7 Causes of White Bumps on Your Skin and What to Do About Them
Tiny white bumps on the skin may seem harmless, but figuring out what causes them and which type you have can be confusing. To help, we spoke with two dermatologists about the different causes of white bumps and how to deal with them. Read on for their tips on how to identify white bumps and how to handle them.
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Milia
King explains, “Milia are tiny cysts under the skin, and they appear as tiny smooth white bumps.” While they tend to be on the eyes or forehead, she says they can occur anywhere on your face, neck, or chest. Milia can form naturally or be the product of comedogenic products.
De Rosa tells us that they “tend to go away on their own or with gentle exfoliation or a topical retinoid,” but that “if this doesn’t work, the milia can be unroofed with a scalpel blade or needle and then expressed by a professional.” King notes that “topical retinoids and hydroxy acids may also help to prevent and speed the resolution of milia.”
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Cysts
“A cyst is a small sac within tissue usually filled with fluid or pus,” says De Rosa. King adds that ” the two kinds of cysts we encounter most frequently are acne cysts and epidermal inclusion cysts (sometimes referred to as sebaceous cysts)” and says that acne cysts aren’t cysts, technically, because they have no wall around them.
Cysts can be caused by skin irritation or occur on their own without cause. King says, “Epidermal inclusion cysts can occur anywhere on the body and consist of a wall made of a layer similar to the skin on the outside of the body, and old skin cells and sebum and keratinous debris accumulate in the middle.” Surgery is the answer: “The sac (lining) of the cyst must be removed, so surgical excision of the cyst is the best way to get rid of a cyst, especially if it becomes inflamed or infected,” says De Rosa.
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Clogged Pores
When your pores are blocked from emptying, they’re clogged. De Rosa explains that “they occur when dead skin cells and oils get stuck inside the pore, and this can cause whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.”
According to King, clogged pores “result from hormones and genetic factors,” and “using comedogenic products on your skin can worsen these.” To help, our dermatologists suggest using salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide products, over-the-counter or prescription topical retinoids, or a blackhead extractor.
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Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, King says eczema is “the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by skin barrier disruption.” De Rosa says you “may also have a rash or thickening of the skin along with oozing and crusting in addition to cracked, dry skin.”
“Treatment often involves reducing triggers for flare-ups,” De Rosa explains. “It is not uncommon for eczema to be stress related (or exacerbated), so try to avoid stressors or find a constructive way to deal with it.” She also suggests steroid creams or light therapy, and King adds that “there are systemic immunomodulators that can be helpful for more severe cases.”
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Vitiligo
Characterized by skin pigment loss, De Rosa says that “vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks the cells that create pigment.” She explains that “although it has a genetic basis, there are some known triggers for vitiligo, including sunburns and deep chemical peels (such as a phenol peel).”
King says that “we do not have a cure for vitiligo, but vitiligo treatments include topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and phototherapy” and that “a new topical JAK inhibitor named Opzelura was FDA approved for the treatment of vitiligo in June 2022.” According to De Rosa, other treatments include skin grafting and camouflaging makeup.
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Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH)
Caused by overexposure to UV rays, aging, or genetic factors, King says IGH “presents as small, flat white or light spots on sun-exposed areas of skin, usually multiple.1
To deal with them, De Rosa recommends that you “limit sun exposure by covering up and wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or above.” Additionally, she says that “topical corticosteroids, topical retinoids, lasers, and dermabrasion may help to decrease their appearance cosmetically.”
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Tinea Versicolor
De Rosa tells us that tinea versicolor is a fungal skin infection caused by the overgrowth of yeast called Malassezia furfur. “Tinea versicolor sometimes causes itchy areas of discolored skin in various colors (brown, red, white, pink, or yellow).” King also explains that it “can cause a rash with a fine scale and light or dark discolorations of the skin primarily on the shoulders, chest, and back.”
To prevent it, King suggests shampooing regularly with Selsun Blue (or other shampoo containing selenium sulfide) and letting the lather run over your shoulders, chest, and back. “Selenium sulfide kills the yeast that causes this problem,” she explains.
De Rosa says that once you have tinea versicolor, “treatment includes oral or topical antifungal medication and avoiding triggers such as humidity, excessive heat, and sweating.” However, just because it’s gone doesn’t mean it will stay away, and King notes it often recurs, especially if you reside somewhere humid or warm.
There are various causes of white bumps on your skin, ranging from clogged pores to an overgrowth of fungus. Some spots are caused by genetics or your immune system, while others occur naturally or result from sun damage. If you are contending with bumps, your best bet is to see your board-certified dermatologist, who can help you identify the cause of your concern and how to treat it.
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.
