Tiny White Bumps on Your Face? Here’s What They Are—And How to Treat Milia Naturally and Safely at Home

Milia are small, white bumps that form when keratin—a protein found in skin, hair, and nails—gets trapped beneath the surface of the skin.

Instead of shedding dead skin cells naturally, your skin traps them in tiny pockets. Over time, these harden into firm little cysts just beneath the surface.

These bumps aren’t painful or dangerous, and they’re not acne. But they can make the skin appear rough or uneven, and for many people, they’re a cosmetic concern—especially when they show up on the face.

Common Causes of Milia

Milia can affect people of all ages, but older adults may be more prone to them due to slower cell turnover and long-term skin damage. Here’s what might cause or worsen these tiny cysts:

• Dead skin cells that fail to shed properly
• Sun damage — long-term exposure can thicken the skin and increase buildup
• Skin trauma or injury (e.g., burns, abrasions, or rashes)
• Use of heavy or oil-based creams, especially around the eyes
• Long-term use of steroid creams
• A side effect of certain autoimmune or genetic conditions

It’s also worth noting that milia can appear in adults even without obvious cause. Sometimes, it simply reflects how the skin is aging and regenerating over time.

Where Do Milia Show Up?

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