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Only condition images were generated using AI for illustrative purposes. They do not represent real clients.
Milia
Milia are tiny white or pearly bumps, about the size of a pinhead, that most often appear around the eyes and on the cheeks. They are firm to the touch and tend to stay in place over time. Although they are sometimes mistaken for acne, milia are something quite different: small keratin cysts.
Why milia are not acne
Keratin is the tough protein that makes up the cells at the skin's surface. A milium forms when a small clump of keratin becomes sealed inside a closed pocket just beneath the surface. Unlike a clogged pore, a milium has no opening to the outside, no oil, no bacteria and no inflammation. This is precisely why it never comes to a head and cannot be squeezed out, since there is simply no exit.
How do milia form?
Milia form in two main ways. Some appear on their own, without any obvious trigger, while others develop after the skin's surface has been disrupted in some way. Understanding which type you have helps explain why they appeared and guides the gentlest approach to addressing them safely.
Primary milia
Primary milia appear spontaneously, with no clear cause. They are very common and can occur at any age, including in newborns, where they are entirely normal. In these cases, a small amount of keratin simply becomes trapped beneath the surface during the skin's natural processes. Because there is no underlying problem, they are not a sign of poor skincare or of anything being wrong.
Secondary milia after surface trauma
Secondary milia form after something has disrupted the skin's surface. Abrasion, a burn, or certain skin treatments can interfere with the way the skin normally sheds, allowing keratin to become trapped as the area heals. These milia tend to appear in the affected zone and reflect the skin's response to that earlier disruption rather than any ongoing issue.
Heavy occlusive products
Prolonged use of very rich, occlusive creams can sometimes contribute to milia in people who are prone to them. When a heavy product slows the skin's normal shedding, keratin is more likely to become sealed beneath the surface. This does not mean rich creams cause milia for everyone, but lightening the routine can help those who notice a pattern.
Why the eye area is involved
Milia often cluster around the eyes, and there is a reason for this. The skin in that region is the thinnest on the body, which makes small trapped pockets of keratin more visible close to the surface. It also makes the area especially delicate, which is why manipulation here carries more risk than on sturdier parts of the face.
How to Prevent
Personalized treatments for you.
CO2 Laser
Clear + Brilliant and Perméa
ClearLift Plus
Dermapure Signature Peel
Jessner Peel
MeLine Peel
Custom Chemical Peel
Cryotherapy
