In previous reporting, we asked dermatologists about milia, a common skin condition where small, white cysts form around the eyes and elsewhere on the face. You might notice this more with age, because of slower cell turnover trapping dead skin cells that form the little bumps. If you’ve been dealing with milia and are looking for a solution, users of these exfoliating pads are impressed with the results so far. “I’m 61 years old and have had milia under my eyes for years,” one person wrote. “THEY’RE GONE after using this product. I can’t believe it!”
We’re talking, of course, about the First Aid Beauty Brighten + Glow facial radiance pads. These pads, which are sold in a few different quantities, are formulated with lactic and glycolic acids for exfoliation. According to an aesthetician interviewed in previous HuffPost reporting, these alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are helpful for addressing milia because they “dissolve dead skin buildup on the surface, smooth texture and prevent cyst formation.”
The pads are also designed to work well on sensitive and acne-prone skin, without irritation. They’re alcohol-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free, and the exfoliating toner helps to clear clogged pores as well as smooth, even and brighten skin tone. “These have been a staple in skincare routine since 2024. They leave my skin feeling so clean and exfoliated, without being irritated,” one reviewer shared. “I often find products like these to be harsh and irritating, but these are gentle.”
Reviewers with milia also vouch for the pads’ effectiveness. “This product is great and it has helped to get rid of the milia that I had,” one said, while another proclaimed, “My pores look tighter and [t]he small white bumps around my nose are clearing up” after just a few day of consistent use. One reviewer even mentioned using the glycolic acid on their “body bumps,” or keratosis pilaris. (You should know, however, that First Aid Beauty makes a different product more specifically aimed at addressing KP. In fact, HuffPost senior shopping writer Tessa Flores once called their KP Bump Eraser “a product that, if forced to decide, I would take with me to a deserted island.”)
And beyond smoothing textured skin, exfoliating can help your skin care absorb better to make it more effective overall. Helpfully, it can also create a smoother base for makeup, if you wear it regularly. One person who called the pads their “holiest grail” wrote, “They’re the only thing that helps skincare absorb and not pill, and the only thing that prevents any flakiness AND scares off hormonal breakouts. I use them at least every other day, and it’s helped me be so much more comfortable this winter.”
Another agreed with this sentiment, writing, “I can always tell when I use these vs when I don’t, because my face has more of a sheen or glow to it and my moisturizer and makeup go on smoother.”
Like many exfoliation pads, these have one bumpy side for exfoliating and one smooth side for cleansing and removing impurities. Using them couldn’t be easier; just swipe, turn the pad over, swipe again, and you’re good to go. And shoppers can vouch for the brand’s claim that even a single pad makes a difference: “After one use - it was vibrant, baby soft and well exfoliated!” one person shared. “I really want to gate-keep these (because they’re that good) but I won’t.”
Below, you’ll find more promising reviews from folks who love these First Aid Beauty pads and have seen the results for themselves. When it comes to smoothing out your skin, it truly couldn’t be easier than this.
“Have these on a monthly subscription. I’ve suffered for so many years with bumps on my skin but also very sensitive skin so many toners would burn my skin. These pads have saved my skin and don’t burn my sensitive skin at all. I use these daily and I think they are worth every penny, LOVE THEM!” — Melanie
“I have tried it all! Seriously I have tried everything to get rid of my small bumps/texture that is on my cheeks. Nothing helped, until I tried these pads! I started with the smaller container and I’m down to my last 2 and I have seen a major difference! I use them only in the morning after I wash my face. I am amazed that something finally helped my texture/bumps!” — Tara
“I am 60 years old and in the past couple of years I have noticed more clogged and enlarged pores on my nose and chin. I’ve used a lot of over the counter and professional grade products, including Retin-A every night, but nothing had helped until I started using these pads 3-5 mornings a week. I have noticed a significant improvement and have only been using this product for a few weeks. I had a VERY enlarged, congested pore on my nose and noticed tonight that it is almost back to normal. I could barely tell where it was and I was looking in a 10x magnification mirror.” — Carla
“Love these face pads. I use them daily and my skin looks younger, smoother and more even toned. Highly recommend.” — dgp1811
“I cannot say enough about these pads… I’m 50 and was dealing with comedones and peeling dry skin, I started using these along with a few other products and it’s made a HUGE improvement in my skin!!!! I would highly recommend these!!!” — Tina
Check out these expert-recommended skin care products for milia, from a list curated by the HuffPost Shopping team:
A face serum with both glycolic and lactic acids
One aesthetician told HuffPost that alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic "dissolve dead skin buildup on the surface, smooth texture and prevent cyst formation." In an effort to find just one solution that contains both acids, we decided to include the Advanced Clinical's exfoliating face serum, an affordable formula that features a 10% concentration of glycolic and lactic acid and is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on iHerb across 12,200+ ratings.
In addition to preventing milia, this retexurizing and lightwieght gel formula can target uneven skin tone, irregular texture and soften the look of fine lines. It also contains soothing vitamin E and antioxidant-rich green tea extract.
A retinol resurfacing serum
This beloved resurfacing retinol serum by CeraVe has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon across 55,570+ ratings. In addition to containing encapsulated retinol, a more stabilized form of the ingredient, the CeraVe formula uses licorice root extract for skin brightening, niacinamide and ceramides for a healthy skin barrier.
A resurfacing face wash with AHAs and BHAs
The aesthetician said that the SkinMedica AHA/BHA exfoliating cleanser combines both physical and chemical exfoliants to keep keratin moving and is great for daily light exfoliation. Intended to make your complexion appear smoother and more radiant, the SkinMedia cleanser features mildly astringent citrus acids, AHAs and BHAs, along with small jojoba oil spheres that lift polish away dead skin.