Oil Control: Milk of Magnesia

Could Milk of Magnesia be your cure for oily skin? 

Many people have claimed to find the solution for a shiny face. Type in "Milk of Magnesia" online and thousands of articles and youtube videos appear. So what is up with Milk of Magnesia?

What it is and how it works:

Milk of Magnesia is actually Magnesium Hydroxide. It is a base with a ph around 10-10. 5 . Most people are familiar with Milk of Magnesia as a laxative. This is because it helps to draw out the water from the bowels easing defecation. It also helps to neutralize stomach acid slightly.

How it keeps you shine free:

Milk of Magnesia has oil absorbing properties. 

Cost: 

Around $7 for 26fl oz . It lasts FOREVER . Make sure to buy it unflavored . 

How to use: (my method)

*Use before sunscreen and after moisturizer

1. Shake bottle vigorously 

2. Unscrew cap

3. Using what it left in the cap apply a thin layer to oily areas ONLY

4. Rinse cap

5. Screw cap back on

6. If it looks white or chalky, buff it out with a face brush or your fingers

Negative effects:

Many people only talk about the benefits in their blogs or other media, but there are several things you need to be aware of.

• Because it is basic, it can disrupt the acid mantle on your face. Skin is naturally acidic. For those of you wondering what the acid mantle is, it is the combination of sweat and sebum. It protects your face from bacteria. Without it, you are very susceptible to bacteria. 
• Milk of magnesia will dry your skin out if you have normal to dry skin. Even if you have extremely oily skin, your skin can  become dehydrated with overuse, which will create MORE oil. Your skin needs moisturizer. I wrote an article on moisturizers here
• It can cause many skin problems due to destroying the skin's acid mantle and/or dehydrating the skin. I have noticed small pimples where I tend not to be oily after continued use.
• Magnesium Hydroxide can react with common antibiotics "such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others)"Read more at http://www.drugs.com/mtm/magnesium-hydroxide.html#hEcFhvcy1Kb5ywvD.99 

Should I even use it?

My opinion of the matter is to only use it when you have a big event or another special occasion. Using it everyday did not work for me and slightly aggravated my skin. The first few times I used it, it soaked up my oil and worked perfectly, but after that, it seemed like it did not help much. Bottom line, use it only when you really need it. Otherwise, try blotting paper, powder, and matifying face products.

Information found: Here, Here
Photo found: Here

How do you deal with shine?