7 Reasons Why White Bumps Appear on Your Skin and How to Fix Them
Little white bumps on your skin may seem harmless, but figuring out what causes and types they are can be confusing. To help, we spoke to two dermatologists about the different causes of white bumps and how to treat them. Read on to learn her tips for identifying and treating white bumps.
01
From 07
Milya
“Milyas are tiny cysts under the skin that look like tiny, smooth, white bumps,” King explains. While they typically appear under the eyes or on the forehead, she says they can also appear anywhere on the face, neck, or chest. Milia can develop naturally or as a result of comedogenic products.
DeRosa tells us that they “usually go away on their own or with gentle exfoliation or topical tretinoin,” but “if that doesn’t work, milia can be exposed with a scalpel blade or needle and then removed by a professional,” King notes. “Topical retinoids and hydroxy acids can also help prevent milia and speed their resolution.” ”
02
Starting in 2007
Cysts
“A cyst is a small sac in the tissue that is usually filled with fluid or pus,” says DeRosa. “The two types of cysts we encounter most often are acne cysts and epidermal inclusion cysts (sometimes called sebaceous cysts),” King adds, noting that acne cysts aren’t technically cysts because they don’t have a wall around them.
Cysts can be caused by skin irritation or they can appear on their own for no apparent reason. “Epidermal inclusion cysts can occur anywhere on the body and are made up of a layer similar to the skin on the outside of the body, with a collection of old skin cells, sebum, and keratin in the middle,” King says. The solution is surgery: “The cyst’s capsule (lining) needs to be removed, so surgical removal of the cyst is the best way to get rid of it, especially if it’s inflamed or infected,” says DeRosa.
03
Starting in 2007
Clogged pores
If your pores can’t drain, they’re clogged. DeRosa explains, “They form when dead skin cells and oil get stuck in pores, which can lead to blackheads, or pimples.”
According to King, clogged pores are “the result of hormonal and genetic factors,” and “using comedogenic products on the skin can make it worse. Our dermatologists recommend products with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.” Over-the-counter or prescription topical retinoids, or a blackhead remover.
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04
From 07
Eczema
According to King, eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is “the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by a disrupted skin barrier,” DeRosa says. “You may experience a rash or thickening of the skin, as well as oozing fluid.” In addition, the skin may crack, dry out, and form scabs. ”
“Treatment usually involves reducing the triggers of your breakouts,” DeRosa explains. “It’s not uncommon for eczema to be stress-related (or worse), so try to avoid stressors or find constructive ways to cope with your eczema,” King adds. “It’s systemic.” Immunomodulators can help in more severe cases. ”
05
Starting in 07
Vitiligo
DeRosa says, “Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks the cells that produce pigment.” She explains, “While there is a genetic basis, there are some known triggers for vitiligo, including sunburn and deep chemical peels (such as phenolic peels). ”
King says, “We can’t cure vitiligo, but vitiligo treatments include topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and light therapy,” and that “the FDA approved a new topical JAK inhibitor called Opzelura in June 2022 for the treatment of vitiligo. Other treatments include skin grafts and camouflage makeup, according to DeRosa.
06
From 07
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH)
King says IGH is caused by excessive UV radiation, aging, or genetic factors and “appears as small, flat white or light-colored patches, usually several, on areas of skin exposed to the sun.1
To combat this, DeRosa recommends that you “limit sun exposure by covering yourself up and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.” Additionally, she says “topical corticosteroids, topical retinoids, lasers, and microdermabrasion can help reduce their appearance.”
07
From 07
Tinga versicolor
Tinga versicolor is a fungal skin infection caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia furfur, DeRosa tells us. “Tinga versicolor sometimes causes itching in areas of skin discoloration of various colors (brown, red, white, pink, or yellow),” King also explains that it “can cause a rash with fine scales and light or dark discoloration of the skin, especially on the shoulders, chest, and back.” ”
To prevent this, King recommends using Selsun Blue (or another shampoo containing selenium sulfide) regularly and lathering it onto your shoulders, chest, and back. “Selenium sulfide kills the yeast that causes the problem,” she explains.
Once you develop tinea versicolor, “treatment involves oral or topical antifungal medications and avoiding triggers like humidity, overheating, and sweating,” DeRosa says. However, just because the disease is gone doesn’t mean it’s gone. ” King notes that this often happens, especially if you live in a humid or warm place.
There are a variety of reasons why white bumps appear on your skin, from clogged pores to fungal overgrowth. Some spots are hereditary or caused by the immune system, while others occur naturally or are caused by sun damage. If you’re struggling with bumps, it’s best to see a dermatologist who can help you figure out the cause of the problem and seek treatment.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
