Yesterday I worked with a friend who was suffering with a common winter skin complaint called Milia. They are tiny, white keratin-filled cysts that appear just under the skin, often on the face. A combination of the cold weather and then heat stress from central heating or hot showers can cause Milia, or it can sometimes be a result of harsh face washes on sensitive skin.
I have had Milia once or twice, and whilst it does eventually go away on it’s own, I found that using a gentle cream face wash, preferably organic, with a soft muslin cloth, helped to speed the elimination process along. My favourite product of this kind is Liz Earle’s Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £11.25, which contains wonderful ingredients such as Beeswax, Rosemary Oil, Chamomile, Glycerine, Cocoa Butter and Eucalyptus. Liz Earle also sells the soft muslin cloths in question, and as someone who had always used flannels to cleanse with, switching to these muslin cloths was a revelation. They are extremely gentle on the skin, whilst providing the right level of exfoliation needed without damaging the epidermis, which can serve to inflame conditions such as Milia or Acne. I have a drawer full of these cloths in fact, so that I always have a clean one available.
I’ve actually been a huge fan of the entire range of Liz Earle’s multi-award winning range of skincare for years now, having been seduced by their naturally active ingredients and commitment to using organic wherever possible, whilst minimising the use of preservatives. Additionally, they contain no mineral oils, genetically modified or animal ingredients. Most importantly, I’ve had really good results with their products, on myself and on my clients.
The Superskin Moisturiser, £31.50, is a real treat for dehydrated winter-worn skin, being rich in antioxidants Vitamin E and Pomegranate Extract, as well as Cranberry Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Rosehip & Borage Oil. I slather it on at night like a face mask, and wake up with noticeably plumper, soothed skin.
Perhaps my favourite Liz Earle daily winter treat is the Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, £7.75, with Yarrow Extract, Sweet Orange Oil, Rosewood and naturally foaming Soap Bark. It smells absolutely divine, reminding me of orange groves in Sicily, a surefire antidote to the grey mornings we’re experiencing. And it’s a guilt-free shower, knowing that I’m not flooding chemicals and parabens into the water system.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
aly,
wanted to leave you a comment to thank you for the brilliant advice you give both on and off this blog! you are fantastic, your product reccomendations etc are right on the money- i reccomend your blog to all of my friends and have to admit i get a little bit excited when a new post turns up in my inbox!
massive massive thank you!
c xxx
Have just bought this product on Aly’s recommendation and I have to say it is fabulous !! Combined with the toner and moisturizer it is really helping my winter complexion . I have been using the Cindy Crawford Meaningful beauty range for over a year now , but the Liz Earle range is far superior and better value !
Really glad you are having good results with it!
love Liz Earle products, especially Cleanse and Polish I use it regularly and affordable too.
I want to comment on how interesting your blog is. Your recommendations on so many of the products have given us a real awareness of what’s currently on the market keeping us well and truly up to date. Shall be recommending your blog to friends and relatives.
Thank you Jenny, I’m happy you enjoy reading it!
Hi, I came here through searching google for Liz Earle’s products. I’ve heard of them before and would also like to do a review for one of the Liz Earle products. Are they only available in the UK? Very useful blog by the way!
Liz Earle products are available online. I’m not sure about European stockists I’m afraid.
I’ve never heard of Milia before but I think I had it too. In the past I’ve noticed after coming in from the cold into a nice warm house my face gets all warm and then begins to itch badly. The next day my skin would feel kind of tight and bumpy.
I’ve also been fighting acne for a long time so when I came across your post it made me wonder if Milia is a type of cystic acne. I would love it if you could explain a little more about what Milia is.