How to get rid of small bumps on face not acne

When you check your makeup in the mirror, only to spot a giant you-have-no-idea-what bump staring back at you, it’s tempting to go IN on your face. When it comes to most face bumps and pimples under skin though, dermatologists agree that a hands-off approach is definitely best.

“Popping anything causes your skin to physically break apart, making it more susceptible to infection and an even bigger problem than what was originally there in the first place,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York City. You're also pretty-much guaranteeing scarring and a drawn-out healing process if you don't resist the pop, says Noelani Gonzalez, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai West.

The best move is to stock up on derm-approved, over-the-counter skincare products—or let professionals handle it in their offices with skin-safe lasers and gadgets you don't have access to at home. The smartest treatment will depend on what exactly is causing your annoying skin issues—whether it's a hard pimple underneath the skin or tiny white bumps on your face.

Here you’ll find all of the details you need on 15 common bumps—and a friendly reminder that you definitely should not be picking them.

Before you take this deep dive into IDing something that might have popped up on your skin though, it’s important to know when to seek out a dermatologist’s professional opinion, too. While new spots or bumps aren’t necessarily problematic, and you can develop things like acne and eczema well into adulthood, Rebecca Marcus, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD, says your threshold for booking an appointment should be relatively low.

“If you have a skin concern that is bothering you and hasn’t been easily resolved with an over-the-counter treatment, you should seek out the advice of a board-certified dermatologist," says Dr. Marcus. “Although many skin concerns are benign, they can still make a person feel self-conscious or uncomfortable.”

She also suggests going to the doctor if a mole or bump has changed in appearance, proactively scheduling a yearly skin cancer spot check screening, and visiting the office if you think you may have an infection that will need to be treated with an antibiotic. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and the only way to get a truly definitive diagnosis is from a dermatologist.

1. Cystic Acne Pimples

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Cystic pimples occur very deep under the skin's surface, forming a red, tender nodule that’s not only painful but much harder to treat with OTC meds. “The inflammation that accompanies cystic acne can hinder the healing process and often lead to permanent scarring that’s impossible to eliminate,” says Dr. Engelman.

Picking at these bumps under the skin won’t help either. “The cysts occur so far beneath the skin that you won’t even come close to reaching the bump, and you’ll be left with a bloody spot,” says Joel Schlessinger, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.

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The cause: “Cystic acne is caused by hormonal fluctuations and acne bacteria,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “High hormone levels trigger an overproduction of oil, causing pores to swell. When this oil cannot reach the skin’s surface, it ruptures underneath and causes inflammation to spread to the surrounding tissue.” Other causes include bacteria in hair follicles and slowed cell turnover in acne patients that lead to keratin buildups in pores, says Dr. Gonzalez.

The treatment: Instead of going at it with your fingers, book an appointment with your dermatologist, who can properly treat the situation (usually in the form of a cortisone shot to instantly kill the swelling) and may even be able to save you from scarring altogether.

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Ever notice how those tiny white bumps on your face (aka milia) refuse to pop no matter how hard you try? Well, rest assured. They are truly un-poppable—at least without a dermatologist or esthetician’s help.

The cause: Milia are not actually filled with dirt, oil, or grime. They are tiny, harmless cysts that occur when dead skin cells get trapped under your skin, says Dr. Schlessinger. “Picking at them often has little to no effect, and attempting to pop them will likely leave your skin red, irritated, and inflamed, with the milia still intact,” says Dr. Schlessinger. Ouch.

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The treatment: “If it’s bothering you, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist, who will likely extract with a heated, sterilized tool,” says Dr. Engelman. You can also use a retinoid cream to help smooth them out faster, although milia generally clear up on their own.

3. Ingrown Hairs

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Frustrating? Extremely. Worth picking—even if you just shaved your bikini line? Absolutely not.

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Unless you’re looking to inspire a whole army of these bad boys, don’t even think about touching them—no matter how much that cold sore looks like a pimple. "Picking at cold sores could very easily lead to the formation of another sore," says Dr. Schlessinger. "Popping them releases a blister-like fluid that contains the same virus and can easily spread to other areas, including someone else's face."

The cause: The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are to blame for cold sores, and they're crazy-common, says Dr. Gonzalez. Seriously—50 to 80 percent of U.S. adults have oral herpes.

The treatment: Small sores can heal on their own with the help of OTC treatments (like this one). But if you notice cold sores popping up more frequently (or spreading to larger areas), Dr. Gonzalez says you should see a doctor for professional help for more aggressive medication and, if you have sores more than six times per year, preventative medication.

6. Dermatosa Papulosa Nigra (DPN)

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“Squeezing or picking at these lesions causes worsening effects like redness and the potential for scarring as well," says Dr. Engelman.

The cause: Often referred to as “chicken skin,” this genetic condition is caused by a buildup of keratin—the protein that protects skin, hair, and nails from infection and other harmful environmental toxins. “The buildup forms a plug that blocks the opening of a hair follicle,” Dr. Engelman adds.

The treatment: Instead of picking, use a chemical exfoliant that has salicylic acid and glycolic acid, or products such as AmLactin to calm the inflammation and gradually smooth out the bumps over time, Dr. Gonzalez says. “If that doesn’t work, see a dermatologist or an esthetician who can properly treat you,” recommends Dr. Engelman. Treatment options include the topical medication tretinoin (a.k.a. Retin-A) to exfoliate the area, pulsed dye laser to treat redness, and chemical peels, Dr. Gonzalez adds.

8. Blackheads And Whiteheads

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These might be some of the most commonly popped bumps—but keeps your hands off if you can.

The cause: “Blackheads consist of the same thing as whiteheads—pores that become clogged with oil—except the oil has oxidized after being exposed to the air, giving it a black or brownish hue,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “Squeezing them can force the bacteria even deeper and causes trauma to the skin.”

The treatment: The best ingredients for dealing with blackheads are salicylic acid and retinol. These exfoliants promote cell turnover, preventing dead skin cells from plugging up your pores.

To work the oil and dirt out without picking at your blackheads or applying pressure, use an over-the-counter exfoliant like Differin Gel. “It will work to bring the blackhead to the skin’s surface, leaving you with a fresh face in just days,” says Dr. Engelman.

And look for makeup and skincare products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic, to ensure that what you're using on your face won't contribute to any future bumps.

9. Seborrheic Keratoses

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Have a few bumpy or flaky dry patches on your face or body? Resist the urge to pick or scratch these areas. The spots could be eczema, and itching can actually trigger a response that leads to more eczema.

The cause: “Eczema is a broad term that encompasses several different types of inflammatory skin disorders including atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, asteatotic eczema, and others,” says Dr. Marcus. “The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis: a chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin disease in which the skin barrier is compromised, which may allow infectious agents or environmental irritants to enter, causing dry, itchy, red skin.”

The treatment: No matter the type of eczema you may have, you’ll want to choose gentle, sensitive skin products for prevention; it’s all about keeping your skin barrier healthy and intact with products that contain ceramides and other nourishing ingredients. “People with eczema should moisturize their skin with fragrance-free moisturizer within two to three minutes of exiting the shower or bath,” says Dr. Marcus. “It is also helpful to avoid hot showers—opting for lukewarm instead—avoid fragranced products (fragrance is a common irritant), and avoid scratchy wool clothing, as friction can irritate compromised skin.”

Eczema isn’t really something you should be diagnosing for yourself. You’ll want to consult a dermatologist for a definitive identification as well as the best treatment plan for your skin, which Dr. Marcus says may include topical steroids or other topical or systemic anti-inflammatory medications that you can’t get over the counter. Certain products from the drugstore can help with prevention and to alleviate itchiness.

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