White Spots Under Eyes

Q: Can skincare products cause or worsen white spots under the eyes?

If you do have Milia particularly around the eye area , it could be something to do with the skincare products you are using. The skin around the eye is much thinner than on the face, so when eye creams are thick and heavy they can block pored and trap dead skin cells. So make sure you invest in a good quality, light eye cream. Another cause could be sun damage or an allergic reaction to harsh facial products.

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What are white spots under the eyes?

White spots under the eye area, also referred to as Milia or milium cysts are small white bumps which appear on the surface of the skin. Milia is very common under the eyes but can occur on the nose or cheeks and also on certain areas of the body. Nicknamed ‘milk spots’, white spots under the eyes are most common in newborn babies but can occur in children and adults too. These small cysts are not considered a medical risk, but most adults do prefer to have them removed.

What does Milia look like?

Located just below the epidermis, Milia can often be confused with whitehead spots and are 1-2mm in size. Unlike whiteheads, they do not contain pus and are not a sign of clogged pores and it is not advisable to scratch or squeeze them.

What causes Milia?

White spots under the eyes are caused when there is a build up of dead skin cells or keratin. Keratin is a protein that makes up your skin, hair and nails and can also be found in your organs and glands. This can get trapped under the surface of the skin forming a raised ‘pinhead’ bump. Unlike spots, this skin condition is not related to lifestyle, diet or health issues.

What treatments are available to remove Milia?

There are different types of Milia and a few different Milia treatment options. During your initial consultation a dermatologist will examine the area and recommend the best treatment. This could be the use of a sterile needle (the most common type of removal) which creates a small incision in the skin so that the contents of the Milia / cyst can carefully be extracted without causing damage to the skin. Another option is Hyfrecator, which uses tiny electrical pulses to cauterize the skin, covering the Milia allowing the contents to be extracted. Another option for certain types of Milia is to use a topical medication. Treatments can also be carried out by some nurses.

How does the treatment work?

You will have a consultation with one of our dermatologists and they will talk you through the process and treatment options. The treatment is pain free and will only cause a slight amount of redness which will fade quickly and you will see the benefits of the treatment immediately. Milia removal is completely safe if carried out by a trained professional.

Professional advice

At sk:n we work with the UK’s leading dermatologists to be able to offer you the best advice and the safest treatment available. Many of our dermatologists also work for the NHS, so you can rest assured you are in safe hands.

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Will milia fade without treatment?

This could be the case, with adults this could take a few months. However it is always best to get any skin conditions checked out by a trained professional. Definitely do not try any treatments at home or you could cause infection or scarring.

Can skincare products cause or worsen white spots under the eyes?

If you do have Milia particularly around the eye area, it could be something to do with the skincare products you are using. The skin around the eye is much thinner than on the face, so when eye creams are thick and heavy they can block pored and trap dead skin cells. So make sure you invest in a good quality, light eye cream. Another cause could be sun damage or an allergic reaction to harsh facial products.

How can I reduce the white spots under my eyes?

Ensure you have a good skincare routine can help reduce white spots under your eyes, which should involve good quality products, regular exfoliation and wearing high factor sun protection.

Is milia common in men?

Yes, this can be caused by using low quality products and heavy moisturisers after shaving or neglecting to exfoliate the skin. It is very important to invest in good quality skincare products which aren’t too heavy.

Can I wear makeup if I have milia?

You may feel like you want to cover up the white spots with makeup. However covering Milia with heavy makeup will stop your skin from shedding cells and may clog pores further, trapping keratin underneath your skin. Try to use breathable makeup, or instead of a foundation use light powder-based cover up.