The majority of skincare trends tend to fall into two categories. The first are innovative formulas and tech-based, future oriented solutions, such as LED masks and  microbiome-friendly topicals. The second category tends to favor a more back-to-basics approach.

Minerals in particular have been trending for some time, both as an ingredient with multiple overall health benefits both orally and when applied as a topical skincare ingredient. As with most skincare trends, its popularity has since spawned multiple claims regarding its abilities. This article offers an overview of what magnesium is and how to implement it as part of your skincare routine.

What Is Magnesium?

Much like hyaluronic acid, magnesium is a skincare active that is already present in the human body. Unlike the most cutting-edge skincare innovations on the market, the use of topical magnesium for keeping your skin healthy dates back thousands of years. Dead Sea Mud is one notable example of this; a rich source of magnesium that continues to be used in many skincare products today.

This multitasking mineral is responsible for more than 300 different biochemical functions including protein, bone and DNA structure, blood sugar and pressure levels, as well as for skin health. While ingesting Dead Sea Water is dangerous (and unpleasant, owing to its high salt content), many foods (such as nuts, legumes and seeds) contain magnesium, as well as oral supplements and topical products.

Topical Magnesium: More Than Skin Deep?

In skincare, magnesium is commonly found in three formulations: magnesium PCA, a humectant which helps to lock in moisture – and magnesium carbonate, a form of mineral salt that helps rebalance the skin’s PH levels. Another form is magnesium citrate, commonly found in laxative products.

Due to these effects, topical magnesium may be a more preferable way to increase magnesium levels at a lower level.  While more research into the effects of these topical products on overall magnesium levels is still needed, there are a number of ways in which it can help to relieve skin conditions at surface level.

Skincare Benefits

  • Dryness: Magnesium salts enhance skin hydration, helping to maintain moisture levels while helping to protect skin barrier function through enhancing skin hydration.
  • Acne: While not yet scientifically proven, some acne-sufferers find epsom salts help to soothe swelling and inflammation while helping to regulate sebum, as well as cell turnover, which helps to promote healing.
  • Inflammation: Similarly, magnesium’s anti-inflammatory properties can be used to soothe conditions such as dermatitis and rosacea, due to the role it has in regulating cytokine production, which helps manage the body’s inflammation responses.

Besides magnesium sulfate (a form of magnesium extracted from sea water and commonly used in epsom salt products), magnesium chloride hexahydrate is another commonly-found form of magnesium used in oils, lotions and creams, since this form tends to be more water-soluble.

Some evidence suggests that magnesium may also have a part to play in helping to reduce other inflammatory responses such as sun damage, but more research is required to support this.

Precautions

While topical magnesium is suitable for a wide range of skin types, it’s best to consult a dermatologist before using, and to conduct a patch test in case of any adverse reactions. Magnesium can be applied directly onto the skin, but if you experience stinging or burning (this can also happen with overuse), wash thoroughly with gentle soap and water and discontinue use.

Other precautions to take concern interactions: while magnesium tends to work well with some other skincare ingredients such as vitamin C, magnesium absorption inhibitors like phosphates and zinc are best avoided, as these can interfere with each other’s absorption at high doses. To avoid irritation, magnesium  should not be used near the mouth, eyes or nose.

How and When to Use

An oil, lotion or spray can be applied directly onto the skin (this is best done after a shower while the pores are still open. If used to alleviate joint or muscular pain, massage into the affected areas. When using as part of a skincare regime, a general rule is to go from the lightest, most easily-absorbed product to the heaviest, so if magnesium is in a rich night cream (for example), this should be used last to lock everything in.

Overall, magnesium is best sourced from a healthy, balanced diet, although topical and oral products can also be used to support and supplement magnesium levels. The majority of these are not FDA-approved, so levels of magnesium in these products may vary. To ensure quality, check for third-party testing and always consult your doctor before using to make sure the product is safe for you to use.