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.
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. Vitamin A and omegas are fabulous for skin health as they help with the skin's cell turnover and hydration.
If you can, stick to peels that have salicylic acid or glycolic acid . If you're new to facial peels, don't use them just to get rid of milia bumps. Your skin might be sensitive to the ingredients in a facial peel. This can worsen milia.
For especially stubborn or numerous milia, prescription retinol creams (like Retin-A or generic tretinoin 0.025%–0.05% cream or gel) may be in order.
Imbued with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, lemon juice reduces the size of skin pores and helps in drying the milia spots.
"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.
Milia tends to happen when you have too much sun exposure. Your skin becomes leathery, making it harder for the dead cells to fall off. Sunscreen and moisturizer will keep your skin soft and flexible so it can replace itself the way it should.
Aloe vera contains anti inflammatory properties that can help in treating milia and soothing and cooling that area. To use it for this purpose, you should remove the leafy layer and use the inner gel.
Invest In A Retinol Night Treatment
A super-easy and very effective way to get rid of milia is to regularly apply a topical retinoid to the affected area.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a mild and non-irritating formula cleanser which is effective against milia.
Tips for Improving the Appearance of Delicate Eye Area Skin
You'll also want to look for a hydrating blend of moisturizing ingredients such as jojoba esters and niacinamide. Milia may be made more obvious by dark or puffy under eye circles.
“If you're prone to milia, look for cleansers that contain salicylic acid and ingredients like witch hazel. Both will help to remove and break down dead skin cells, and that includes milia. Another good treatment for milia is the Epiconce Lytic Lotion.
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.
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.
“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.”
You can try an oatmeal scrub, a steam bath, or applying honey, castor oil or apple cider vinegar to the milia bumps. These home remedies probably work instantly. But with continuous use these milia treatments may reduce or prevent them.
Apple cider vinegar is an astringent (causes the contraction of skin cells), which can help reduce the size of the skin pores. This will help fight milia effectively. Mix apple cider vinegar with water and apply it directly to the affected area using a cotton ball. Wash it after 30 minutes.
These create a barrier on the surface on the skin which is the last thing you need when you want to get rid of milia. Mila are not caused by bacteria as some might think – it isn't a spot, so it's important not to treat it like one, your salicylic, benzoyl peroxide, lavender and tea tree are not going help.
Both vitamin C and niacinamide increase the natural production of ceramides in your skin which helps to strengthen your skin barrier, keep your skin hydrated, and reduce irritation. However, niacinamide is probably the better option for sensitive skin as it's usually gentler than vitamin C.
Vitamin C is also effective in treating comedonal acne, specifically blackheads. By functioning as an antioxidant, vitamin C decreases the number of visible blackheads by reducing sebum oxidation (which causes the dark color of a blackhead).
Topical vitamin C is a science-backed, dermatologist-favorite ingredient that may help slow early skin aging, prevent sun damage, and improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne.
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.