Ever noticed small white bumps on your face—especially around your eyes, cheeks, or forehead? These tiny bumps are called milia. They form when keratin (a protein found in skin) gets trapped under the surface.
While milia aren’t harmful, they can be frustrating and affect your confidence. The good news? If they’re not red, swollen, or infected, you can often treat them at home with simple, natural methods—no dermatologist needed.
Milia happen when dead skin cells don’t shed properly. Instead of falling off, these old cells get stuck under new skin, harden, and turn into tiny cysts.
Other common causes of milia include:
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Skin damage from injury or too much sun exposure
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Long-term use of steroid creams or ointments
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Certain genetic conditions
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Autoimmune responses
If you’ve got milia, don’t panic—they’re common and treatable. Just be sure to monitor them, and if anything changes or they become irritated, it’s best to check in with a healthcare professional.