09/03/2025
Milia (singular: milium) are those tiny, hard, white or yellowish bumps that often appear on the skin — usually around the eyes, cheeks, or nose. They look like small whiteheads, but they’re not pimples.
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🔬 What They Are?
• Milia are keratin-filled cysts.
• Keratin is a strong protein found in skin, hair, and nails.
• When dead skin cells (keratin) get trapped under the surface of the skin instead of shedding naturally, a small cyst forms.
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🤔 How You Can Get Milia ?
• Newborns: very common in babies (harmless, go away on their own).
• Adults: causes can include:
• Dead skin not shedding properly (slower cell turnover).
• Sun damage (thickened skin makes it harder for cells to shed).
• Heavy or comedogenic skincare (rich creams, oils clogging skin).
• Skin trauma (burns, blisters, aggressive treatments, or chronic friction).
• Genetics or skin type — some people are just more prone.
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✅ Key Points
• They are not acne and squeezing doesn’t work (and can scar!).
• They often go away on their own, but persistent ones may need removal by a dermatologist or esthetician (tiny sterile needle + extraction).
• Gentle exfoliation, retinoids, and lighter skincare can help prevent new ones.
