Pamela ponders: Tyra Banks recommends Milk of Magnesia as a make-up base in order to prevent the skin from getting oily. Will it work for acne prone skin or will it only irritate or aggravate the acne? The Right Brain responds:
While we don`t normally put much stock in supermodel science tips, Tyra might be on to something here.
First, for those of you who don`t know, we should explain that Milk of Magnesia (or MOM) is a common over-the-counter laxative. That`s right, its main purpose is to make you poop. Technically speaking, it`s a solution of magnesium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite and it works by drawing water into the intestine to help gently pass the bowel movement. (Hey, you asked!)
Interestingly, its ability to drive water absorbtion into the intestines could also make it capable of tightening skin and leaving a smooth surface for make up. In addition, it has some mild antibacterial properties. And since it`s such an effective absorbent it may dry your skin out. Based on these properties, MOM might help against acne. (If you really want to know how to fight zits, you should read our post about what causes acne.) In any case, at least in theory, Milk of Magnesia could have some benefits on skin. But does anyone LIKE the way it feels on their face?
A quick web search shows mixed results. Some people swear by it, saying that it keeps their make up looking better for longer. Others say they can`t stand it because it makes their skin look and feel chalky. Our guess is that it depends on your skin type and the type of make up you wear.
(By the way, be careful when you read what other sites say about ingredients. One forum said that MOM is a cheap alternative to Smashbox Anti-shine because it uses the same ingredient. That`s not exactly true Anti-shine contains Magnesium Aluminum Silicate which is NOT the same as Magnesium Hydroxide.)
The Brains Bottom Line:
If you`re a fan of DIY cosmetics, you might want to give Tyra`s tip a try. MOM is cheap “ and aside from potentially drying your skin, it`s unlikely to cause you any harm. This might be a good experiment for the Beauty Brains community to try! Let us know what happens.
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Left Brain Says:
Right, if you’re not going to try it we should make Sarah slather some on. She’ll try anything.
ef Says:
Hey beautybrains,
I’ve got a question about ‘Cream of Magnesia’ which I found next to the milk of magnesia at my local pharmacy. It supposedly has the same effects as MoM, it relieves constipation & indigestion. But would it work as a mattifier or makeup primer?
The ingredients label reads as follows: Light Magnesium Oxide 5.98% w/v, Magnesium Sulfate 0.075% w/v. Also contains: Purified water, chloroform.
Is it okay to use a product with chloroform on your face?
This product, Cream of Magnesia, is sold over the counter in the UK and the pharmacist seemed to think it was a little stronger than the standard MoM. It didn’t leave a white cast on my face, maybe because I only used a small amount. Do the ingredients suggest that it may be less effective (for the face) than plain old MoM? Thanks.
Susanna Says:
Paula Begoun’s been recommending it for years. I could never get hold of it in the UK though.
Sarah Bellum Says:
Very funny, Left Brain! If you’re not nice to me, I won’t finish my reviews on the Thermaclear Zit Zapper and the Go Commandos panty replacements.
thebeautybrains Says:
Ef: I’ve never heard of using Cream of Magnesia on your face. If you can get, MOM, I’d stick with that. And it does seem odd that it contains chloroform!
Left and Sarah: would you two stop feuding!
IB Says:
The best skin I ever saw was on a 60 year old woman who used unsweetened natural yoghurt on her face every morning for 15 minutes before washing off.
Baby bottom soft and unblemished.
thebeautybrains Says:
Yogurt and excellent genes. Nothing can beat that. Of course, she’ll probably have great skin if she just ate the yogurt too.
Sandy Says:
Phillips Milk of Magnesia works best. It has 500mg of magnesium hydroxide. Other imitations contain less of the main ingredient. It’s best used on combination/oily skin. You can use it as a mask for 10 min and wash off before applying makeup. What works best for me, being oily, is cleansing face, exfoliating, then applying a very thin layer of MOM, to thin to where you barely feel the dampness of it on you skin. Let dry. Then apply light foundation. My skin is left healthy all day long. The magesium hydroxide works like a magnet to pull out all the bad stuff from your skin. Can even be worn over night. It’s some great stuff. Clear, healthy skin.
Sandy Says:
one more thing, while using milk of magnesia, if it dries white, you have used too much. also, i have read that it helps kill bacteria on skin. hope this helped. If your oily/combination, you cant go wrong. I dont think it is necessary for normal/dry skin.
Sandy Says:
and do not apply with fingertips. it is not sanitary and will not go on eveenly. You must use cotton rounds or squares.