Milia vs. Whiteheads: Dermatologists Explain the Tiny Cysts and How to Treat Them
Milia are small, light-colored bumps found beneath the eyes, on the cheeks, or along the nose, frequently confused with whiteheads. According to cosmetic physician Emmaline Ashley, MD, these are tiny cysts filled with keratin. Unlike whiteheads, milia are non-inflammatory, not associated with acne, and are difficult to remove. Hussein Yassine, MD, points out that they often occur in newborns and adults with dry skin, often triggered by occlusive substances like petroleum jelly and lanolin. Milia are categorized as primary, which develop spontaneously, or secondary, which arise after skin injuries. They typically appear on the eyelids, cheeks, and forehead. Gentle exfoliation can be done at home, while prevention involves using non-comedogenic products and applying daily SPF. Professional options include cryotherapy and laser ablation.
Key facts
- Milia are tiny cysts beneath the skin's surface filled with keratin, not acne lesions
- Whiteheads are clogged pores containing sebum, dead skin, and bacteria
- Milia are not inflammatory, infectious, or related to acne and do not extract easily
- Occlusive ingredients like petroleum jelly, mineral oils, lanolin, beeswax, paraffin, cocoa and shea butter, and dimethicone can trigger milia
- Primary milia form spontaneously; secondary milia follow skin injury such as burns, blisters, scars, or cosmetic procedures
- Common milia sites include eyelids, under-eye area, cheeks, nose, forehead, ears, hands, chest, and genital area
- At-home treatment uses retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs with consistent gentle exfoliation
- Professional options include sterile needle de-roofing, cryotherapy, diathermy, laser ablation, retinol, in-office peels, and HydraFacials
Entities
Artists
- Emmaline Ashley
- Hussein Yassine
- Corinne Erickson
- Celina Feldman
Institutions
- Acquisition Aesthetics
- Skin Expert Clinic
- Georgia Skin Specialists
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Vogue
Locations
- United States
- New York City