The Skin Edit — Texture & Bumps
What Are Milia?
Why they're not whiteheads, and how to treat them
By Lindsey Rapp · Licensed Esthetician · 4 Min Read
Those small, hard, white bumps under your eyes or across your cheeks that never seem to pop like a regular whitehead are probably milia, not acne. Milia need a completely different approach.
The Basics
What Is Milia?
Keratin gets trapped beneath the surface instead of shedding normally. Unlike a whitehead, there's no open pore and no bacteria involved, which is why milia won't respond to spot treatments or squeezing.
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Milia are not fluid filled, squeezing does not work and can damage the skin.
The Fix
What Actually Helps
Professional Care
When to Get Extraction
Existing milia usually won't resolve with home care alone. Sterile, professional extraction is the fastest and safest way to clear stubborn milia.
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Shop Active 31 Eye CreamFrequently Asked
Are milia the same as whiteheads?No. Milia are sealed pockets of trapped keratin with no open pore.
Can I pop milia myself?No, they're solid, not fluid filled, so squeezing doesn't work.
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