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. 

Read our previous post about the 5 things you need to know about adult acne. 

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. At Cutis, we have several procedures that can help with acne.

• Dermapen 4 microneedling – beneficial for occurring acne and acne scarring. It creates miniscule needle punctures in the skin’s top layers to help stimulate new collagen.
• VI Peel Purify – a chemical peel specifically formulated for treating acne and other issues caused by acne symptoms. It fights and kills acne-causing bacteria, increases cellular turnover, and calms redness and irritation. 
• Laser Genesis Skin Therapy – 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. It can be paired with a chemical peel to fight breakouts.

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. 

This skin condition is caused by an accumulation of a protein called keratin, which plugs the hair follicles, causing tiny bumps on the skin. Keratosis pilaris can be genetic and show up at any age. These bumps can also feel dry or rough and tend to get worse during cold weather.

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. 

At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we have VI Peel that can help improve the tone, texture, and clarity of the skin. It has a synergistic blend of ingredients that work together to remove damaged layers and stimulate the production of new cells. It can help:

• Soften lines and wrinkles
• Reduce age spots and other types of hyperpigmentation
• Smooth away rough skin
• Reduce the appearance of keratosis pilaris

Here are the 5 reasons to try VI Peel. 

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. 

Moles form when melanocytes or melanin-producing cells clump or grow in clusters rather than spreading throughout the skin. They can be either flat or slightly raised, with the latter causing tiny bumps on the face, especially if you have a few of them. They occur on parts of the body commonly exposed to the sun and can even increase in number with prolonged sun exposure. 

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. 

Schedule a consultation today 

Are you bothered by bumps and rough and uneven skin texture on your face and other areas of the body? Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to find out which procedure suits you best.