Silicone and its derivatives such as dimethicone, cyclomethicone and cyclopentasiloxane are known to be comedogenic. They clog your pores; trapping oil, dead skin cells and keratin under your skin. Overtime, this causes milia. Avoid using any face serum or moisturiser that contains silicone and its derivatives.
Mineral Oils
Check for ingredients that are named: liquid paraffin, liquid petroleum, paraffin oil, paraffinum liquidum, petrolatum liquid, petroleum oil. These are all types of mineral oil that may be causing your milia to grow.
Products that can cause milia can be make-up removers not labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic, hair spray, hair mousse and gel, heavy sunscreens and some moisturizers.
“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.
"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."
Marchbein also adds that if you're someone who is prone to milia, you should try using a combination of oil-free, non-comedogenic products (looking at you, CeraVe and Cetaphil), along with a cream containing a retinoid. This one by Paula's Choice absorbs quickly and also goes to work on fine lines and dark spots.
Applying castor oil is an excellent way to get rid of milia naturally. Before applying this oil just clean your face with water and then drying it. Then, massage the milia affected area with with some drops of castor oil and let it stay for atleast half an hour.
However, coconut oil may be too heavy for the under-eye skin. Too-heavy creams and oils can trap keratin in the pores and cause tiny white or yellow bumps (known as milia), which is common where the skin is thinner—like around the eyes and lips.
Imbued with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, lemon juice reduces the size of skin pores and helps in drying the milia spots. While honey soothes the affected area and prevents further microbial infections, jojoba oil controls oil production and inhibits acne and pimples.
Then there are other ingredients that moisturize skin, but they're just too rich and cause breakouts or milia. Enter: squalane, an effective ingredient that will nourish skin and keep it hydrated without leaving behind any slimy residue to clog your pores.
When it comes to preventing milia, it's all about exfoliation, exfoliation, exfoliation! You want to maximise your cellular turnover, so things like chemical peels, topical retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), charcoal, mud masks, micro abrasion and vitamin C are amongst the recommended.
Generally, there's no treatment necessary for milia. They'll clear up on their own. But if the milia under your eyes bother you, here are some home remedies you can try: Clean and exfoliate the skin.
D., assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine, tells SELF that cleansing oils don't work for everyone. “They can cause clogged pores, breakouts, and milia, those little hard white [bumps] that can form on your face,” she says.
Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, which means it can clog pores. Consequently, it may actually make acne worse for some people (22). When applied to the skin, coconut oil may clog pores and make acne worse. It is not recommended for those with very oily skin.
It can be used as a cooking oil in the kitchen, to treat damaged hair, and even as a moisturizer for the skin on your body; however, I do not recommend using coconut oil on your face. Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, which means it clogs the pores on your face.
Yes, you can use coconut oil on your face every day and night. All you need to wash your face, dry it, and apply a small amount of coconut oil on your face at night and every morning.
Causes and Risk Factors of Milia
Milia happen when the dead skin cells don't slough away. Instead, they get caught under the new skin, harden, and form a milium. Milia can also happen because of: Skin damage from something like a rash, an injury, or sun exposure.
Mix 4 tablespoons of honey with a half tablespoon of cinnamon powder and apply it on your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash off. The antibacterial properties in honey will assist in reducing milk spots on skin. Also browse through: Healing benefits of honey for skin health and beauty.
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.
Steaming your face–say, sitting in the bathroom with the shower running very hot–may help soften the outer surface of milia so a dermatologist can remove them more easily.
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.