If you’ve ever noticed firm white bumps under your eyes or on your cheeks that don’t seem to go away, you’re not alone. These stubborn tiny cysts are probably milia, and unlike breakouts, they’re not caused by oil or bacteria. They’re harmless (and common), but can be frustrating — especially because they last a long time.

Stick with us if you’re wondering: 

• “What are those white bumps under my eyes?”
  

• “Can eye cream or makeup cause milia?”
  

• “What’s the best way to get rid of milia without damaging my skin?”
  

• “How do I prevent milia in the first place?”

What is milia, exactly?

Milia are small, white, hard bumps that often show up on the cheeks, nose, and eye area. They’re not pimples or clogged pores in the traditional sense. Rather, they form when the protein keratin (what dead skin cells are mostly made of) gets trapped in the top layer of your skin. Since the eye area is thinner and more delicate, it’s especially prone to this buildup. 

Note: milia can occur at the newborn stage as well in mature skin. But for the purposes of this article, we will cover adult milia only. 

So, what causes milia in adults?

Common culprits include:

• Eye creams or moisturizers that sit on the skin and don’t fully absorb

• Frequent use of heavy makeup or SPF that is not removed effectively at night

• Cleansing balms that leave behind residue 

• Skin damage from sunburn, over-exfoliation or harsh resurfacing procedures that disrupt the skin barrier, causing micro-inflammation and interfere with healthy cell turnover. That inflammation can actually trap keratin, making milia more likely to form. Overuse of corticosteroids, which can also weaken the skin barrier over time

• Genetic predisposition, autoimmune conditions and slower cellular turnover with age can also play a role (womp, womp)
  
  

Should I try to remove milia at home?

Definitely don’t. Though they appear to be at the surface, milia sit deeper in the epidermis and picking at them won’t effectively reach them, can damage your skin barrier, cause scarring, or even lead to infection.

 Safe removal typically requires a trained esthetician or dermatologist using a sterile tool or other professional methods. Use this as an excuse to schedule yourself a facial, but make sure the professional you go to has experience with milia removal.

How to Prevent Milia  

Prevention is all about supporting healthy cell turnover, avoiding pore-clogging products, and maintaining a clean, well-balanced skin barrier—especially in delicate areas like under the eyes. Here’s what works:

1. Switch to a biocompatible, non-comedogenic eye product

Most eye creams are heavy on emollients, emulsifiers and waxes that can sit on the skin. Instead, opt for a lightweight formula that absorbs well and won’t clog delicate skin.

For example, although the The Face & Eye One is an oil-based serum, it contains only biocompatible ingredients that penetrate deeply and leaves no residue behind. Additionally, while retinol-based eye products can break down the skin barrier, this product improves barrier strength. It also leverages gentle actives that are safe for the eye area and sensitive skin to firm, brighten and provide antioxidant protection.

2. Support cell turnover at all ages

As skin matures, its natural exfoliation slows down, which can contribute to buildup. The key is to use gentle, non-sensitizing exfoliants or products that support cellular turnover to keep skin smooth without irritation. Look for chemical exfoliators like PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) or enzymes or that dissolve dead skin cells without physical scrubbing or the irritation potential from alpha-hydroxy acids, retinoids or aesthetic procedures that cause inflammation over time.

3. Wear SPF every day — and thoroughly cleanse at night

Be sure to protect your skin from inflammatory sun damage. Then ensure that your SPF and any makeup are fully removed at night—especially around the eyes where buildup can occur.  Ideally use a soft warm washcloth to thoroughly remove balm or oil cleansers if those are your favorites. Or, utilize a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that includes both oil and water-based ingredients to effectively remove makeup and SPF without stripping your skin (avoid traditional soap and resist gel or foam cleansers that leave skin feeling squeaky).

The Takeaway

Milia are common, a pain—and preventable. The key is to avoid overly heavy products and to support your skin with smart, biocompatible products that absorb cleanly and work with your skin—not against it.

P.S.  Sneak peak into smoother, clearer, hydrated skin (coming soon!)

If you want hydration, smoother texture, clear pores and firmer, brighter skin (including around the eyes), we can’t wait to show you our upcoming product launch! Let’s just say it’s a featherlight, multi-tasking (as always) water-based prep step that gently boosts skin turnover and promotes hydration without any clogging ingredients— excellent for areas prone to congestion like the under-eyes.

One special ingredient preview this product will feature is N-Acetyl Glucosamine, a skin-identical amino sugar that is uniquely known for improving desquamation (i.e. natural exfoliation) without causing sun sensitivity or irritation, amongst several other clinically proven benefits it offers when paired with certain ingredients. 

Think of it as your first line of defense for skin that’s soft, smooth, and radiant—while being appropriate for the delicate eye area. Bonus, it’s even more effective when combined with its sister serum, The Face & Eye One.

Sign up for our newsletter to be sure you don’t miss its launch later this year!

Please note: This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. If you have a specific medical concern, please consult with a licensed medical professional for personalized care.