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What is Milk of Magnesia?

Milk of magnesia, also known as magnesium hydroxide, is a medication typically used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation. It works by drawing water into the intestines which softens the stool and stimulates bowel movements.

The active ingredient in milk of magnesia is magnesium hydroxide. When taken orally, it works to pull water into the colon to induce bowel movements. This helps provide relief from constipation and makes stools easier to pass.

Using Milk of Magnesia on Skin

In addition to its use as a laxative, some people also apply milk of magnesia directly on the skin as part of their skincare routine. It can be used as a primer before makeup application or as a spot treatment for acne.

When applied topically on the skin, the magnesium hydroxide in milk of magnesia can help absorb oil, tighten pores, and give skin a smooth base for makeup application. The alkaline nature of milk of magnesia also helps balance the skins pH levels.

Benefits for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Using milk of magnesia on oily, acne-prone skin can offer several benefits:

• Absorbs excess oil from the skins surface
• Minimizes the appearance of large pores
• Balances pH levels on the skin
• Prevents acne breakouts by limiting oil and bacteria buildup
• Primes skin for smoother makeup application

The oil-absorbing and pore-tightening abilities of milk of magnesia can help manage shine throughout the day. This makes it an ideal primer for those with oily skin types looking to control excess sebum production.

How to Apply Milk of Magnesia to Your Face

Using milk of magnesia on your face is quite simple:

1. Start with a cleansed, dry face. Make sure there is no residue left over from cleansers or other skincare products.
2. Pour a dime-sized amount of milk of magnesia onto a cotton pad or round.
3. Gently smooth the milk of magnesia all over your face, avoiding the eye area.
4. Let it dry completely. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
5. Apply your regular moisturizer and makeup products as usual.

You can use milk of magnesia as the first step after cleansing to prime your skin. It creates a smooth, matte base for makeup to grip onto. Be sure to still use a moisturizer as milk of magnesia can be drying.

How Often to Use?

Limit using milk of magnesia on your face to once daily, at most. Using it more often than this risks over-drying your skin.

Listen to your own skin when deciding exactly how often to reach for the milk of magnesia. If your skin leans more dry or sensitive, a few times a week may be sufficient.

How Long to Leave Milk of Magnesia on Face

After applying a thin layer of milk of magnesia all over your face, leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes maximum. You want to give it enough time to absorb oil and mattify the skin before makeup application.

However, you dont want to let it sit for too long since it can have an overly drying effect. Letting it sit for about 5 minutes is enough for most skin types to get the intended oil-absorbing benefits.

What to Avoid When Using Milk of Magnesia

When using milk of magnesia topically, be mindful of the following:

• Eye area: Keep away from your eyes as it can be irritating.
• Broken or damaged skin: Skip using on open wounds or irritated skin as it may cause stinging.
• Longer than 10 minutes: Dont leave on longer than 5-10 minutes to prevent excessive dryness.
• More than once a day: Limit use to daily at most as it can strip your skin if overused.

What to Expect with Continued Use

With regular yet moderate use of milk of magnesia as a face primer, you can expect to see the following skin improvements over time:

• Reduced oiliness and shine throughout the day
• Pores appear smaller and tighter
• Less frequent acne breakouts
• Smoother, more even-toned skin texture

Be sure you are still using a good moisturizer in addition to help counteract any potential drying effects.

Is Milk of Magnesia Safe for Everyone?

Milk of magnesia is generally considered safe for healthy skin when used appropriately. However, some people may experience drawbacks or adverse effects with topical use.

Sensitive Skin Types

Those with sensitive skin are more prone to irritation, redness, or stinging when using milk of magnesia on the face. It may disrupt the skins protective moisture barrier leading to worsened dryness or flaking.

Very Dry and Mature Skin

Milk of magnesia can be overly drying, especially on skin types already prone to dryness. People with very dry or mature skin are at higher risk of dehydration, irritation, and amplified fine lines and wrinkles when using milk of magnesia.

Its best to use the less is more approach, applying thinner layers less often. Make sure to adequately moisturize if you decide to use milk of magnesia.

Eczema or Rosacea

Skin conditions like eczema and rosacea involve irritated, sensitive skin that often lacks proper moisture retention. Milk of magnesia risks worsening the dryness, redness, scaling, stinging, and flares associated with these skin disorders.

Its recommended to avoid leave-on skincare products containing milk of magnesia if you have been diagnosed with eczema or rosacea.

The Takeaway

Applying milk of magnesia to your face can offer benefits like controlling excess oil, minimizing pores, preventing acne, and priming skin for makeup. When used appropriately, it is generally well tolerated.

Limit usage to once daily for 5-10 minutes maximum. While it can improve oily, acne-prone skin, overuse comes with drawbacks like dryness, irritation, and possible breakouts. People with sensitive or dry skin need to be extra mindful.

Use milk of magnesia as an occasional, short-term skincare treatment. Make sure to nourish skin properly with moisturizers to counterbalance its drying effects.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.