For oily skin and acne: Phillips Milk of Magnesia

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This is an oldie but still a goodie. Milk of magnesia (MOM) is originally appointed by doctors to relieve constipation/hyper acidity/ulcer. It's generally sold in liquid form (there is one in tablet but in this post you will need the liquid form) and is an inorganic compound that looks similar to milk, hence the name.

I've heard that Milk of Magnesia is good for oily skin. So today i'm going to share a little research i made, the product of my sudden geeky mind. There are two ways to use it (Note: Do not try if you are allergic or unsure. To be sure, do a test on a small patch of skin):

Like facial
For sensitive skin:
"It's an amazing mask to draw out the impurities and treat acne. You can use this mask once a week or daily for very oily skin. It has done wonders for my skin. It works much more effectively than any clay mask etc. You can use Philips Milk of Magnesia brand or any store brand works fine. Shake up well and apply. The consistancy is liquid, but will dry and harden quickly. Then rinse. The milk combined with the baking soda scrub that has been mentioned previously by others is an effective combination to treat acne. You simply mix the baking soda with either water or a gentle facial cleanser and scrub in lightly, not too abrasively to irritate your skin. Because I have sensitive skin, I do not use both treatments on the same day, but it is up to your disgretion. Also another great remedy to treating acne is wiping H2O2 or your skin. My final tip is not a holistic remedy, yet is very effective: benzoyl peroxide, you can purchase this at any drugstore. You only use a small amount and gradually work up the frequency of application, because benzoyl peroxide can be very drying. Also, do not use hydrogen peroxide the same time that you use the benzoyl peroxie for this would be too strong for your skin. Hope this info helps someone. Good luck, this has been the trick for me." - Christa from Mountlake Terrace, WA
For combination/normal skin:You can use it as a treatment, a mask, apply it once or twice a week. That means if you have combination skin, applying MOM everyday on your face is not recommended. Why? Your skin will become really dry and totally tight. (Dry skin = wrinkles)

As a Primer
"Make up stays put and skin doesn't oil up as much. You have to be careful when using this because it dries white. However, if you put the tiniest amount (like a drop or two) and spread it on your oily areas, it dries up clear but mattifies your skin like you won't believe!...I used mineral make up with this. I apply my minerals wet so the Maalox (brand) mixes with it a bit when I buff it in but it's not a problem. But too much Maalox can make it look a bit cakey. I think it's a little but like mineral make up when it comes to application, you have to get used to it, trial and error, until you find what's perfect for you..." - Harlequin91

♥ For the sole purpose of having a smoother canvas to apply makeup on. Pressed powder is not recommended for oily skin, as it does not give your face a chance to breathe. Try a loose powder on top of the Milk of Magnesia, as your skin will feel smoother and dryer than what is otherwise typical for your skin type.

Hey, look at all the PH levels! I emphasized the commonly used ingredients on the face!
pH 1 battery acid - (acid extreme)
pH 1.5 -2 = Gastric (stomach) acid
pH 2.5 = Cola soft drinks
pH 2 = lemon juice
pH 3 = vinegar
ph = 3.5 Orange Juice
pH 4.6-5.5 = healthy skin
pH 5.5 = rain, (pure water, when exposed to the atmosphere, will take in carbon dioxide, changing its pH)
pH 6.5 = milk
pH 6.5 – 7.4 = Healthy Saliva
pH 7 = pure distilled water - (this is Neutral pH, neither acid or base)
pH 7.35 – 7.45 = human blood
pH 8.5 = baking soda
pH 9 = Sea Water
pH 9.0-10.0 = Hand Soap, detergents
pH 10.5 = Milk of Magnesia
pH 11.5 = household ammonia
pH 12.5 = household bleach
pH 13 = lye (sodium hydroxide, or Draino)(Alkaline or Base extreme)"



Milk of Magnesia for acne
How does Milk of Magnesia for Acne Work?
It has an alkaline base. Thus, it nullifies the acid level in the skin, which is the main cause of acne. It absorbs the excess of oil and protects the skin from acne growth. Even in the case where the acne bursts and becomes septic, milk of magnesia can be used as a disinfecting agent.

How and When to Use Milk of Magnesia for Acne?
Milk of magnesia for acne is meant for topical application only. It helps by controlling the oil level on the skin, which is many times the reason for acne. The product works for curing cystic and nodular growths too. It can be used as a cleaner and toner. Topical application: Take some on a cotton ball and gently apply on the affected area. A regular application of the same will reduce the oiliness of the skin, thus reducing the probability of acne infection. Toner: Apply after your shower and rinse it off after some time. As a cleanser, apply on the affected area, like any other cleaner and wipe it with a wet cloth or wash it off.
Source: Buzzle


The let-downs (side effects, etc):
♥ Dryness and tightness. Can also cause irritation and flakiness.
♥ If using Maalox +, it has simethicone. Simethicone is silica gel (yup, the one in shoe boxes that says do not eat!) and dimethicone (a synthetic/harmful chemical that clogs pores and is an irritant.

Overall thought:
Milk of Magnesia is really effective for oily skin, as it has an alkaline base that nullifies the acid level in the skin that causes oil and acne. You could easily clog up your skin though, if you are using something so powerful that you don't really need, so it takes small steps and tests to find out what your skin needs. You could either buy Phillips Milk of Magnesia or Maalox (available in drugstores). But I think Phillips Milk of Magnesia is much more effective to really oily skin. Each brand has different formula.

What pings over and over in my head is this question: Why on earth would pharmaceutical companies add ingredients such as simethicone (silica gel + dimethicone) to something that is originally made for drinking?! Sure, chemistry changes the chemical composition but still.

My advice: check on the ingredients of the BRAND you are planning to buy before you apply it on your skin as you might be allergic to one of its ingredients (i.e., dimethicone, silica gel, etc.)

Disclaimer: I am no expert. Proceed on your own caution, i just did a little research :)