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Milk of magnesia works to clear up acne blemishes.

Q. My son has acne and seborrheic dermatitis. He has been treated with antibiotics that help somewhat but never completely clear it.

I have heard that applying milk of magnesia (MoM) to the face is a low-risk approach. How effective is it?

A. There are no scientific studies of milk of magnesia applied topically for acne or seborrheic dermatitis. Some people tell us it is ineffective while others sing MoM’s praises:

“My grandson had severe acne. I sent the column about milk of magnesia for acne to his mother. The next time I saw him, about a month later, I could hardly believe the improvement, about 90 percent better. He applied MoM morning and evening and is still using it.”

We are sending you our Guide to Skin Care and Treatment with more details on a variety of approaches for acne and seborrheic dermatitis. Your son might also consider a change of diet. We heard this from a reader:

“My 16-year-old daughter had terrible acne. She gave up sugar, dairy and gluten and started taking natural supplements for other reasons, and her acne disappeared within 6 weeks. She has beautiful skin now.”

Her experience is supported by research published in the European Journal of Dermatology (online Sept. 7, 2010).

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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