While many people who suffer from milia tend to think they need acne treatments to rid their problem, acne cleansers will not treat the underlying milia condition. Because milia is caused by trapped oil underneath the skin's surface, you may want to cleanse daily with a product containing an alpha hydroxy or glycolic acid for best results. The best facial wash for milia prone skin will include an exfoliant of some sort to remove and dislodge embedded dead skin cells and oil. Whether you opt for an over-the-counter cleanser or a prescribed wash from your dermatologist, you'll want to make sure the cleanser is mild enough to use daily for best results.
Four Cleanser Suggestions
The following cleansers can be used for milia-prone skin. Each has pros and cons and it may take some trial and error to see if one works for you.
MD Formulations Facial Cleanser
MD Formulations Facial Cleanser is a creamy but water-soluble cleanser that contains 12% glycolic acid. This cleanser receives approximately four out of five stars from users at Makeup Alley. It was also given a high ratings by users on TotalBeauty.com.
Pros:
- Water-soluble cleanser
- Contains 12% glycolic acid
- Good for oily skin
- Can be used on normal/combination and dry skin as well
- Can remove some makeup
Cons:
- Because you have to rinse off the glycolic acid as you clean your face, some of the benefits are lost
- Doesn't lather up
- May sting or burn if skin is raw or irritated
- Could be considered expensive
Other ingredients: Ammonium Glycolate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Sorbitol, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Methylparaben, Proplyparaben, Purified water
Approximate cost: $32 for 8.3 ounces
Where to buy: Various online retailers like Amazon.
Other user comments: Several users on TotalBeauty appreciate that this is a great cleanser. One user on MakeUpAlley.com noted that she loved the product at first, but noticed "My skin started to get very irritated from this cleanser, probably it was too much to use every day for me."
Summary: It appears to be a good cleanser but could irritate skin.
Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash from Philosophy is a gentle exfoliating cleanser. This cleanser has been included in The Editors' Favorites for Allure.com and given a Cosmetic Executive Women Award in 2009. TotalBeauty.com users give this product high ratings and over 75% of MakeUpAlley.com users indicate they would use the product again. Beautypedia.com gives this product a rating of two out of five stars.
Pros:
- Gentle exfoliant that can be used every day
- Employs a 30-second cleansing mini-peel
- Sulfate-free
- Contains topical antioxidants
Cons:
- The clay may be drying to many skin types
- Can be irritating as well
- Is somewhat pricey
Other ingredients: Water, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, Diatomaceous Earth, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Phytosterols, Tocopherol, Tocotrienols, Panthenol, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone
Approximate cost: $26.00 for 8 ounces
Where to buy: Online retailers like QVC and Sephora.com.
Other user comments: Several users on TotalBeauty.com note that this is a great exfoliator, describing it as "like a mini-facial." A user on Allure.com notes that "This is the type that you use daily for gentle work on your face, hands and chest area." However, several users on Macys.com expressed disappointment that the formula seems to have changed and includes few scrubbing beads.
Summary: It can be a good daily exfoliator but can dry and irritate more sensitive skin types.
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is another cleanser/scrub that contains jojoba beads as well as AHA/BHA for exfoliation. Users on MakeUpAlley give this cleanser a high rating, and Beautypedia gave it three out of five stars.
Pros:
- Ok for everyday use
- Jojoba beads help with exfoliation
- Contains AHA/BHA, and lactic acid
- Can be helpful for aging skin as well
- Dermatologist tested
Cons:
- The AHA/BHA, and lactic acid may not exhibit as many benefits because they are rinsed away
- Could irritate skin
- Contains parabens
- Can be pricey for some people
Other ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Jojoba Esters, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Polyquaternium-4, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben
Approximate cost: $36 for 6.75 ounces
Where to buy: Find this cleanser at Ulta.com and Sephora stores, certain salons, and online retailers
Other user comments: Over 60 users on Ulta.com note that this cleanser leaves their skin with a clean feel, while only a few individuals indicate that it does not work for them. A user on TotalBeauty.com says that "tiny Jojoba beads are luxuriously massaging!" Another user on MakeUpAlley.com did not like that fact that the product contained parabens.
Summary: A combination cleanser/scrub that is a good product for most but may be out of some people's price range.
Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub is a soap-free cleanser that contains microbeads and soy extract for gentle exfoliation. Experts at Beautipedia rate this product at three out of five stars, and Makeup Alley rates it even higher at about four and a half stars.
Pros:
- Contains polyethylene (plastic beads) for exfoliation
- Non-comodogenic and hypoallergenic
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Gentle exfoliation
- Removes most make up
Cons:
- Product tested on animals
- Contains fragrance
Other ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Polyethylene, Lauryl Glucoside, PEG-16 Soy Sterol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Glycol Distearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Methylparaben, Butylene Glycol, Fragrance, Laureth-4, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA
Approximate cost: $5.00 for 5 ounces
Where to buy: Various drug and discount retailers.
Other user comments: At Beautipedia, 67% of community reviewers say they would recommend this product. One reviewer said it exceeded her expectations in giving her clearer, smoother skin. Another user at Makeup Alley says the product does what it says it does, but it dries out her skin if she uses it more than once or twice a week.
Summary: This product is inexpensive and is a good skin cleanser.
Professional Treatments
While a daily cleanser containing an exfoliant will help clear milia, some sufferers find professional treatments work better and faster. If your milia has become burdensome, visit a dermatologist to discuss treatment options and prescribed cleansers. Bear in mind clearing any skin condition takes some time, so expect to spend at least a month implementing a cleansing and treatment plan prior to seeing any permanent results. Once your milia has cleared, you can practice the prevention techniques listed above to avoid any unwanted future outbreaks.
