You notice a tiny white bump under your eye. You try a new eye cream. Nothing happens. You exfoliate. Still there. So, it must be milia… right? Not necessarily.
While milia are one of the most common causes of white bumps around the eyes, they are not the only possibility. Those little spots could also be xanthelasma (cholesterol deposits) or sebaceous hyperplasia (enlarged oil glands). The tricky part? All three can look surprisingly similar at first glance.
Milia: The Classic White Bump
Milia are tiny, firm white cysts that form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin. They often look like little white pearls and are most common around the eyes and cheeks.
The good news? Milia are harmless and can often be removed with a Pore facial. If you’ve ever had a stubborn white bump that felt hard and refused to pop, milia may have been the culprit.
Xanthelasma: When Cholesterol Shows Up on Your Skin
Unlike milia, xanthelasma isn’t made of trapped keratin. These soft, yellowish patches are deposits of cholesterol that develop beneath the skin, usually near the inner corners of the eyes.
They tend to be flatter and more spread out than milia and can sometimes be linked to elevated cholesterol levels. While harmless, many people choose to have them removed by a dermatologist for cosmetic reasons.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia: Enlarged Oil Glands
Another common imposter is sebaceous hyperplasia, a harmless condition caused by an overgrowth of cells within the skin’s oil glands. As these glands enlarge, they create small white, cream-colored, or yellowish bumps.
These bumps can look a lot like milia, but they are actually enlarged oil glands rather than tiny cysts. In some cases, they may have a tiny dip in the center, although this isn’t always easy to spot.
So How Can You Tell the Difference?
That’s the problem, you often can’t. Milia, xanthelasma, and sebaceous hyperplasia can all appear as small white or yellowish bumps around the eyes. What looks like a simple case of milia could actually be something completely different.
The Bottom Line
Not every white bump around the eyes is milia. Some are trapped keratin, some are cholesterol deposits, and some are enlarged oil glands. Since the treatments are different for each condition, getting the correct diagnosis is the first step toward clearer, smoother-looking skin.
When in doubt, let a skincare professional take a closer look. Your “milia” may have a different story to tell.
Dermaplaning is a year‑round skincare treatment in Edmonton. However, in our unique climate, the experience and aftercare can vary between summer and winter. Understanding how seasonal changes affect your skin can help you get the best results from your treatment.
Edmonton’s summers are known for long daylight hours and strong UV exposure—even on days that don’t feel overly hot. After dermaplaning, your skin is smoother but also more sensitive because the outer layer of dead skin has been removed. This makes it more vulnerable to the sun. Without proper protection, there is a higher risk of sunburn, irritation, or unwanted pigmentation. During summer, it’s important to be consistent with sunscreen, avoid prolonged direct sun exposure for a few days after your treatment, and consider wearing a hat or staying in shaded areas. Dermaplaning is still safe in the summer, but sun protection becomes a key part of your aftercare.
In the winter, Edmonton’s climate shifts to extremely cold and dry conditions, often combined with indoor heating that can further dehydrate the skin. Many people experience dryness, flaking, and dullness during these months. Dermaplaning can be especially helpful in winter because it removes the buildup of dead skin cells and allows moisturizers and serums to absorb more effectively. With less intense UV exposure compared to summer, there is also a reduced risk of sun-related irritation immediately after treatment.
Overall, the treatment itself does not change between seasons, but your skincare routine should. In summer, the focus should be on protecting your skin from UV exposure. During the winter, the focus shifts to restoring moisture and improving skin texture.
In simple terms, dermaplaning is a great option all year—you just need to adjust your aftercare to match Edmonton’s climate.
If your skin feels overheated, greasy, or tight in the summer, you’re not alone. Heat and sun exposure constantly disrupt your skin’s balance—and without the right support, it can quickly look dull and stressed. Keeping your skin cool isn’t just refreshing—it’s essential for maintaining a healthy glow.
Instant Cooling You’ll Actually Feel
This is exactly why toner mists deserve a spot in your summer routine. With just a few sprays, you instantly cool down your skin, calm redness, and relieve that uncomfortable, overheated feeling. It’s one of the simplest ways to bring immediate comfort back to your complexion—anytime, anywhere.
Stay Fresh, Not Oily
Toner mists don’t just hydrate—they help your skin stay balanced. Instead of letting sweat and oil build up throughout the day, a quick spritz helps refresh your skin, reduce excess shine, and keep pores looking refined. You can even mist over makeup for a clean, dewy finish without disrupting your look.
Your Summer Must-Have
If there’s one product to carry with you this season, it should be a toner mist. It’s lightweight, effortless, and instantly effective. Once you start using it, you’ll wonder how your skin survived summer without it.
Boost Your Summer Skincare Results
If you’re investing in the best skin treatment in Edmonton, try our Treatment Selection Guide to help you decide the best treatment for you. Daily misting keeps your skin calm, refreshed, and better balanced in between treatments.
Skincare serums are skincare products developed with high concentrations of active ingredients. Some people may think that they are an unnecessary step in a skincare routine. This is understandable when you compare them to cleansers and moisturizers- who can argue with their purpose?
While cleansers clean and moisturizers protect and seal in hydration, serums act as a supplement to your skin’s diet. Serums penetrate deeper layers of the skin to target specific concerns such as dryness, acne, uneven tone, and visible signs of aging.
“Serums are for older people.”
Some people may think that young people do not need to use skincare serums- and on some level they would be right. After all, serums are considered targeted treatments. For many people, skin during adolescence is radiant, supple, and vibrant. No need for treatment right?
But let’s not forget about the other side of adolescent skin- oily and acne-prone. Someone with acne-prone skin may benefit from a serum with clarifying ingredients. As we can see, there is no age requirement to benefit from serums. In other words, they should be selected based on individual skin needs rather than age.
Popular ingredients in serums
The effectiveness of a serum is determined by its active ingredients. As mentioned above, they are developed with high concentrations of specific substances to target specific concerns. Common examples include:
Hyaluronic acid – attracts and retains moisture, improving hydration; Attracts water molecules to the skin; secures moisture and creates fullness; A “smart nutrient” as it can adjust its moisture absorption rate based on the humidity—relative to the season and the climate
Vitamin C – provides antioxidant protection and brightens the complexion. Prevents and treats ultraviolet (UV)-induced photodamage; Shields skin from damaging free radicals
Retinol (Vitamin A) – promotes cell turnover and reduces visible signs of aging; Plumps wrinkles and kick-starts the release of collagen
Salicylic acid– provides deep pore cleanse. treats conditions that involve scaling or overgrowth of skin cells; treats acne by reducing swelling and redness and unplugging blocked skin pores to allow pimples to shrink; softening and loosening dry, scaly, or thickened skin so that it falls off
Day vs. Night Usage
The function of serums varies depending on when they are applied. Daytime serums focus on environmental protection, for example, Vitamin C. On the other hand, nighttime serums are meant for repair and regeneration, for example, Retinol.
Why Aftercare Is Especially Important for Cancer Survivors
Aftercare is an essential part of your microblading procedure, but for cancer survivors, it plays an even more critical role. Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can have lasting effects on the skin and immune system, making proper aftercare key to safe healing and successful results.
Cancer treatments often leave the skin more sensitive, thinner, and slower to heal. Even months after treatment has ended, the body may still be rebuilding its natural defenses. Procedures like microblading create tiny openings in the skin, which means there is a higher risk of infection, irritation, or delayed healing if aftercare instructions are not followed carefully.
Why Post-Care Matters.
Following aftercare guidelines helps protect the skin during this vulnerable healing phase. Keeping the treated area clean, dry, and protected allows the skin to heal properly and reduces the chance of complications. Avoiding makeup, sun exposure, sweating, swimming, and picking or scratching the area is especially important for cancer survivors, as the skin may react more strongly than expected.
Proper aftercare also impacts how well results last. Skin that is still recovering from cancer treatment may not retain pigment as easily. Gentle care and patience give the pigment the best chance to settle evenly and naturally. Skipping steps or rushing the healing process can lead to patchy results or the need for additional corrective work.
It’s also important for cancer survivors to monitor their healing closely. Any unusual redness, swelling, pain, or discharge should be reported right away. Open communication with both your technician and healthcare provider ensures concerns are addressed early.
In short, aftercare is not just a recommendation—it’s a vital part of safeguarding health, supporting healing, and achieving the best possible outcome. For cancer survivors, thoughtful aftercare is an extension of self‑care and healing.
Dérmica offers BHA treatment options in Edmonton, AB.
BHA stands for Beta Hydroxy Acid, and in skincare there are only a few specific acids that fall into the BHA category, for example, betahydroxybutanoic acid, tropic acid , and trethocanic acid.
Primary BHA Used at Dérmica
Salicylic Acid With anti‑inflammatory and antibacterial properties, salicylic acid is the most popular BHA used in professional settings. Its oil‑soluble nature, anti‑inflammatory properties, and ability to refine pores make BHA a versatile exfoliant that addresses multiple skin concerns while supporting overall skin clarity. Examples of conditions include:
Acne and congestion
Blackheads and whiteheads
Excess oil production
Inflammation and redness
BHA for Acne‑Prone/Oily Skin
BHA is particularly effective for this skin type because it is oil‑soluble. This allows it to penetrate deep into the pore lining to help dissolve excess sebum, dead skin cells, and debris that clog pores and leads to pimples, blackheads, milia, etc.
BHA helps with milia because it has resurfacing properties. So, not only does it help remove excess oil on the skin, but it helps to exfoliate by removing the dead skin cells so it dissolves the binding glue or the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together so it reveals a fresh new layer of skin at the surface which then pushes impurities up to the surface such as milia and deep acne.
By exfoliating inside the pore rather than just on the surface, BHA helps prevent the formation of new acne while smoothing skin texture. Additionally, salicylic acid has mild antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory properties.
BHA for Rosacea/ Redness
Speaking of anti‑inflammatory properties, salicylic is great for treating skin conditions that lead to redness and sensitive skin, for example, Rosacea. Its anti‑inflammatory action helps calm redness and soothe irritation—two symptoms of this skin type. When introduced in a professional setting and paired with appropriate skincare at home, BHA can promote smoother, calmer, and more resilient skin for individuals managing constant redness.
Deep peels are classified as medium to strong skin acids. They range from 20% to 85% and can be layered. They are ideal for pre-treated skin and provide deeper resurfacing of the skin. May cause visible shedding and flaking.
Mild Peels “Boosts” (10 – 20%)
BOOST peels are classified as mild skin acids. They can be used to pre-treat the skin before transitioning into stronger skin peels. Great for seasonal maintenance. Boost peels are available only as an addition to facials and dermaplane treatments.
Who should avoid BHA in chemical peels?
BHA is not suitable for people that are allergic to aspirin or other similar medications. People that are taking medications that cause photosensitivity or adverse reactions to the skin should avoid BHA treatments.
In addition, avoid BHA if you are using topical medications for skin conditions or are on oral medications for acne. It is always best to consult with your dermatologist, physician, or pharmacist, and go by their recommendations.
