What Is It??

Nov 4, 2013

Ammara L.

I have read about Milk of Magnesia for oily skin. what is it? Where I can find it and how to use it....
Its kinda stupid but I really don't know what it is... lol...

Nov 4, 2013

Lexi K.

Ehh, I really don't recommend this, here's a copy of what I posted in another thread.

Just a heads up, everyone loves the milk of magnesia cause it gives very dramatic immediate results, but it's really not good for your skin long term. It has a pH level over 10. Which is way too alkaline. The skins ideal pH should be around 5. Milk of magnesia isn't formulated for use on the skin, or with an appropriate pH. It's too harsh, and will damage the skins acid mantle over time, so please be cautious. If you want to control oil production over long term, consistent care with products designed for use of the skin are your best bet :)

I can also link some medical journals and scientific research on how important the skins pH is, and how high and low pH levels can affect it.

Learning the science about our skin and what goes on it is so necessary, and interesting. :)

You can use it if you'd like, but I just wanted to share.

Nov 4, 2013

Tara G.

Its actually an oral medication for nausea and indigestion but since it has a chalky texture some women use it as an oil control primer under foundation. I've never tried it myself.

Nov 4, 2013

Ammara L.

Really Lexi K. thanks for the information. but why then girls are in si much love with it.

Nov 4, 2013

Tara G.

Great advice Lexi!

Nov 4, 2013

Ammara L.

thanks Tara :)

Nov 4, 2013

Lexi K.

Thanks Tara :) && Ammara, people love it because it gives instant results, who wouldn't like that? lol. but it's not formulated for the skin, and shouldn't be used as a long term treatment. A lot of people don't know this.

Nov 4, 2013

Louise U.

Lexi is correct not good for skin after time.

Nov 4, 2013

Alissa S.

I've tried it because my skin is very oily and I didnt even see a difference so I never used it again.

Nov 4, 2013

Ivette H.

I have very oily skin. Milk of magnesia definetly keeps my makeup in place all day. I love it, I have heard its bad for the skin therefore try to use it only when going out or working a long day.

Nov 4, 2013

Symone B.

I actually asked my mom (Emergency room nurse) and my professors(retired doctors- I'm in college for the medical field) and they actually aren't against it. I researched it and I got worried because I use it daily. But they said it's not strong enough to change your skin's ph and that if you're really concerned to apply the milk of magnesia, let it dry, rinse it, use a toner (they are made to return skin back to normal ph)(a splash of cold water can do the same), then apply face makeup.

Nov 4, 2013

Lexi K.

Thanks for the info Symone. I'll do more research. I know the skin naturally returns back to it's normal pH, however wouldn't constant use of high alkaline products override that buffering ability? And if not strong enough then what level would be? I always thought anything above 8.5 is potentially damaging to the acid mantle? How exactly would splashing water on your face work if you have hard water?

Nov 4, 2013

Ammara L.

Thanks all girls for advice... I think I would be needing other safe products.

Nov 4, 2013

Shelley W.

I just asked my cosmetic chemist hubby about it. He said some skins can react negatively to it over time but its not going to cause long-term damage but he doesn't advise it as he believes in using cosmetics that contains some beneficial ingredients and this contains nothing beneficial for topical use.

Nov 4, 2013

Traci L.

I agree that this is really not good for your skin for one it creates a barrier on your skin that does not let air in and your natural acid mantle is bettwen 4.5 and 6.2 and this leaves it unbalance and some skin types react badly to this one of my clients used this for about a month and got dry patches all around her mouth area I just think there are much better choices that are made to be used on the skin.

Nov 4, 2013

Mistreece L.

M.O.M. or Milk Of Magnesia=Magnesium Hydroxide + Sodium Hypochlorite. Its a fairly inexpensive laxative as well as an antacid and is commonly used for those purposes. Its is not meant to be used regularly by any means. Its used kinda like cough medicine, only when you need it. The issue with this product on the skin is the 2nd ingredient which is a very low concentration of what we would call bleach. The percentage in MOM is very low however it is not recommended for regular or long term use. MOM is also very drying on the skin. So yes it works excellent as a primer but I would personally take heed on using it as a part of your daily routine.

Nov 5, 2013

Ammara L.

Thanks girls... you are all real gems.... :)