Milia, Small White Bumps That Aren't Whiteheads

What milia are

Milia are small (1–2 mm), white or yellowish, dome-shaped cysts that contain keratin. They are often confused with whiteheads but are structurally different, they do not have a connection to the surface, they cannot be extracted by squeezing, and they are not infectious. Common locations: around the eyes, on the cheeks, on the bridge of the nose, and sometimes elsewhere.

Why they form

• Primary (idiopathic), appear spontaneously, often around the eyes.
• Secondary, after skin injury (burns, blistering, dermabrasion).
• Heavy occlusive products in delicate areas, eye creams that are too rich.
• Photoaged skin with sluggish epidermal turnover.

What research suggests may help

• Patience, many milia resolve without intervention over weeks to months.
• Gentle exfoliation, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or low-strength retinol can support epidermal turnover.
• Switching to lighter eye-area formulations.
• Professional extraction, a dermatologist or licensed esthetician can lance and express milia safely.

What not to do

• Squeezing, does not work and risks scarring.
• DIY needle extraction, high infection and scarring risk.
• Aggressive at-home peels in the eye area.

Timeline

Topical gentle-exfoliation protocols may show improvement at 8 to 12 weeks. Professional extraction is immediate but may recur if underlying triggers persist.