Skip to main content

Should You Be Using a Laxative...on Your Skin?





here are a handful of unique "miracle" skin treatments available in medispas and as DIY options: sheep placenta, urine, blood—these are just a few of the more PG-rated ingredients. Just do a quick search and you'll see what I am talking about.
I am generally open to exploring the scientific legitimacy behindunusual options, and that is exactly what I did when it came to a relatively recent fad: the milk of magnesia (MOM) facial. MOM is indicated for use as a laxative/antacid combo. And it is touted by some online beauty pundits as a good primer option for those with oily, acne-prone skin. I tend to disagree. Not with the fact that it may be an effective degreaser, as it may be, but rather with the idea that it would benefit the skin.
After taking one look at the ingredients, I would not condone its use in a dermatologic context. MOM's active ingredient is magnesium hydroxide (the theoretical lipid buster) plus it also contains sodium hypochlorite (bleach), and it has an overall pH of 10.5. Our skin and its protective barrier, the acid mantle, operate best at a slightly acidic pH of 5.5. Anything that increases the pH to the basic end of the spectrum (e.g., soap, harsh astringents, and MOM) disrupts the natural equilibrium of our largest organ, potentially leading to irritation. (See: What Might Be Causing Your Acne to Flare Up.)

While it makes sense that something basic (that is, having a high pH) is beneficial in neutralizing the harsh acidic environment of the stomach, it does not operate the same way in keeping the biological milieux of our skin intact. Now, that being said, one application of MOM to an acne-prone complexion wouldn't necessarily wreak total havoc—although it may. And long-term use could certainly strip the barrier of essential lipids and proteins that lock good in and keep bad out. It boils down to this: Why risk it when there are so many healthier and safer options?

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

is coffee ok when you are pregnant???

Caféine during pregnancy Now that I'm pregnant, do I have to stop drinking coffee and avoid other sources of caffeine? If you're pregnant, it's a good idea to limit your intake of caffeine. But how much is okay? After decades of discussion and conflicting studies, there's still no clear answer on how much caffeine is safe during pregnancy. To err on the side of caution, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises pregnant women to limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day, which is about one 11-ounce cup of coffee (See the chart below to get a sense of the amount of caffeine in common beverages and foods.) What are the concerns about caffeine consumption during pregnancy? When you drink a cup of coffee, caffeine crosses the placenta into the amniotic fluid and your baby's bloodstream. While your body goes to work metabolizing and getting rid of the caffeine, your baby's body is still developi...

Women's Full Body Fat Burning Workout!!

What Is Your Fitness Personality?

Feeling lazy about exercise? Perhaps you're not picking the right type of workout to match your mindset. Answer the following questions about your personality, habits, and interests to discover the ideal routine for you. women work out,good gym workout,best gym workouts for women ,work out for girls ,the best workout plan for women ,full body workout routine for toning ,gym workout routine women,fitness club for women,best workout routine for women ,fitness training program for women