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Top hairstylists, makeup artists, and beauty gurus answer your questions.

Q: I’ve recently developed some spots around my eyes that look like whiteheads but are harder. How can I remove them?

It sounds like you have milia—superficial white papules that are frequently found on the face. The white material, called keratin, represents dead skin cells, and the papules can form as a result of using creams that clog pores, although frequently the cause of their development is unknown. Milia tend to be firmer than a typical acne whitehead, and for this reason, it’s best to have them removed by a dermatologist or trained skin specialist. Usually, they can be treated with incision and expression or light electrodessication of the lesion’s surface. Use of topical retinoids and noncomedogenic moisturizers are recommended for people who are prone to developing milia.

Dr. Alison Ehrlich is a board-certified dermatologist who splits her time between a private practice in Bethesda, Maryland, and an academic practice in Washington, D.C. She is an assistant clinical professor and director of clinical research at George Washington University's Department of Dermatology.

Photo credit: Georgios M.W.

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