7 Causes of White Bumps on Your Skin and What to Do About Them
Finding tiny white bumps on your skin can be a bit unnerving. They might look harmless at first, but figuring out what’s causing them—and how to treat them—can be surprisingly tricky.
White bumps can appear for many reasons, from simple clogged pores to underlying medical conditions.
To help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface, we spoke with two expert dermatologists.
They shared their insights on common causes of white bumps and practical tips on how to identify and manage them.
Read on for a detailed guide to seven common types of white bumps and what you can do about each.
1. Milia: Tiny Cysts That Pop Up Anywhere
Dr. King explains, “Milia are tiny cysts just under the skin’s surface, appearing as smooth, hard white bumps.”
You often see them around the eyes or on the forehead, but they can occur anywhere on your face, neck, or chest.
Milia form when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the surface. Sometimes, they happen naturally, but they can also result from using comedogenic (pore-clogging) skincare products.
Dr. De Rosa says, “Milia often resolve on their own or with gentle exfoliation or topical retinoids.”
But if they stick around, a professional can unroof them with a needle or scalpel and extract the contents safely.
For prevention, King recommends using topical retinoids or hydroxy acids, which encourage skin cell turnover and help keep pores clear.
Avoid picking or trying to pop milia yourself—it can cause irritation or scarring.
2. Cysts: Deeper, Fluid-Filled Bumps
Cysts are small sacs filled with fluid or pus beneath the skin. Dr. De Rosa describes them as “pockets that can form due to skin irritation or sometimes without a clear cause.”
Dr. King clarifies the two main types: acne cysts and epidermal inclusion cysts (sometimes called sebaceous cysts).
Acne cysts lack a defined wall and tend to be painful, while epidermal inclusion cysts have a thick outer layer filled with keratin and oil.
These cysts can occur anywhere on the body and often require surgical removal to prevent inflammation or infection.
“Removing the entire sac or lining of the cyst is crucial,” says De Rosa, “so excision by a dermatologist is the best approach.”
If you notice a cyst growing, becoming red or painful, seek professional advice to avoid complications.
3. Clogged Pores: Whiteheads and Pimples
White bumps can simply be clogged pores. Dr. De Rosa explains, “When dead skin cells and oils get trapped inside your pores, they form whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.”
Dr. King notes these clogs are often driven by hormonal changes or genetics. Using heavy, comedogenic skincare products can worsen the problem.
The good news: over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide help clear clogged pores. Prescription topical retinoids can also speed up skin cell turnover and prevent buildup.
For stubborn blackheads, professional extraction tools can help, but avoid squeezing pimples yourself to prevent scarring or infection.
4. Eczema: Chronic Inflammation with Dry, Cracked Skin
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, can sometimes present as small white bumps along with dry, cracked, or thickened skin.
Dr. King calls eczema “the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by a disrupted skin barrier.”
Dr. De Rosa adds that eczema flare-ups can include rashes, oozing, and crusting. Stress often worsens eczema, so managing triggers is a key part of treatment.
Typical management involves avoiding irritants, using moisturizing creams, and sometimes steroid creams or light therapy to calm inflammation.
Severe cases may require systemic medications to modulate the immune response.
If you suspect eczema, seeing a dermatologist is important to get the right treatment plan and avoid worsening symptoms.
5. Vitiligo: Autoimmune Pigment Loss
Vitiligo is a condition where the immune system attacks pigment-producing cells, leading to patches of white or lighter skin.
Dr. De Rosa explains it’s “an autoimmune disease with a genetic basis, often triggered by sunburn or deep chemical peels.”
Although there’s no cure, treatments exist to manage vitiligo. Dr. King says these include topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and phototherapy.
A new FDA-approved topical JAK inhibitor called Opzelura offers promising results.
Some also opt for skin grafting or use camouflaging makeup to even out skin tone.
If you notice white patches or changes in pigmentation, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.
6. Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH): Age and Sun Exposure Spots
IGH appears as small, flat, white or light spots on sun-exposed areas, usually multiple in number. Dr. King says it’s caused by sun overexposure, aging, or genetics.
To manage IGH, Dr. De Rosa recommends sun protection with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and protective clothing to prevent worsening.
Cosmetic treatments like topical corticosteroids, retinoids, laser therapy, or dermabrasion may help reduce the appearance of these spots, but they often do not fully disappear.
Limiting sun exposure and diligent sunscreen use remain the most important steps to prevent IGH from getting worse.
7. Tinea Versicolor: A Fungal Skin Infection
Tinea versicolor is caused by an overgrowth of yeast called Malassezia furfur. Dr. De Rosa explains it “can cause itchy patches of skin that may be white, brown, red, pink, or yellow.”
Dr. King adds it often causes fine scaling and discolored patches, commonly on the shoulders, chest, and back. The condition tends to recur, especially in humid or warm climates.
To prevent outbreaks, King suggests using shampoos containing selenium sulfide, like Selsun Blue, applied to affected areas to kill the yeast.
Treatment involves topical or oral antifungal medications and avoiding triggers such as excessive heat, sweating, and humidity. Early treatment reduces symptoms and recurrence frequency.
When to See a Dermatologist
White bumps on your skin can arise from many causes—some harmless and temporary, others more persistent or indicative of underlying issues.
Genetics, immune response, sun exposure, skincare routines, and infections can all play a role.
If you notice white bumps that don’t improve with home care, worsen, become painful, or are accompanied by other symptoms, the best course is to consult a board-certified dermatologist.
They can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend the safest, most effective treatments.
Avoid self-diagnosis or picking at bumps, as this can lead to irritation, infection, or scarring. With professional guidance, you can keep your skin healthy, comfortable, and glowing.
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.
