Those tiny, pearl-like white bumps that appear around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead are called milia — and despite looking like whiteheads, they behave very differently. They do not pop, they do not respond to spot treatments, and they can linger for weeks or even months. The good news is that milia are harmless, and with the right approach, you can encourage them to clear up safely.
This guide explains what milia are, what causes them, how to get rid of milia without damaging your skin, and when it is time to see a professional.
What Is Milia?
Milia are small, dome-shaped bumps that are usually white or yellow. They form when keratin — a protein your skin naturally produces — becomes trapped beneath the surface instead of shedding away. Unlike pimples, milia have no opening, which is why squeezing them does not work and usually just leaves your skin irritated.
Milia are classified into primary and secondary types. Primary milia form directly from trapped keratin and commonly appear around the eyelids, cheeks, and forehead in adults. Secondary milia develop after something clogs the skin’s surface — for example, following sunburn, a blistering rash, or an injury to the skin. Newborns frequently develop milia too; neonatal milia appear in a large share of babies and typically clear on their own within a few weeks.
What Causes Milia in Adults?
Several factors can make milia more likely to form:
- Heavy skincare products. Thick creams, mineral-oil-based moisturizers, and heavy eye creams are common culprits. Certain ingredients — including liquid paraffin, petrolatum, and lanolin — may contribute to milia in susceptible people.
- Sun damage. Chronic sun exposure can thicken the skin’s surface, making it harder for trapped keratin to work its way out.
- Dead skin buildup. When exfoliation slows down, dead cells can pile up and seal keratin beneath the surface.
- Skin trauma. Burns, rashes, and blistering conditions can trigger secondary milia as the skin heals.
- Certain medications. Steroid creams, though rarely, can lead to milia where they are applied.
How to Get Rid of Milia Safely
Patience is part of the process — some milia resolve on their own over several weeks. But if you want to speed things along, these are the safest approaches:
1. Switch to lighter products
If you are using a rich cream around your eyes, replace it with a lightweight, noncomedogenic moisturizer. This is often the single most effective home step, since it removes the trigger while the existing bumps clear. Our guide to choosing the best moisturizer for combination skin covers how to pick formulas that hydrate without clogging.
2. Exfoliate gently and consistently
Gentle chemical exfoliants help remove the dead-skin buildup that keeps milia sealed in. Look for products containing alpha hydroxy acids (like lactic acid) or salicylic acid, and use them two to three times per week — not daily, which can irritate thin skin around the eyes. Avoid harsh physical scrubs near the eye area.
3. Protect your skin from the sun
Daily sunscreen helps prevent the sun-induced thickening that contributes to milia. Choose a lightweight, mineral or oil-free formula around the eye area.
4. Consider a retinol product
Retinoids encourage cell turnover, which helps trapped keratin surface and clear. Use a low-strength retinol away from the immediate eye area unless the product is formulated for eyes, and start slowly to avoid irritation.
5. See a dermatologist for extraction
Stubborn milia can be removed in-office in minutes. A dermatologist or licensed aesthetician uses a sterile lancet or needle to create a tiny opening, then extracts the keratin. This is by far the fastest and safest removal method for persistent bumps, especially around the delicate eye area.
What NOT to Do
Knowing how to get rid of milia also means knowing what to avoid:
- Don’t squeeze or pick at them. Milia have no pore opening, so squeezing will not release anything — it only causes redness, swelling, and possible scarring.
- Don’t use a needle at home. At-home extraction risks infection, scarring, and damage to the thin skin around the eyes.
- Don’t apply harsh peels or strong acids to the eye area. Aggressive treatments can burn delicate skin and make things worse.
- Don’t expect overnight results. Gentle approaches take weeks to work; aggressive shortcuts almost always backfire.
Preventing Milia From Coming Back
Once your skin is clear, a few habits help keep it that way:
- Use noncomedogenic, lightweight products — especially around the eyes.
- Exfoliate regularly but gently.
- Wear sunscreen every day.
- Avoid heavy, occlusive creams unless your dermatologist recommends one.
- Remove makeup thoroughly every night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can milia go away on their own?
Yes. Primary milia in adults may disappear within a few weeks or take several months. In newborns, milia almost always clear within weeks without any treatment.
Is it safe to pop milia at home?
No. Unlike pimples, milia cannot be popped because they sit under unbroken skin. Squeezing or cutting them at home risks infection and scarring. Professional extraction is the safe option.
Do eye creams cause milia?
Heavy or occlusive eye creams can contribute to milia in some people, particularly formulas rich in mineral oil, petrolatum, or lanolin. Switching to a lighter, noncomedogenic eye product often helps.
How long does it take to get rid of milia?
With gentle exfoliation and lighter products, improvement usually takes several weeks. Professional extraction removes them immediately.
Are milia the same as whiteheads?
No. Whiteheads (closed comedones) are clogged pores filled with sebum and can be treated like acne. Milia are keratin trapped under the skin with no opening, which is why acne treatments do not work on them.
Final Thoughts
Milia are frustrating precisely because they ignore the usual blemish treatments — but they are benign and manageable. Start with lighter products and gentle exfoliation, protect your skin from the sun, and resist the urge to pick. For anything stubborn, a quick dermatologist visit resolves the problem safely. For more detail on types, causes, and professional treatment, see Healthline’s guide to milia.
