Milk of magnesia is a mineral compound of magnesium hydroxide, which is a chemical method Mg(OH)₂. It usually occurs in mineral brucite. It has a solid white color with low water solubility. Magnesium hydroxide is a common element of antacids such as laxatives or milk of magnesia.
The milk of magnesia consists of magnesium occurring in minerals. The human body needs magnesium for proper body functions, especially nerves and muscles. It should be kept away from children’s reach to prevent risk.
Preparation
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Consolidating a solution of numerous magnesium salts with basic water instigates precipitation of strong Mg(OH)2:
Mg2+ + 2 OH− → Mg(OH)2
On a commercial measure, Mg(OH)2 is composed by using seawater with lime (Ca(OH)2). 600 m3 (158,503 US gallons) of seawater produces about one ton of Mg(OH)2. Ca(OH)2 is far extra soluble than Mg(OH)2, so the following precipitates as a solid:
Uses
Precursor to MgO
Most Mg(OH)2 that is manufactured industrially, as well as the small number that is mined, is transformed to fused magnesia (MgO). Magnesia is worthy because it is both a poor electrical transmitter and an exceptional thermal conductor.
Health: Used for Metabolism
Magnesium hydroxide is utilized in suspension as a laxative or antacid and depending on its concentration.
As an Antacid, the magnesium hydroxide is dosed at roughly 0.5–1.5 g in grown-ups and works by straightforward balance, where the hydroxide substances from the Mg(OH)2 consolidate with acidic H+ particles delivered as hydrochloric corrosive by parietal cells in the stomach to create water.
Magnesium hydroxide as a laxative is dosed at 2-5g and acts in several ways. First, Mg2+ is inadequately assimilated from the intestinal tract, so it draws water from the encompassing tissue as a natural by-product. In addition to the fact that this increases in water content mellow the excrement, it additionally expands the volume of stools in the digestive tract (intraluminal volume) which normally invigorates intestinal motility.
Moreover, Mg2+ ions trigger the release of cholecystokinin (CCK), which causes an intraluminal build-up of water, electrolytes, and extra-intestinal motility. Some references claim that the hydroxide ions themselves do not present a meaningful role in the laxative outcomes of milk of magnesia, as necessary solutions) are not completely laxative, and non-basic Mg2+ solutions, like MgSO4, are both strong laxatives, a mole for mole.
A modest quantity of the magnesium from magnesium hydroxide is generally consumed by the digestive system (except if one is lack in magnesium). Nonetheless, magnesium is discharged by the kidneys so, long haul, day by day utilization of milk of magnesia by somebody experiencing kidney failure could lead in theory to hypermagnesemia. Unabsorbed sedate is discharged in defecation; assimilated medicate is discharged quickly in urine.
Milk of Magnesia: History
On May 4, 1818, an American inventor called John Callen got a patent for magnesium hydroxide. In 1892, Sir James Murray utilized a condensed solution of liquid magnesia, a preparation of his module to treat the Lord Lieutenant from Ireland (the Marquis of Anglesey) for stomach discomfort. It washes not successful that he was designated inhabitant doctor to Anglesey and two ensuing Lords Lieutenant and knighted. His liquid magnesia item was licensed two years after his passing in 1873.
The word milk of magnesia was introduced by Charles Henry-Philips in 1872 for the end of magnesium hydroxide formulated at around 8% w/v. It was marketed with the brand called Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia for healing usage.
Uses and effects
The milk of magnesia is used as a laxative for relieving constipation, heartburn, and indigestion. It helps to lower the stomach acid and increase water content in the intestines. The magnesium hydroxide helps to draw the water from tissue near the bowel into the gut to remove waste out. The primary form of magnesia milk commonly induces a bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours.
It is commonly used as an over-the-counter medicine for constipation. Constipation is when an individual unable to pass regular stools with symptoms including:
- Bloating
- Lumpy and hard stools
- The feeling of incomplete passing of stool
- Abdominal area discomfort
- Feeling strain
Milk of Magnesia for Oily Skin
Milk of magnesia is beneficial to skin health, especially for oily skin. It helps to fight against oily skin problems and provide soothing effects to the skin. It is also available in liquid form.
How to Use Milk of Magnesia?
- Clean your face fully and remove the extra moisture. Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Use a thin layer application of milk of magnesia on the face using a cotton ball.
- It is similar to calamine lotion in texture but uses a small quantity of magnesia milk.
- Let the application get dry.
- If you are about to go out, then apply your makeup on it and dab some talcum or regular powder on it for smooth skin.
Milk of Magnesia Oily Skin
Causes Oily Skin?
As the extra oily is produced in the skin, it starts to shine. But this shine is not always healthy and cause skin problems like acne. In some people, the sebaceous glands generate more oil, which causes oily skin.
Oily skin appears shiny or greasy quick after cleansing. Breakouts are also occurred by dead skin cells and sebum when stuck in pores.
Here are some causes of oily skin:
Genetics
Oily skin may come from genetics, which passes parent to children and they experience overactive sebaceous glands.
Age
While you do not grow oily skin, but the skin produces less sebum as your age increases. Aging causes to lose skin protein, such as collagen, which leads to slow sebaceous glands. It is the reason that people suffer from dry skin as they age. They notice wrinkles and fine lines, which are more noticeable due to collagen loss.
Having oily skin only benefits to hide the appearance of aging signs than the dry skin. As you begin to age your skin composition change, which requires evaluation of skin and proper care.
Place and Weather
Apart from aging and genetics, your surroundings and weather also contribute to oily skin. Hot weather and humid climate trigger more sebum in the skin. You may have noticed more oily skin during summer than the winter or fall. Having a skin routine every day can help to treat the condition.
Enlarged pores
Sometimes weight fluctuations, age, or previous breakouts stretch the pores. Enlarged pores cause to generate more oil. Shrinking the pore may not possible in some people but caring enough is helpful to shrink them.
Wrong Skincare Products
Oily skin may occur due to wrong skincare products for different skin types. Some people may mistake the skin combination and the product they use and apply more cream, which can be heavy for the skin.
If you have more dehydrated skin during the winter season, you may need to use various skin care products for summer and spring with lightweight moisturizer or gel-based cleansers.
Using the right skincare products helps to make more difference in reducing oil on the skin.
Overdoing Using Skin Care Routine
Overdoing exfoliating and washing face can also trigger oily skin. It can be similar to an oxymoron since the washing and exfoliating purpose to remove oil. But doing the routine more time can cause too much oil production. It will keep your sebaceous glands in emergency mode, where they produce more oil.
Not applying sunscreen also cause dry skin and leads to more sebum production. Make sure to apply sunscreen every day. Moisturize your face after washing and then apply sunscreen to let skin less oily but still require to reapply.
Skipping Moisturizer
Moisturizing skin is always beneficial for preventing oily skin. Using acne such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic, you require a good moisturizer to prevent dry skin. You can use water-based, or lightweight moisturizer for the skin. Also, look for oil-free or non-comedogenic products to keep the pores clear.
Benefits of For Oily Skin
Cleans Up Skin
Milk of magnesia helps treat oily skin problems. It works effectively for cleansing the skin thoroughly.
Use as a Primer
It is also known for using it as a primer. It helps to smoothen your skin and make it easy for makeup application. Milk of Magnesia contains oil blotting properties, which can lower oil production during the summer season. It also used for treating seasonal outbreaks and other oily skin conditions. Milk of magnesia used for bridal makeups to make the makeup appearance fresh for the whole day. It gives flawless skin to the bride without extra touch-ups. You can use it after applying moisturizer as a thin layer. Let it get dry after using, then apply the normal makeup routine.
Controls Extra Shine
Applying milk of magnesia helps to control the extra shine. It acts as a clay mask to remove the extra oil from the skin.
Kills Bacteria
Milk of magnesia also helpful for preventing bacterial growth in the skin. It comprises of zinc, which helps to improve the wounds.
Gently Remove the Blackheads
The milk of magnesia helps to benefits for removing blackheads gentler than the nose and facial strips. It requires to cover lightly on blackhead affected part and clean off using warm water after getting dry. It is the best way to remove blackheads easily.
Cleanser and Toner
The milk of magnesia is an excellent toner and cleanser for skin. It can decrease facial pore size.
Removes Oiliness and Sun-tan
Using milk of magnesia also makes the skin lighter, glowing, and healthier. Applying milk of magnesia once in a month removes the excess oil and suntan.
Reduces Blemishes
Using milk of magnesia over the oily skin helps to prevent skin irritation and blemishes.
Face Mask for Oily Skin
Milk of magnesia also benefits as a face mask for treating oily skin. It helps to absorb the excess oils and regulate your complexion. It also neutralizes the acid production in the skin and reduces acne breakouts. Milk of magnesia is one of the natural ingredients for removing face impurities of the skin.
Skin Rashes
Milk of magnesia is highly effective for curing skin rashes. It provides acidic properties to regulate acids, which cause skin rashes in oily skin. It helps to disinfect the skin and prevent rashes spreading.
Milk Of Magnesia: Dos and Don’ts
- Using milk of magnesia cause tightness and dryness. Therefore, only if you are suffering from oily skin problems.
- It may cause flakiness and irritation and create whitish or chalky face skin.
- Apply only a small quantity to cure the oily skin.
- It is not recommended for dry skin.
- Before using milk of magnesia shake it well.
- If you get any side effects from the milk of magnesia, stop using it.
- It is recommended to use only 1-2 times a week.
What you need to understand before using Milk of Magnesia
Many beauty experts use it as a face primer and believe milk of magnesia helps to treat common beauty problems including:
- Lowering blackheads and blemishes.
- Reduce excess oils, which causes breakouts.
- Clear skin imperfections caused by acne scarring.
- Heal skin infection and irritation from rashes of bug bites.
How Milk of Magnesia Cause Side Effects?
It consists of a bleaching agent made of water and magnesium hydroxide combination with a new formula of sodium hypochlorite. However, it is the main bleaching ingredient. Using produce with bleaching ingredients can be harsh for the skin and burn it. It may also cause soreness, blisters, redness, and other skin problems.
Milk of magnesium consists of hidden inactive ingredients.
Most of the people skip reading the product labels and do not understand the instructions. If you find any ingredient suspicious, then search it on the web to know the chemical structure and its properties.
Some hidden and inactive ingredients in the milk of magnesia also cause allergic reactions.
Milk of magnesia may cause tightness and dryness on normal to dry skin. Do not apply it to broken or sensitive skin. Keep milk of magnesia for more time on the skin causes irritations.
Make sure to use milk of magnesia under the expert guidance for oily skin or other health problems. If side effects occur, then stop the use and consult your doctor.