Milk of Magnesia: Beyond a Laxative

Milk of magnesia is the trade name for the drug ‘Magnesium hydroxide’. It is used to improve digestive problems and fight stomach acid but it is also worth knowing that it can be applied externally too. So what does a proven laxative have to do with blemished skin? Well, it calms and relaxes the skin much as it calms and relaxes troubled intestines. It is a product that is appreciated in beauty due to its properties, which are great for improving skin appearance and treating certain skin conditions. Come on! Let’s see what other things milk of magnesia do aside being a laxative.
1. It is greatly used to fight greasy skin and its oily appearance by regulating excess sebum. It absorbs oil and shrinks pores. Hence, it is used as a face primer. Apply 2 drops of milk of magnesia onto a cotton pad and wipe it over your face. Always do it on clean skin.
2. It is an effective solution for treating skin with dermatitis because in mild cases it can minimize some of the main symptoms such as redness, itching and irritation. Apply twice a day for relief.
3. It is also effective for treating acne skin because it prevents outbreaks of pimples and pores becoming so easily clogged with external pollution. It also promotes skin cleansing by removing all the dirt and accumulated oil. Dabbing some milk of magnesia directly on an active pimple, leaving it overnight will dry out the zit before it can grow larger.
4. It helps to soothe the burning sensation in the dermis when it is burned due to excessive sun exposure.
5. To alleviate some conditions such as cold sores affecting your lips and also act as natural deodorant, combating excessive sweating and body odor.
6. It has alkaline nature that naturally draws oil away from the surface of the skin. It also has antibacterial qualities that help to kill bacterial on the skin.
But note that it is not suitable for very dry skin as it make it tight and make it even drier. It is essential to apply in small quantities. Do a small test on your hand before using it to check for possible allergic reactions. There are some treatments that are not exactly meant for acne but work well. Milk of magnesia is one such acne cure.