Both vitamins and minerals are fundamental for our overall internal health but applying many of them topically can provide numerous benefits for not only our skin but also for our muscles and even our mind. We take a closer look at magnesium and how this mighty mineral has a righteous place in your beauty regime. From bath salts and body creams designed to ease muscle tension, sprays and supplements to promote deeper sleep and fortified skincare to tackle common concerns, read on to explore the many advantages of magnesium-enriched products…
What Is Magnesium?
Magnesium is often dubbed the ‘miracle mineral’ because it plays a pivotal role in over 300 chemical reactions in our body. Predominantly found in our bones, but also in our muscles, tissues and other bodily fluids, it has numerous benefits for our overall health – including brain and heart function, bone health and even the integrity of our muscles. Whilst we get magnesium through the foods we eat, supplementation of this mineral can also help alleviate certain concerns. Since it is easily absorbed through the skin, it can be a very effective addition to your beauty regime.
Try Magnesium For Combatting Skin Concerns
“Magnesium helps to encourage normal cellular processes in our skin whilst also providing protection against free radicals by regulating cellular replication and repair,” explains Emily Thompson, Head of Spa at Omorovicza. “It therefore helps to reduce the likelihood of free radical damage which can result in the early onset of fine lines and wrinkles.” A deficiency in this mineral can also result in a loss of fatty acids within the skin which are crucial for a plump and youthful-looking complexion.
Try Omorovicza’s Ultramoor Mud Mask to help detoxify and revitalise skin for an instantly more radiant and defined complexion, or La Mer’s The Lifting & Firming Mask which can help to diminish fine lines and refine tired and sagging skin.
Magnesium is also renowned for its healing and calming qualities making it fantastic for tackling acne. “The anti-inflammatory nature of magnesium helps to reveal a clearer, calmer and more even-toned complexion whilst reducing the appearance of imperfections,” adds Emily. Tata Harper’s Clarifying Spot Solution utilises the power of magnesium to just such an effect, working to remove impurities from the skin and gently reduce redness.
Wind Down With Magnesium
Another advantage of magnesium is its ability to relieve muscle tension because it serves as a natural calcium blocker which helps our muscle cells to relax and prevents any stiffness or cramping. “Magnesium also helps to balance the energy levels in our cells, ensuring toxin relief and fatigue recovery,” explains David Delport, Global Ambassador at REN Clean Skincare. “A body rich in magnesium is stronger, more flexible and more resistant to both physical and emotional stress,” he adds.
Adding magnesium-rich bath salts to your bath before a long soak can help as transdermal supplementation of this mineral is a highly effective way of boosting magnesium levels within your body. This ritual can also help to soothe the mind and help prepare you for bed. Body creams and lotions packed with magnesium can also help to put tired and tense muscles at ease. “Our Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Range contains active magnesium PCA which is absorbed directly into the skin for fast-acting supplementation,” explains David Delport, Global Ambassador at REN Clean Skincare.
Use Magnesium To Aid Sleep
If you struggle to drop off or are frequently waking throughout the night, magnesium could be the answer. Insomnia is a common symptom of a deficiency in this mineral as it helps to encourage relaxation which in turn promotes deeper and better quality sleep. Without enough of it, you may difficulty falling or staying asleep. “Magnesium is important in the production of a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) which is crucial in softening stress response, relaxing muscles and sleeping,” explains Dr David Jack. “Through magnesium supplementation, particularly in combination with other minerals such as zinc and vitamin B6, sleep can be enhanced through increased levels of GABA and the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin, which aids relaxation,” he adds.
His Sweet Dreams supplement is ideal for those seeking a naturally restful night’s sleep without sedatives. De Mamiel’s Settle Sleep Series aromatherapy oil also helps to settle both the mind and body with its blend of magnesium, zinc, B vitamins and other essential oils. Simply drop the oil in to your palms and rub together before cupping them over your nose and breathing deeply for at least three breaths. You can also anoint your wrists and chest.
