Magnesium can be absorbed through the skin for a convenient and effective way to increase your magnesium levels. When magnesium is absorbed through the skin, this process is called transdermal absorption. Magnesium is responsible for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, and muscle and nerve function. It is also essential to the production of protein, bone minerals, and DNA. Not all magnesium is created equally, and so we will focus on magnesium chloride in this blog because magnesium chloride is the most bioavailable form of magnesium and, essentially, the best “bang for your buck” when it comes to magnesium supplementation.

The top five benefits of transdermal magnesium are as follows;

  1. Fights fibromyalgia. (chronic pain, discomfort, fatigue, and sleep disturbances).

A study conducted on patients who applied magnesium chloride in spray form to their lower limbs twice daily for four weeks showed improved quality of life with patients who suffered from fibromyalgia. Read our blog on the Benefits of Floating for Fibromyalgia Sufferers for a more in-depth look at how fibromyalgia can be amplified with extensive stress, a lack of sleep and low magnesium levels.

  • 2. Helps you sleep.

Magnesium increases GABA in the body, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep. We recommend keeping some magnesium oil or gel close to your bed so you can either spray or rub it onto your feet before sleep or if you wake. This calms the nervous system, so it can help you gain a deeper and more restorative sleep.

  • 3. Beneficial for heart health.

Low levels of magnesium are associated with inflammation which impacts heart health. An essential role for magnesium is regulating muscle function, and of course, the heart is a vital organ that happens to be a muscle. When applied to the skin, magnesium is absorbed through the skin and directly into the tissue and cells, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. Some research suggests that transdermal magnesium application may have a higher absorbency rate than magnesium supplements or magnesium from food sources.

  • 4. Keeps bone strong and healthy.

Higher magnesium levels have been linked to higher bone density in postmenopausal women. Magnesium plays a role both directly and indirectly in bone health by regulating calcium and vitamin D levels, which are essential for strong, healthy bones.

  • 5. Treats skin problems.

If you have oily skin, applying magnesium oil or gel on your skin will help to reduce oiliness and help you get rid of premature ageing and acne. Read more about how magnesium plays a role in improving skin health here in our blog.

If you are interested in increasing your magnesium levels through a transdermal application, Water Temple has magnesium chloride in all its forms.

HS 101 Oil – the oil form can be used in the bath by adding a couple of tablespoons to your bathwater, or you can rub the oil in small amounts frequently throughout the day onto your skin for maximum absorption. As a warning, the strength of the magnesium in oil form can cause skin irritation, so we suggest you either dilute the oil with water or apply moisturiser to the same area if you experience a stinging or itching from the magnesium.

HS 101 Gel – the magnesium chloride gel is not as concentrated as the oil, so there is less risk of skin irritation. The gel form is also easier to rub into the skin than the oil.

HS 101 moisturiser – our magnesium-rich moisturiser reduces the chances of skin problems. Using the right kind of moisturiser for your skin can help maintain its balance. With the added benefits of Magnesium, essential oils and Shell Essences your skin will be left feeling silky smooth & rejuvenated.

The bottom line

Magnesium is involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions in your body, including:

  • Energy creation: Helps convert food into energy.
  • Protein formation: Helps create new proteins from amino acids.
  • Gene maintenance: Helps create and repair DNA and RNA.
  • Muscle movements: Is part of the contraction and relaxation of muscles.
  • Nervous system regulation: Helps regulate neurotransmitters, which send messages throughout your brain and nervous system.

Unfortunately, studies suggest that about 50% of people in Australia, the USA and Europe get less than the recommended daily amount of magnesium.

Getting enough magnesium is essential for maintaining good health. Be sure to eat plenty of magnesium-rich foods or apply magnesium to your skin daily. Magnesium is a necessary mineral for your body to function at its optimum level.