"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."
Some moisturizers can be too heavy, which will clog the pores and cause milia. One of the moisturizers that is notorious for causing milia is Clinique Dramatically Different. If you have milia and are using this, you should stop. If you're prone to getting milia, you should get retin-a or retinol cream.
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.
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. Gonzalez.
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.
"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."
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.
Milia associated with drugs or products
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
Topical retinoids help exfoliate the skin more effectively than OTC products. Topical retinoids also help loosen the keratin plug in existing milia and help them come to the surface so they can go away.
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.
Feel the texture. Even if you're not looking into the specifics of comedogenic ratings, you can tell a lot by a product's texture. "Thick creams and heavy oils tend to clog pores," says Akram. "Water-based and gel products tend to be safer for skin that's prone to congestion." An easy thing to remember, according to Dr ...
If you find yourself breaking out a lot, that typically is a good sign that you're using too much moisturizer for your own good. Acne breakouts typically result from clogged pores and as we mentioned before, clogged pores are one of the top indicators that you have too much moisturizer sitting on your skin.
Also your product should last you a few months not a few weeks — running through product quickly indicates you might be using too much of it. Some signs you may be over-moisturizing are clogged pores, blackheads, bumpy skin and excess oil.
In conclusion, milia aren't harmful but they can be unsightly. If they aren't on the eyelid or under the eye, you can simply and safely remove them at home. And to prevent milia in the future, make sure to keep your face clean, especially before bedtime, gently exfoliate regularly, and avoid sunburns.
Give yourself an at-home steam facial.
Steam helps warm up the build up of keratin, making it easier to exfoliate. “The use of warm hydration can loosen up surface skin cells and help them slough away, opening up the milia,” says Dr. Gmyrek. All you need is a bowl of boiling water and a bath towel.
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'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.