Bumps on Your Face: 7 Possible Causes and Remedies

Bumps on your face can be alarming, especially when they appear out of the blue. Although distracting, they're usually harmless and rarely a cause for concern. Read on to learn about the possible causes of facial blemishes and how to deal with them.

There are two types of comedones: closed, more commonly known as whiteheads, and open, or blackheads. Both appear from pores clogged with excess oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and other debris. When inflamed, these can turn into acne breakouts with redness, soreness, and itching.

While comedones and pimples are not harmful, they can be annoying. To prevent breakouts, start taking cleansing more seriously. Cleanse your face at least twice a day – first thing when you wake up and right before bed. The last thing you want to do is sleep with your makeup on because you’re too tired to wash it off. Choose a cleanser that regulates oil production, like Dove Facial Cleansing Mousse Oil Control Care, which balances out your skin and moisturizes it with 40% active boost serum and hyaluronic acid.

Products with retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid may also help target excess buildup from dead skin cells and oil. Treatments with salicylic acid like Eskinol Pimple Relief Spot Gel Corrector help soothe and cleanse acne-prone skin while drying your zits out.

Milia are dead skin cells trapped under your skin. They’re keratin-filled cysts that aren’t harmful and common, especially among newborns. They usually don’t appear for any specific reason, although sun damage, skin burns, and clogged pores can increase your risk of developing them.

While they may look like whiteheads, you can't treat milia with acne products. Try using alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) – like glycolic or lactic acid – to exfoliate the skin. A dermatologist will also be able to remove milia with a small incision.

Allergic reactions to something food, clothing, or household cleaners can also trigger bumps on your face. When your body overreacts to something it considers a threat, your skin can break out in hives or rashes anywhere on the skin. It may be a case of irritant contact dermatitis, which results from skin contact with things like poison ivy, jewelry, or ingredients in skincare or makeup products. You can treat mild rashes at home with a cold compress, a cool bath, or over-the-counter medication.

Keratosis pilaris is a harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny "goosebumps,” often on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. These bumps on the face don't usually hurt or itch.

There isn't enough research to suggest why some people are more prone to keratosis pilaris. However, as with all skin texture issues, gentle exfoliation with an AHA can help improve its appearance.

Moles – inborn and new – are common and harmless most of the time. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly every person has one.

They can lighten or darken as you age, but if they grow or develop an asymmetric or irregular border, they could be more serious, like skin cancer. It’s always good to consult a dermatologist if you’re unsure. Moles generally don’t need to be removed, but if yours are rubbing against your clothing or ruining your look, you can always have them extracted by a cosmetic surgeon.

Skin-to-skin friction can sometimes cause skin tags, usually on the eyelids, neck, and inner arms. They’re harmless if they don’t grow, change color, or hurt. Like moles, if you find them bothersome or just don’t want these bumps on your face (or body), a dermatologist can remove them by cutting them off or cauterizing them with heat.

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra is a benign skin growth that is usually harmless. Common among darker skin tones, such as those of African or Asian descent, these look like brown bumps that don’t grow bigger than a few millimeters. A person can have dozens of these bumps on their face. However, a doctor can remove them with electrocautery and electrodesiccation.

After any treatment that makes the skin more sensitive, always apply SPF to prevent sun damage. A brightening serum like POND’S Triple Glow Serum will also help lighten any discoloration and even out skin tone with brightening Gluta-Boost-C, niacinamide, and hydrating hyaluronic acid.

There’s a good chance the bumps on your face are harmless, but if you notice anything out of the ordinary, such as rapid growth or pain, it’s always best to see your dermatologist. Otherwise, practicing good skin care and early prevention with the help of these tips will hopefully keep you from getting bummed out by your bumps.