what is milia

Milia are small, white cysts that appear under the surface of the skin and are harmless. They are caused by dead skin cells that dont slough away and instead get trapped under the new skin, harden, and form a milium. Milia are most commonly found on the face, but they can also appear on other parts of the body. They are common in newborns, with about 40% to 50% of U.S. newborns having milia, but adults can also get them. Milia usually go away on their own after a few weeks or months, and treatment isnt necessary. However, if youre worried about how they look, you can use an over-the-counter exfoliating cosmetic with salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or a retinoid to help remove the dead skin cells. Its important not to pick at or pop milia, as this can cause the area to become inflamed, bruised, or infected.