Milk of magnesia is said to be effective in absorbing the sebum and degreasing the skin. So, it is used as a remedy for problems associated with oily skin.
Oily skin is usually associated with teenage, however, it could be a lifelong condition for some people. The skin looks oily and dull, and develops blemishes. In some severe cases, coarse pores, pimples, and blackheads, can also be seen. It will be difficult to wear make up, and look fresh and clean. There are various over-the-counter products as well as home remedies for rectifying this skin problem. Milk of magnesia is one such remedy for oily skin.
It is a suspension of magnesium hydroxide in water, and is so known for its appearance, that resembles milk. So, milk of magnesia is primarily composed of magnesium hydroxide, but it also contains small amounts of sodium hypochlorite and purified water. This product is commonly used for medicinal purposes, especially as an antacid as well as a laxative. It is also found to be useful in relieving constipation. Being alkaline in nature, it neutralizes the stomach acids, thereby providing relief to heartburn and other such problems. It is also claimed to be effective as a remedy for various skin problems, like oily skin, acne, rash, and blemishes. If you want to use it for skin care, use unflavored suspension.
The magnesium hydroxide in this product is alkaline in nature, and helps in neutralizing the excess acid produced by the skin. It is this acid that is primarily responsible for the blemishes in the oily skin. The excess oil produced by the skin is absorbed by the sodium hypochlorite, which is also good for disinfecting the skin. Even the blackheads and pores are said to be reduced with use of milk of magnesia.
As mentioned above, unflavored versions of milk of magnesia suspension is usually used for skin care. If you want to use it as an oily skin remedy, then apply it on the skin and rinse with water, as it dries. Repeat this every week, for best results. Cleanse the skin and pat dry, before applying milk of magnesia. Make sure to shake the bottle well, before use.
It is being increasingly used as a base for make up. Those with oily skin may find it difficult to keep the make up on, for longer periods. In such cases, milk of magnesia can be an excellent base. All you have to do is to wash the face and pat dry, before applying it in a thin layer. Once it dries, you can proceed with the usual make up. It is said that milk of magnesia helps the skin to retain make up for a longer time.
Usually, topical use of milk of magnesia is not associated with any side effects. However, those with sensitive skin and allergies, must refrain from using it. If used in large amounts, milk of magnesia may cause irritation, dryness, and flakiness of the skin. So, use it in small quantities, once a week. Regular use is not advisable, as it can disrupt the pH of the skin, thereby making it prone to bacterial infections. Milk of magnesia is not meant for those with dry skin. Those with combination skin must apply it on oily areas only. It will be always better to go for a patch test, before using milk of magnesia for oily skin.