Milia are very small, raised bumps that appear white or yellowish in colour and typically measure 1–2 millimetres in size. They are a type of tiny skin cyst filled with keratin, a natural protein found in the skin.
Milia most commonly develop on the face, particularly around the cheeks, nose, eyes and eyelids, as well as the forehead and chest. They often appear in areas where the skin is dry or where normal skin secretions are unable to reach the surface.
In areas that are not dry, milia may develop due to inappropriate skincare or cosmetic product use, which can block the skin’s natural exfoliation process.
Milia are also frequently associated with skin damage, such as burns, blisters, or sun damage. In addition, they can occur as the skin ages and gradually loses its natural ability to shed dead skin cells effectively.