Skin Care Education

Milia

Small, firm, white or yellowish bumps that form just beneath the surface of the skin, most commonly around the eyes, cheeks, and nose.

What Is Milia?

Milia are small, firm bumps that form when keratin, a protein naturally found in skin, becomes trapped beneath the surface rather than shedding normally. Unlike whiteheads, they are not caused by clogged pores in the traditional acne sense, since milia sit under a thin layer of skin rather than opening to the surface.

Because of this, milia don’t respond to typical acne treatments, and picking or squeezing at them at home rarely works and can cause irritation or scarring. They are generally harmless, but for many people the persistence, and the fact that standard skincare doesn’t move them, is the most frustrating part.

Milia can appear at any age, from newborns to adults, though the underlying mechanism and typical treatment approach differ somewhat by age group.

Types of Milia

Neonatal milia: common in newborns, typically resolving on their own within a few weeks without treatment.
Primary milia (adults): the most common adult presentation, forming spontaneously around the eyes, cheeks, and eyelids.
Secondary milia: forms after skin trauma, such as burns, blistering, or certain skin conditions, as the skin heals.
Milia en plaque: a rarer form involving a cluster of milia within a raised, inflamed patch of skin.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Factor	Description
Excess oil production	Keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface instead of shedding normally.
Heavy or occlusive skincare	Rich creams and certain makeup products can contribute to keratin buildup in some individuals.
Sun damage	Thickened, sun-damaged skin can make it harder for keratin to shed normally.
Skin trauma	Milia can form after burns, blistering, or other skin trauma as the skin heals.
Diet	Some people are simply more prone to developing milia than others.
Genetics	Some medications including certain contraceptives, steroids, and other prescription drugs are known to trigger or worsen acne as a side effect.

Frequently Asked Questions: Acne

It’s best avoided. Because milia sit under the skin rather than opening to the surface like a typical blemish, home attempts often don’t work and can cause irritation, redness, or scarring.

The specific bumps removed won’t return, but new milia can form over time depending on your skin’s tendency toward keratin buildup.

No. Whiteheads are a form of acne caused by clogged pores and typically respond to standard acne treatment. Milia are trapped keratin beneath the skin’s surface and require a different removal approach.

Neonatal milia in babies typically clears on its own within a few weeks. In adults, milia is generally persistent and does not resolve without some form of extraction.