What Are Those Tiny Bumps on Your Face? | Choicy Beauty- a beauty training academic

What Are Those Tiny Bumps on Your Face?

Most of us have a few small bumps on our faces. They may be due to breakouts, but they can also take in different forms, shapes, colors, and textures. These bumps are also mostly harmless, provided that they don`t bleed or change in color and size rapidly. Knowing what kind of bump you have can help you deal with them effectively.

Here are the 5 most common bumps:

1. Inflamed acne or pimples
These refer to pimples or breakouts that are red, painful, and swollen. In some cases, inflamed acne also has a visible center or a large white head that is filled with pus. It occurs when the sebum and skin cells keep accumulating, breaking through the pores under the skin surface. The body then fights the bacteria, leading to inflammation.
Do take note that different types of acne can cause tiny bumps on your skin. Even non-inflamed ones like blackheads and whiteheads can also contribute to a rough skin texture. Inflamed pimples, however, occur deeper and can lead to hyperpigmentation and permanent scarring.

What you can do: Make sure not to pick, pop, or squeeze your acne, as this can lead to further inflammation and a higher risk of scarring. Products with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help, as well as aesthetic treatments like facial, chemical peels, and laser treatments.

1. Microneedling Pen – beneficial for occurring acne and acne scarring. It creates miniscule needle punctures in the skin`s top layers to help stimulate new collagen.
2. Intense pulse light system– uses a laser technology that can improve enlarged pores, skin redness, fine lines, and uneven skin texture. It gently heats the skin`s deeper layers to break up dirt and bacteria and stimulate collagen production.

2. Milia
If you notice a few tiny (pearly) white bumps, particularly around the eye area, that won`t seem to go away even after cleansing or exfoliating your face, you probably have milia. These harmless cysts are very common in newborns, but adults can get them too. Milia occur when keratin or dead skin cells become trapped under the surface of the skin.

These tiny bumps are also associated with some type of damage or trauma to the skin. This may include burn, blistering skin conditions and injuries, as well as long-term sun damage and prolonged use of steroid creams.

What you can do: Milia are benign, so treatment is not really necessary. If you, on the other hand, are bothered by their appearance, you need to see a dermatologist or aesthetic doctor. Make sure not to squeeze or pop them at home, as milia require special tools or devices (laser or chemical peels) to remove safely. The use of topical exfoliants (with glycolic acid or retinol) can help prevent their occurrence.

3. Keratosis Pilaris
Sometimes referred to as chicken skin, keratosis pilaris is a common condition that causes rough and tiny bumps on the skin. It usually occurs on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks, but it can also appear on your face. Keratosis pilaris bumps usually don`t hurt or itch. They are also not an infection and are not contagious.

What you can do: As keratosis pilaris is harmless, treatment isn`t usually necessary. If you, however, are concerned about the bumps, applying moisturizers with alpha hydroxy acid or AHA (like lactic acids) can promote cell turnover and soften the bumps. Using a mild cleanser is also important, as harsh formulas can dry your skin, which can then make keratosis pilaris worse.

4. Moles
Also known as nevus, moles are common skin growths that often show up as small spots that can be brown, black, or flesh-colored. They appear in early childhood or young adulthood and have a lifespan of about 50 years. Moles usually stay the same size and shape, but they can change in color, fade away, or even disappear over time.

What you can do: Most moles are normal and harmless. It is not recommended to remove a healthy mole, but if you want to, you need to see a doctor or dermatologist. It is also advisable to see your healthcare provider if you notice changes in your moles` color, size, thickness, or shape.

5. Allergic reaction
In some cases, the tiny bumps on your face (or other areas of the body) may be due to an allergic reaction or skin sensitivity. These bumps or rashes may be red and itchy, or in severe cases, inflamed or swollen. Allergic reactions can be triggered by something that you ate, inhaled, or applied onto the skin.

What you can do: Stop your exposure to the irritant or refrain from applying any product that caused the allergic reaction. Antihistamines can help with the itch, while an over-the-counter cortisone cream can help calm the redness and swelling. It is also advisable to use gentle cleansers and lukewarm water when washing your face.

Take note: See a doctor if this happens often or if the reactions are painful or cover a large area of the body.