Milk of Magnesia for Skin

Milk of magnesia is white in color and is available both in liquid as well as tablet form. It is widely used as a laxative. When it is taken orally, it has a lubricating effect on the digestive system and facilitates bowel movement. Sometimes, it can also treat upset stomach. You may be surprised to know that it has some unique properties that can cure various skin conditions as well.

Milk of magnesia consists of magnesium hydroxide. It also has a trace amount of zinc in it. Both these ingredients play a major role in treating various skin problems. Some important uses are given here:

For those who are battling with acne problems, milk of magnesia can be the cheapest form of treatment. Acne tends to erupt on an oily skin. Milk of magnesia absorbs the excess oil present on the skin surface. Moreover, the alkaline nature of magnesium hydroxide helps to neutralize the acid responsible for causing acne and the zinc disinfects the skin.

Thus it ensures faster elimination of the acne. Pour some milk of magnesia on a cotton ball and dab it over each of the pimples and leave it overnight. Next morning, wash it off with lukewarm water.

Those who have an oily skin face a lot of problems. Frequent outbreak of pimples is one of them which can be controlled by using milk of magnesia. It decreases the size of the facial pores. As a result, dirt cannot clog up the pores and the skin stays clean.

In this way, it prevents pimple eruptions. Apply it on the facial skin with special attention on the T-zone, and leave it untouched for about 10 minutes. After that, rinse off with warm water. Initially, use it two times in a week. If you find that it suits your skin, then you can start applying it daily.

It becomes difficult to sustain makeup on oily skin throughout the day. So, you can use it as a makeup primer as well. When applied lightly on the skin, it absorbs extra oil and helps to hold the make up for a long time.

It has a soothing effect on sunburn. Take some milk of magnesia on cotton ball and wipe it over the affected skin lightly so that a thin layer is formed on the rashes. Allow it to dry up and then go to bed. It will help the sunburn to cool down. Next morning, after you wash it off, you will find that the sunburn does not hurt anymore when touched.

Milk of magnesia acts as an effective disinfectant for many other forms of skin rashes such as diaper rash in infants. Here, I would like to assure the parents that it is absolutely safe for the delicate skin of your little one.

However, you have to apply it with a gentle hand without rubbing the area too much. Apply a generous amount on the affected part with the help of a cotton ball. Its antacid properties neutralize the acids that cause diaper rash. Repeat the application until the rashes disappear completely.

As such, there is no side effect of using milk of magnesia on skin problems. However, if you have a sensitive skin or your skin is allergic to magnesium or zinc, then you should not use it on your skin. To be on the safe side, it is advisable to do a patch test on the elbows before applying it on the face.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.