“As we age, we don't exfoliate our skin cells as naturally as we did in our younger days,” she says. “Heavy, oil-based creams or ointments weigh down these surface cells, trapping them, and forming milia.”
Some ingredients in skin care and makeup products can cause milia in some people. If you have milia-prone skin, avoid the following ingredients: liquid paraffin. liquid petroleum.
Using thick products and formulas can also lead to milia development due to the clogging of pores, which is how using a thick eye cream can be a secret culprit. "Using a thicker eye cream can clog your pores, and if you're not cleansing or exfoliating properly, keratin can begin to build," says Dr.
Makeup remover and cleansing cream often leave an oily residue on the skin that clogs the pores and causes milia to form.
“Things like aloe, pomegranate peel powder and castor oil or sandalwood and rose water paste can help,” says Dr. Gladstein. “These may not be 'magic potions,' but they will keep your skin smooth, which is helpful in dealing with milia.
An over-the-counter exfoliating cosmetic with salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or a retinoid can help remove the dead skin cells. Baby skin is too delicate for lotions, oils, or other cosmetics. Wash your baby's face with warm water and baby soap daily and then pat the skin dry. Wait for the milia to clear.
On the inside: Some nutritionists believe there to be a link between vitamin A and omega deficiency and the development of milia. Although there isn't a lot of scientific basis behind it, there is no harm in giving vitamin A and omega supplements a go and seeing if it prevents milia from forming for you.
"The biggest side effect of using the wrong moisturizer is developing milia, little hard white bumps on the face in random areas," said Dr. Forney. "This is very common if [you're] using a body moisturizer on the face but can also happen with moisturizers which are too heavy."
Keep in mind that everyone has naturally different skin types (oily, dry, or a combination), so if you overdry your skin or make it too oily, you could increase the chances of milia. You should ask a dermatologist to recommend products for your skin type. Are you stressed out or getting poor sleep?
Dr. Farber recommends Differin Gel and SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream as over-the-counter options, but your dermatologist may also prescribe a tretinoin cream.
Exfoliation is the most important thing you can do to get rid of milia for good. “[Physical exfoliation] with a facial brush or gentle scrub removes the top dead skin layer and will help milia open and resolve,” says Dr. Gmyrek.
This can be due to anything from improper use of exfoliating treatments (which can “lead to keratin getting stuck beneath the skin's surface, causing the appearance of milia,” explains Dr. Lancer) to clogged pores to aging.
Milia are small, bump-like cysts found under the skin. They are usually 1 to 2 millimeters (mm) in size. They form when skin flakes or keratin, a protein, become trapped under the skin. Milia most often appear on the face, commonly around the eyelids and cheeks, though they can occur anywhere.
Rich moisturisers and eye creams can clog the skin, resulting in blocked follicles and milia forming. “Ensure you are regularly cleaning, exfoliating and moisturising the skin. Under eye night serums can also help to prevent milia.
If you're dealing with milia, Dr. Nussbaum recommends switching to a lightweight water-based moisturizer. If you have dry skin and prefer something more, then at least make sure your eye cream is oil-free. Something else that has been potentially linked to milia?
Milia treatment at home
Try using an exfoliating cleanser that contains salicylic acid, citric acid or glycolic acid once a week or more. At-home chemical peels that contain salicylic acid or glycolic acid can also be helpful, but ask your dermatologist for advice on the best product to use.
While there's no DIY method for remedying milia, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd suggests adding products with salicylic acid, like the CeraVe SA Renewing Cleanser, or glycolic acid, like the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner, into your skincare routine to help prevent these bumps from forming.
Milia are harmless and, in most cases, they will eventually clear by themselves. In babies, they clear after a few weeks. However, in some people, milia can persist for months or sometimes longer. Secondary milia are sometimes permanent.
If you typically have milia around your eyes, then that eye cream you're using might be too heavy for your skin type. Choose serums instead since they penetrate deep into the skin without blocking the pores. Or if you are bent on using cream, use products with Hyaluronic acid that is gentle on this delicate area.
“If you're an adult with milia, you might try an over-the-counter exfoliating treatment that contains salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acid or a retinoid such as adapalene,” Dr. Piliang says. “These can improve the skin's natural turnover by removing the dead cells, and may help the bumps go away faster.”
Products containing glycolic acid and retinol are also fantastic milia-busters.