You know the feeling. You’re doing your morning skincare routine, leaning into the mirror, and there they are: tiny, pearl-like white bumps, clustered near your eyes or scattered across your cheeks. They look like whiteheads, but they don’t behave like whiteheads. No amount of squeezing, scrubbing, or expensive serums seems to budge them. They just sit there, smooth and stubborn, quietly driving you crazy.
Let me introduce you to milia (pronounced mill-ee-uh). These tiny cysts are incredibly common, completely harmless, and largely misunderstood. The good news? You don’t need harsh extractions or expensive dermatologist visits to address them—though those are certainly options. With a little patience and the right gentle approach, you can help your skin naturally release these little pearls.
What Exactly Are Milia?
Milia are small, benign cysts filled with keratin—a protein that’s a normal, essential part of your skin, hair, and nails. Unlike acne, which involves clogged pores filled with sebum and bacteria, milia form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the outer layer of skin.
Think of it this way: acne is a traffic jam in a pore; milia is a tiny pocket of protein just under the skin’s surface, with no opening to the outside world. That’s why squeezing does absolutely nothing except irritate the surrounding skin.
There are two main types:
Primary milia: Most common in infants and adults, these form spontaneously when skin doesn’t shed dead cells effectively. They often appear around the eyes, nose, and cheeks.
Secondary milia: These develop after skin trauma—burns, blistering rashes, laser treatments, or even heavy, occlusive skincare products that trap dead skin cells.
In adults, milia are most common around the delicate eye area, but they can appear anywhere on the face, as well as on the ears, chest, and even genitals.
Why Do They Appear? Common Causes
Milia don’t discriminate, but certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing them:
1. Sun Damage
Chronic UV exposure thickens the outer layer of skin over time, making it harder for dead cells to shed properly. This creates a perfect environment for keratin to become trapped.
2. Heavy, Occlusive Skincare Products
Rich creams, petroleum-based balms, and thick ointments can seal the skin’s surface, trapping dead cells underneath. This is especially common around the delicate eye area.
3. Inadequate Exfoliation
As we age, cellular turnover naturally slows. Without gentle, consistent exfoliation, dead skin cells accumulate and can contribute to milia formation.
4. Skin Trauma
Burns, rashes, aggressive laser treatments, or even vigorous rubbing can damage the sweat ducts and lead to secondary milia as the skin heals.
5. Genetics
Some people are simply more prone to milia, just as some are prone to acne or eczema.
The “Don’t Try This at Home” Warning
Before we dive into solutions, I need to say this clearly: do not attempt to extract milia yourself with fingers, tweezers, or safety pins.
Unlike blackheads, milia have no visible opening. Attempting to dig them out can:
Cause scarring and permanent skin damage
Introduce bacteria and lead to infection
Push the cyst deeper into the skin
Create more milia as the skin heals
If you absolutely want them physically removed, a dermatologist or licensed esthetician can perform a sterile deroofing or incision and curettage procedure—a quick, precise nick with a sterile lancet to release the keratin plug. It heals rapidly with minimal risk.
But if you prefer a gentler, more gradual approach—and have patience—natural home methods can be remarkably effective.
How to Treat Milia Naturally and Safely at Home
These methods don’t work overnight. Milia are stubborn, and forcing them only backfires. But with consistency, you can encourage your skin to do what it’s meant to do: shed dead cells and renew itself.
1. Gentle, Consistent Exfoliation
The goal isn’t to scrub milia off; it’s to encourage cellular turnover so trapped keratin gradually works its way to the surface.
What works:
Lactic acid: A gentle alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from milk. It exfoliates while also supporting the skin barrier. Look for gentle, low-percentage serums (5-10%) and use 2-3 times weekly.
Mandelic acid: An AHA with larger molecules that work more slowly and gently—ideal for sensitive skin and the eye area.
Enzyme exfoliants: Pumpkin, papaya, or pineapple enzymes digest dead skin cells without any scrubbing.
What to avoid:
Physical scrubs with jagged particles (apricot kernel, walnut shell)
High-percentage glycolic acid near the eyes
Over-exfoliation, which damages the barrier and can worsen milia
2. Steam and Warm Compresses
Heat softens the keratin and encourages it to surface. Once weekly, after cleansing, apply a warm, damp compress to milia-prone areas for 5-10 minutes. Follow with gentle exfoliation. This is not a quick fix, but a supportive practice.
3. Retinoids (Natural and Otherwise)
Retinoids accelerate cellular turnover, helping skin shed dead cells before they can trap keratin.
Natural options:
Rosehip seed oil: Contains natural vitamin A (retinol) compounds. Apply a few drops nightly.
Sea buckthorn oil: Rich in carotenoids, which the body converts to vitamin A.
Over-the-counter options:
Adapalene (Differin): A gentle retinoid available without prescription.
Retinol serums: Start with low concentrations (0.25%-0.5%) and build tolerance.
Prescription options:
Tretinoin, under dermatologist supervision, is highly effective for persistent milia.
Important: Retinoids increase sun sensitivity. Use them only at night and always wear SPF during the day.
4. Avoid Heavy, Occlusive Products Around the Eyes
That rich, balmy eye cream you love? It might be contributing to milia. Switch to lighter, gel-based eye creams or simply use your facial moisturizer (if lightweight) around the eyes. Look for “non-comedogenic” and “oil-free” on labels, though these terms aren’t regulated, so ingredient knowledge matters.
5. Patience and Consistency
Milia didn’t appear overnight, and they won’t disappear overnight either. With consistent, gentle care, many people see gradual improvement over 4-8 weeks. Some milia may take months to fully resolve. This is normal.
When to See a Professional
Consider professional help if:
Milia are numerous, widespread, or causing significant distress
They persist despite 2-3 months of consistent home care
They appear after trauma or a procedure and are accompanied by scarring
You simply want them gone immediately (no judgment!)
A dermatologist can remove them in minutes with sterile instruments, and the results are instantaneous. Many offer this service at reasonable rates, especially during routine skin checks.
A Gentle Reminder
Milia are not a sign of “bad” skin or inadequate cleansing. They are not acne, and they do not reflect your hygiene or beauty. They are simply a quirk of how your skin processes keratin—and for most people, they are entirely manageable with time and the right gentle approach.
Your skin is not a problem to be solved. It’s an organ doing its best to protect you, regulate your temperature, and sense the world around you. Those tiny white bumps are just a small chapter in your skin’s long, living story.