Milk of Magnesia: Benefits of Magnesium Hydroxide for Skin

Milk of Magnesia

Also referred to as magnesium hydroxide, this inorganic compound has a certain milk-like appearance, from which it has earned its name. It’s commonly used in antacids because of its ability to neutralize stomach acid and also as antiperspirant in deodorants. Other uses of this compound include:

• Cure against canker sores when used topically
• Folk remedy against dandruff
• Laxative for relief against constipation
• Relief for heartburn
• Relief for indigestion
• Relief for symptoms of seborrhea
• Neutralize acidic wastewaters

Milk of Magnesia Ingredients

This compound is referred to as an alkaline suspension, and goes through a lot of chemical process before it is formed.

In its most basic form, this compound is form by metathesis reaction from the following ingredients:

• Magnesium salts
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Ammonium hydroxide
• Magnesium oxide
• Beryllium hydroxide
• Calcium hydroxide
• Barium hydroxide
• Strontium hydroxide

However, its main active ingredients remain to be magnesium hydroxide, with inactive ingredients such as sodium hypochlorite and purified water.

Milk Of Magnesia for Skin

People with oily skin greatly benefit from the alkaline characteristics of magnesium hydroxide. As such, there are many uses of this compound and several benefits such as:

• Prevents excess oil in skin
• Keeps pimples from sprouting
• Decreases the size of facial pores
• Prevents dirt from clogging in the pores
• Effective disinfectant for several types of skin rashes

Milk of Magnesia Acne Treatment

Magnesium hydroxide is also very effective as a treatment for acne.

It is a cheap form of treatment but has been proven to be safe and effective. Acne eruptions are most commonly brought about by oily skin and the compound’s properties of battling excess oil greatly helps in preventing acne. The zinc in magnesium hydroxide also disinfects the acne and keep it from aggravating.