We've all been there: standing in harsh light, scowling, and straining and prodding our skin in an attempt to examine and identify those enigmatic little bumps on our faces. Is there acne developing beneath the surface? Maybe trapped dirt? Or perhaps an impending rash following exposure to an allergen? Whatever they are, one thing is certain: those tiny bumps can prevent you from achieving smooth and flawless skin. But don’t panic, we’ve got you covered.
Read this guide to understand and treat different types of tiny bumps on your skin.
Closed Comedones
The most common type of bump that appears on your skin is a closed comedone, also known as a whitehead. They are clogged pores that show up as tiny, flesh-colored or white pimples. They are caused by oil and dead skin cells becoming stuck inside the pores. Because they can harbor germs that induce inflammation and even infection, closed comedones are frequently the source of acne.
Solution: Exfoliating the skin and clearing clogged pores are two easy and effective ways to treat closed comedones. We recommend using a salicylic acid face wash to dissolve dead skin cells and eliminate excess oil that causes those annoying under-the-skin pimples. Our favorite choice is Beautera’s salicylic acid face wash, which penetrates deeply into the congested pores and cleans them. It prevents damage from free radicals and alleviates any irritation.
Folliculitis
Pink or brown bumps, occasionally filled with pus, might result from inflamed hair follicles. This is called folliculitis, and it usually happens when the hair follicles are irritated by shaving, blocked, infected, or have specific skin problems. This can occur anywhere with hair, such as on your neck, back, chest, scalp, buttocks, or thighs. Fungal folliculitis can also result from an overabundance of yeast in hair follicles; however, this kind is not very frequent.
Solution: To treat folliculitis, you must determine its underlying cause. For instance, tight buns or hairstyles can induce traction folliculitis, which manifests on the scalp or along the hairline. Similarly, if you’re dealing with a fungal kind, the best treatment may be to apply a topical antifungal cream.
Milia
While milia can occur in adults, it is more prevalent in infants. Milia are small, firm, white cysts caused by keratin buildup under the skin. Milia form beneath a thin layer of skin rather than inside pores, in contrast to acne or whiteheads. They might be difficult to get rid of on your own and are frequently found in tiny clusters around the cheeks and eyes.
Solution: For such tiny bumps, exfoliation may not be enough because they are not stuck inside pores. Although milia usually goes away on its own, if you don't want to wait weeks or months for it to do so, you should seek expert treatments like cryotherapy, laser ablation, or extraction. However, if you don’t want to seek cosmetic treatments, regular use of retinol and mild chemical exfoliants can also stop them from growing by preventing keratin buildup.
Keratosis Pilaris
Though it can also form on the nose, cheeks, and under the eyes, keratosis pilaris is most frequently encountered on the thighs and upper arms. Because of the way it feels and looks—tiny, scratchy pimples on the face that are frequently red, purple, or flesh-colored—it is also known as "chicken skin." Keratin accumulation on the skin causes clogged pores and hair follicles, which in turn causes keratosis pilaris. Although the actual source of this is unknown, research indicates that it tends to run in families and is more prevalent in eczema sufferers.
Solution: It may not be possible to prevent keratosis pilaris if you are genetically prone to it. Although there isn't a foolproof way to treat keratosis pilaris, you can minimize its symptoms by gently exfoliating your skin with salicylic acid or glycolic acid and using rich moisturizers that contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid. We recommend using the best salicylic acid face wash with other ingredients like glycolic acid to minimize this condition. Moreover, despite the temptation, avoid picking or extracting those small pimples at home, as this can cause scarring, inflammation, and skin damage very quickly.
So, if you’ve noticed tiny bumps on your skin, use this guide to identify and treat them. By using salicylic acid face wash, retinol, or anti-fungal creams, you may be able to treat some types of tiny bumps and restore skin smoothness and evenness. However, remember to consult your dermatologist before applying anything to your skin to ensure your safety.