How To Get Rid Of Those Tiny Bumps Around The Eyes? Difference Between Under-Eye Milia, Sebaceous Cysts, And Whiteheads

Noticing small bumps popping up around your eyes that instantly bring down your glow? Under-eye milia not only affect your appearance—they could also signal skin imbalances. Is exfoliation and extra hydration the answer? And don’t assume milia only happen to people with oily skin! In this article, we’ll break down the causes and best solutions for under-eye milia.

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What Exactly Are Under-Eye Milia? Learn the Differences Between Milia, Sebaceous Cysts, and Whiteheads

Many people struggle with tiny bumps around the eyes, but do you know what they actually are? Let’s clarify what under-eye milia are and how to tell them apart from other common skin concerns.

Under-Eye Milia: Not Just a “Greasy Skin” Issue!

Under-eye milia—commonly referred to as "fat granules"—are medically known as milia. These are harmless cysts that form just beneath the surface of the skin. They typically appear white or yellowish and feel slightly rough to the touch. While they’re benign, their appearance can be frustrating.

Histologically, milia are formed by keratin buildup at the openings of hair follicles or sweat ducts, creating tiny cysts.

Other Common Eye-Area Bumps:

The skin around the eyes is delicate and prone to various small bumps. Here’s a quick guide to distinguish between them:

• Sebaceous Cysts: These are true "fat granules"—enlarged oil gland cysts. They’re typically larger (several millimeters), feel soft, and contain thick sebum. While they can appear anywhere on the body, they’re less common around the eyes.
• Milia (Under-Eye Milia): These look like rice grains (1–2mm in size), feel firm, and have a smooth surface. They form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin. Milia may occur spontaneously (primary) or as a result of skin trauma or irritation (secondary), such as burns, abrasions, or certain medications.

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A Quick Comparison Table: 4 Types of Eye-Area Bumps

Myth Buster: Contrary to popular belief, under-eye milia are not caused by fat buildup. They're made of keratin—a protein found in the outermost layer of the skin—not oil.

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Why Do I Have These Tiny Bumps Around My Eyes? Common Causes of Under-Eye Milia

These bumps don’t appear for no reason. Understanding the causes can help you take the right preventive and corrective steps.

9 Common Causes of Under-Eye Milia:

• Poor Cleansing Habits: Inadequate removal of makeup and dirt—especially waterproof eye makeup—can block pores and lead to milia formation.
• Overly Rich Skincare Products: Heavy eye creams, facial oils, or products with occlusive ingredients like mineral oil or petroleum jelly can clog the delicate eye area.
• Improper Exfoliation: Both over-exfoliating (which damages the skin barrier) and under-exfoliating (leading to buildup of dead skin cells) can cause milia.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Hormone fluctuations (e.g., during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy) can affect oil production and trigger milia.
• Dietary Habits: Greasy, spicy, or sugary foods can overstimulate oil glands, contributing to milia formation.
• Bad Makeup Touch-Up Habits: Applying makeup over unclean skin can push dirt and oil deeper into pores. Always blot excess oil first.
• Environmental & Lifestyle Stressors: Lack of sleep, chronic stress, and pollution can impact overall skin health and trigger skin issues.
• Post-Cosmetic Procedure Reactions: Treatments like laser resurfacing may sometimes cause secondary milia during skin healing.
• Long-Term Steroid Cream Use: Prolonged use of steroid creams around the eyes can alter the skin's structure, increasing the risk of milia.

Reminder: The skin around the eyes is only 0.5mm thick—extremely delicate! Treat it gently and choose your skincare products wisely.

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TCM Perspective: How Chinese Medicine Views and Treats Under-Eye Milia

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attributes under-eye milia to internal imbalances—specifically disruptions in qi, blood, and organ function.

TCM Explanations for Under-Eye Milia:

• Dampness and Phlegm Accumulation: Overindulgence in greasy, rich foods can create "internal dampness" that blocks qi and impairs fat metabolism.
• Spleen Qi Deficiency: The spleen governs water metabolism. When it’s weak, excess dampness accumulates and shows up on the skin.
• Liver Qi Stagnation: Stress and negative emotions can cause qi stagnation, which affects blood flow and may lead to bumps around the eyes.

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TCM Tips to Improve Your Constitution and Prevent Milia: Is Lemon Water Helpful?

• Diet: Avoid greasy, spicy, and raw/cold foods. Opt for spleen-strengthening ingredients like coix seed (Job’s tears), red beans, and Chinese yam. Rose or chrysanthemum teas can help regulate liver qi.
• Sleep: Get adequate rest. TCM believes staying up late depletes qi and blood, weakening organ function.
• Exercise: Moderate activities like walking, yoga, or tai chi improve circulation and digestion.
• Lemon Water: Slightly cooling in nature, lemon water helps clear internal heat and support metabolism—but those with a cold spleen should drink in moderation.
• Acupressure: Gentle massage of points like Zusanli (ST36), Yinlingquan (SP9), and Taichong (LV3) may help clear dampness and regulate liver and spleen qi.

If your condition is severe or persistent, consult a TCM practitioner for personalized advice or herbal prescriptions.

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Milia-Fighting Tactics: Hydrating Eye Masks, Mandelic Acid & Clay Masks

If you want to get rid of under-eye milia (also called oil seeds), you’ll need a two-pronged approach: at-home skincare and professional treatments.

At-home Skincare Tips for Milia Removal:

• Use gentle, non-irritating facial cleansers and makeup removers to thoroughly clean the skin around the eyes, preventing pore blockages. Go for cleansers free of soap, fragrance, and colorants. When removing makeup, gently massage with your fingertips or a cotton pad—avoid rubbing too hard.

• Use mild exfoliating products (like those containing low concentrations of mandelic acid or salicylic acid, or gentle scrubs) to slough off dead skin cells and clear clogged pores. But don’t over-exfoliate—this can damage your skin barrier. Limit use to 1–2 times per week, and those with sensitive skin should be cautious with acids.

• Choose lightweight, fast-absorbing eye creams and moisturizers to keep the under-eye area hydrated and healthy. Avoid rich or greasy formulas. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. You can also use repairing eye masks to deeply hydrate and boost collagen production—this helps reduce milia and small bumps around the eyes.

• Cut back on oily and spicy foods. Eat more fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet. Increasing your intake of dietary fiber also helps improve digestion and detoxification.

• Lifestyle habits: Get enough sleep, manage stress, and maintain a consistent, healthy routine. Stay in a good mood and avoid late nights.

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Professional Treatments for Under-Eye Milia

Extraction (Milia Removal): Always go to a qualified and experienced professional. Post-treatment care is crucial to prevent infection. Mild redness or swelling is normal—keep the area clean and dry and avoid touching it.

Laser Treatments: Suitable for larger or more stubborn milia. Common types include CO₂ lasers and Er:YAG lasers. Lasers target and remove milia with precision and visible results, though multiple sessions may be required. Be sure to follow up with sun protection and hydration.

Cryotherapy: This method uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove small milia. It’s more suitable for minor cases. You might experience mild pain during the procedure, and post-treatment swelling or blistering can occur.

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Highly Recommended by PTT & Dcard Users: Milia-Fighting Favorites

There’s a lot of online discussion about how to get rid of milia, especially on forums like PTT and Dcard. Here are some user-recommended products for treating milia on the under-eye area and forehead (“white sesame seeds”):

Acid-Based Skincare Products:

• Mandelic Acid Serums: Gently exfoliates and suits beginners or sensitive skin. Recommended concentration: 5–10%.
• Salicylic Acid Serums: Penetrates deep into pores and dissolves oil—ideal for oily skin or those prone to closed comedones. Since under-eye skin is delicate, use only in small amounts and apply precisely.
• Popular Brands: DR.WU, Prof.TK, The Ordinary

Clay Masks:

Deep clean pores and absorb excess oil to help prevent milia.

• Recommended Brands: Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, innisfree Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask
• Tip: Avoid applying clay masks directly under the eyes unless designed for that purpose.

Prescription Creams:

For more stubborn milia, creams containing retinoic acid or beta hydroxy acids may help.

Note: These are medical treatments and should only be used under dermatological supervision to avoid irritation or side effects.

Japanese Milia Creams:

• Liberta Tsubupuron: Contains plant extracts that claim to soften keratin and remove milia.
• Tsubu Night Pack: An overnight mask with salicylic acid, targets milia around the eyes and neck.
• Pororinbo: Enzyme-rich formula helps break down dead skin cells.
• Himecoto by Bihada-hime: Specifically designed for the delicate eye and neck area—mild and gentle.

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Prevention Is Better Than Cure: Daily Care Tips to Keep Milia Away

To prevent under-eye milia, it’s important to maintain good skincare habits:

How to apply eye cream correctly:

• Amount: Use a small amount (about the size of a rice grain).
• Application: Dab gently around the orbital bone using your ring finger.
• Massage: Pair with a light massage to boost circulation and absorption.
• Product Texture: Choose lightweight, quick-absorbing formulas. Heavier creams may increase the risk of milia, especially for sensitive skin.

Regularly clean and replace makeup tools:

Dirty brushes and sponges breed bacteria, increasing the risk of milia. Clean and replace your tools regularly.

Healthy diet and lifestyle:

A nutritious diet and consistent sleep schedule can improve your skin’s health and resilience.

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Got “White Sesame” Bumps or Eye Wrinkles? R6 Eye Treatment Tackles Them All

Taking care of the delicate skin around your eyes requires patience—especially when it comes to exfoliating and rebalancing oil and moisture. But if your skin continues to worsen with age and slower metabolism, milia can become increasingly difficult to manage.

Want a one-step solution for your under-eye concerns? Consider the R6 Miracle Eye Rescue Treatment by Perfect Medical.

The R6 treatment uses three levels of radiofrequency energy to target eye issues from the surface to deeper layers. It boosts collagen regeneration, firms loose under-eye skin, improves microcirculation, and eliminates pigmentation and puffiness.

✔ Dissolves excess fat
✔ Deep hydration to reduce milia and bumps
✔ Brightens dark circles
✔ Firms the eye contour
✔ Softens fine lines
✔ Reduces puffiness and eye bags

The R6 Eye Treatment is painless, non-invasive, and requires no downtime. It's more effective than concealer and safer than surgery or injections. One session is enough to bring back bright, refreshed eyes.

Click the link below to learn more about pricing and details. First-time free trials are often available—just fill out the quick form!