Milia: What They Are, Why They Appear, and How to Prevent Them
Milia may be tiny, but they can quickly become a cosmetic headache. These small, harmless bumps are often misunderstood, leaving people frustrated and searching for solutions. Here’s everything you need to know about milia—and how to keep them at bay.
What Are Milia?
Milia, also called “keratin cysts,” are tiny white or yellowish bumps, typically 1–3 mm in size. Unlike red, inflamed acne pimples filled with pus, milia are microcysts formed by trapped keratin and dead skin cells. They usually appear around the eyes, cheeks, or hands and cannot be squeezed out.
While milia often disappear on their own, their stubborn, visible presence drives many people to seek professional removal for a smoother, clearer look.
Who Gets Milia?
Milia can appear in anyone, regardless of age or skin type. They are especially common in newborns, whose skin naturally sheds more slowly.
Women may notice milia more often after cosmetic treatments, sunburns, chemical peels, or using heavy, oily creams. Any factor that irritates or stresses the skin can trigger their formation.
Next page: what actually causes milia to appear…