bump that grows, bleeds, changes color or has a central dip
- Bumps that are red, painful or filled with pus
We won't treat a bump that should be checked first, and we'll refer you to a dermatologist if anything looks unusual.
Common questions
Can I pop milia myself?
Please don't. Milia have no opening, so squeezing doesn't work and often damages the skin. Professional extraction is safer and more effective.
What's the difference between milia and whiteheads?
Whiteheads are clogged pores that can come to a head. Milia are tiny keratin cysts with no opening, which is why they feel hard and don't pop.
Why do I get milia under my eyes?
Rich eye creams, sun damage and the thin skin around the eyes all make milia more likely there. Switching to a lighter eye product often helps.
Will milia go away on their own?
Some do over weeks or months, especially in babies. In adults they often stick around without treatment.
How do I stop closed comedones on my forehead?
Check hair and makeup products for pore-clogging ingredients, cleanse well, and use a gentle exfoliant. Regular facials help too.
Where can I get milia removed near Massapequa?
Skin Space is a med spa in Massapequa, NY, serving clients from across Long Island. Every plan starts with a consultation so we can look at your bumps in person.
Reviewed by Dr. Jimenez
Medical Director at Skin Space in Massapequa, NY. This page was reviewed for medical accuracy in September 2026.
