Magnesium is the fourth most plentiful mineral in our body and is involved in over 300 vital metabolic processes. So, it’s no surprise that lacking this essential nutrient can leave you feeling unwell and may lead to serious health issues later on.
A simple way to increase your body’s magnesium is by using a magnesium-rich lotion daily. This not only replenishes your magnesium levels but also keeps your skin moisturized and soft.
Keep reading to learn why you should use magnesium lotion and how to make your own at home!
12 Benefits of Applying Magnesium to Your Skin
Based on Dr. Mark Sircus’s expertise, here are the advantages of applying magnesium to your skin:
– Detoxifies cells
– Reduces inflammation
– Lowers blood pressure
– Decreases diabetes risk
– Enhances brain function
– Supports bone health
– Reduces headaches and migraines
– Improves sleep quality
– Boosts heart health
– Alleviates stress and anxiety
– Reduces muscle pain
– Slows aging, among many other benefits
Transdermal versus Dietary Magnesium
Transdermal magnesium therapy means delivering magnesium through your skin. While the idea might seem new, it’s been practiced for ages. Think of nicotine patches for quitting smoking or estrogen patches for menopause.
Although we’ve been taught to get nutrients from food, many people struggle to reach their daily magnesium intake through diet due to several reasons:
Why Magnesium Deficiency Is Common
1. Eating the Wrong Foods: Many Americans consume processed and refined foods that lack magnesium. The best dietary sources are nuts, seeds, leafy greens, legumes, and whole grains, which many don’t eat enough of. Research shows most people get magnesium from sources like coffee, milk, bananas, and beer.
2. Poor Soil Quality: Even those who eat healthy may not get enough magnesium due to depleted soil quality. Dr. Shealy noted that soil worldwide—except in Egypt—has been stripped of magnesium because of poor farming practices.
3. Excessive Calcium: Magnesium and calcium work together in the body, but most diets are too rich in calcium, needing more magnesium to balance the ratio.
4. Absorption Problems: Our bodies absorb only about 20%-50% of ingested magnesium. Medications, poor gut health, low stomach acid, aging, diabetes, alcohol, stress, and illness can further reduce absorption.
Other Benefits of Transdermal Magnesium
Applying magnesium to your skin can complement dietary intake efficiently. Here are more reasons to use it:
– Highly Absorbable: Studies have shown that transdermal application of magnesium chloride significantly raises cellular magnesium levels much quicker than oral supplements.
– Targeted Relief: Using topical magnesium on sore joints, muscles, or post-workout soreness can quickly alleviate pain and inflammation right at the source.
– More Efficient than Epsom Salts: While Epsom salt baths are relaxing, magnesium chloride from lotions is more easily absorbed and provides longer-lasting effects.
– Better than Supplements: Transdermal magnesium boosts your levels faster than many magnesium supplements, which often have low absorption rates. Some supplements may not even contain what they claim.
– Easy to Use: Using magnesium lotion is straightforward. Apply it like your usual moisturizer, and a batch can last for up to two months in the fridge.
How to Make Your Own Magnesium Lotion
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup magnesium chloride flakes with 3 tablespoons boiling water (or store-bought magnesium chloride oil)
– 1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil
– 2 tablespoons emulsifying wax
– 3 tablespoons Shea butter
– 10-20 drops of an essential oil of your choice (optional)
Directions:
1. Make a magnesium oil solution by mixing magnesium flakes with boiling water and letting it cool. Skip this step if using pre-made magnesium oil.
2. In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil, wax, and Shea butter over medium-low heat. Allow to cool to room temperature.
3. Pour the oil/wax blend and dissolved magnesium into a bowl. Use an immersion blender to mix thoroughly. Add essential oils if desired.
4. Let the lotion cool for a few hours and mix again until thick and creamy.
5. Store in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place for up to two months.
How To Use Your Magnesium Lotion
Start with a small amount, about a teaspoon, and gradually increase as your body adjusts to the extra magnesium. Apply it to any body part, especially the soles of the feet, lower back, legs, neck, or shoulders. You can also mix it with a carrier oil for a soothing massage. Use it as a natural sleep aid by applying it before bedtime. Let it sit on your skin for at least 20 to 30 minutes for proper absorption.
If you prefer not to make your own, you can purchase ready-made magnesium lotion from quality brands like Life-Flo Health Products.
