Have you ever noticed a small, hard bump on your skin and thought "Hmm, is that a milia?"...
Think again! This sneaky intruder is actually something different, a case of sebaceous hyperplasia. Unlike milia, which are white, smooth, and more like tiny cysts, sebaceous hyperplasia has a very distinct ‘doughnut shape’ that gives it away. In other words... the doughnut on your face you never asked for!
And yes, you read that right. Doughnuts on your face, but sadly, not the sweet treat kind at all!
What is a Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
Here’s what you need to know:
Every pore on your skin has its own oil gland (sebaceous gland). Most of the time, these glands are microscopic and go unnoticed. However, in some people, often adults with oilier skin types, or those with a family history of it, these oil glands can enlarge and grow into small, firm, doughnut-like bumps on the skin’s surface.
When your oil glands are doing a bit too much (over-producing oil), they show up as tiny white or yellowish bumps, usually on the forehead, cheeks or nose. While they’re harmless and benign, they can make your skin look bumpy and uneven in texture. They’re more common as we get older, especially if you’ve had acne-prone or oily skin for years.
And let’s face it, who wants little doughnuts hanging around on their face?!
How to spot the difference: Milia vs. Sebaceous Hyperplasia
It’s super easy to get these two mixed up, so here’s how to tell them apart:
Milia are tiny, hard, pearly-white bumps that sit just under the surface of the skin. They’re actually small cysts made up of trapped keratin (a protein found in skin) and are common around the eyes, cheeks, and sometimes the forehead. They feel quite firm, like a tiny bead under the skin, and they don’t have an obvious opening or centre.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia, on the other hand, looks more like a soft bump with a noticeable ‘doughnut shape’. Often, you’ll see a small dent or opening in the centre. They tend to be yellowish or skin-coloured and can look waxy or shiny. These show up mostly on areas with more oil glands, think forehead, nose, and cheeks.
Why does Sebaceous Hyperplasia happen?
Each hair follicle (or pore) on your skin has its own oil (sebaceous) gland attached to it. Normally, these glands do their thing quietly producing just enough oil to keep your skin healthy and protected. But for some people, these glands enlarge over time and grow into visible bumps on the surface of the skin.
This is especially common if you have oilier skin, have spent lots of time in the sun, or it runs in your family. Unlike blackheads or pimples, these bumps can’t be squeezed out. So please resist the urge to pick them! Picking can actually cause more inflammation, broken capillaries and even scarring.
How can we treat Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
You absoluety don’t have to live with these ‘doughnuts’ on your face and heres how we can help...
Firstly, it is always recommended for all skin conditions to have a tailored skincare routine. Here at Harleh Laser Clinic we offer consultations both online and in person to perscribe a tailored skincare routine for your skin condition/concern. For example, it may be as simple as adding a retinol to your routine to help prevent new sebaceous hyerplasia forming by regulating oil production. However, when removing existing sebaceous hyerplasia safely it may take a little professional help from us in clinic.
At Harleh Laser Clinic, we offer different treatment options, tailored to you such as:
Electrocautery, Laser therapy and even Dermapen Skin Needling.
Every skin is unique, so the same treatment or product might not work for everyone. That’s why we always treat sebaceous hyperplasia on a case-by-case basis. The best first step? Get in touch with us, we’ll help you explore the right options for your skin!
Sebaceous hyperplasia is be harmless, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with unwanted ‘doughnuts’.
Don’t pick them, get them treated properly!
Book a consultation with our team and we’ll assess your skin to recommend the best plan to leave you smooth, clear and confident!
