Magnesium oil consists of a mix of water and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) flakes. The combination of these 2 substances yields a very unique liquid. Because of the density, the liquid has the feel of an oil. So in the real sense, it is not oil. What makes magnesium chloride peculiar is that your body can absorb it very easily. It can quickly elevate your levels of magnesium within your body, especially when you apply it topically. More so, magnesium is a very vital nutrient. This nutrient has many vital functions within your body. Magnesium oil benefits include the regulation of muscle and nerve function, as well as supporting healthy lactation and pregnancy. It also helps maintain healthy blood glucose levels and maintain optimum BP (blood pressure). Magnesium also supports protein, DNA, and bone health.
We have heard a lot about the many benefits of magnesium oil. They say it can help transform the skin, among many other benefits. So we decided to find out if it’s a myth or reality. Can magnesium oil indeed clear up your acne as people claim? Will it indeed replace your moisturizers? These and many more questions beg for answers. To be sure we have accurate answers; we consulted estheticians and board-certified dermatologists to get answers.
Magnesium Oil Benefits
You can find magnesium naturally in lots of foods. You can find the highest concentrations in prickly pears, whole grains, and dairy products. Also, you can find it in nuts, legumes, seeds, white potatoes, edamame, green leafy veggies, and soy cheese. Some manufactured food products like breakfast cereals also contain abundant magnesium.
Magnesium deficiency is implicated in many conditions. They include diabetes, asthma, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, pre-eclampsia, osteoporosis, and migraines. Magnesium deficiency can also contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and ADHD.
Many of the studies on how magnesium can improve these health conditions center on meals and oral supplements. The results from these methods seem to be quite significant. But then, there is not so much research on the effects of magnesium oil to date. Unlike magnesium diets and oral supplements that you take by mouth, Magnesium oil is usually delivered via the skin.
Anyways, some small studies indicate that topical use of magnesium oil on your legs and arms can reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia, especially pain. One of the studies asked participants to spray the oil on each of their limbs 4 times. They were to do this 2 times every day for a month. It yielded significant results.
The reason it works is that some people suffering from fibromyalgia have magnesium deficiency in their muscle cells. Well, most of the magnesium in your body lodges in either your bone or muscle cells.
Skincare is not why you ultimately need magnesium. But you can use it to supplement hypomagnesemia (magnesium deficiency), which has effects on the skin. Hypomagnesemia also affects many other aspects of your health.
Among many of the things you can do with magnesium oil, it can help to regulate your bowel movements. It can also alleviate pains, aches, inflammation, muscle spasms, and muscle soreness (especially those related to arthritis and injuries)
Using Magnesium Oil for Irritated Skin
We learned from dermatologists that magnesium oil possesses great absorption properties. These experts also told us that magnesium functions as a very effective humectant. This means that it can help keep your skin flexible and hydrated.
How about irritated skin? When we talk about irritated skin, we are talking about things ranging from common acne to more serious irritations like rosacea. While we do not have any direct scientific evidence showing that you can use magnesium oil for skin treatments, those who have tried it say it helps.
It seems like a myth that magnesium oil can improve acne because there is no correlation between them. But then, dermatologists say that there are cases where they found it helpful. And even if it delivers no benefits, it doesn’t hurt.
Well, one dermatologist told us that preliminary studies show that some other forms of magnesium can break different oils and fats apart. Exploring this line of thought, it may make sense that magnesium oil would reduce skin oiliness. This can, in turn, have an impact on the development of acne.
Experts add that this oil can improve stress-induced conditions of the skin. These also include rosacea and acne. This is not because of any direct effects. Science tells us that magnesium can help alleviate anxiety, as well as improve sleep quality. These can have a rebound effect on skin health.
Magnesium Oil Side Effects
It’s still unclear whether or not magnesium oil (topical) can deliver the same beneficial results as oral magnesium. But then, the best way to address magnesium deficiency is to eat magnesium via your meals. You can consult with your physician or nutritionist o how to go about this.
But then, if you choose to make use of magnesium oil, please make sure that your body won’t react to it. Do a small patch test on your skin and wait for a while to see whether there will be any adverse reaction. Some people have reported having a lingering burning or stinging sensation.
It is quite hard to determine an accurate dosage for the topical application of magnesium oil. However, it is still very important not to use too much. Too much magnesium in your system can cause diarrhea, nausea, and cramps. If the levels are extremely high, it can cause cardiac arrest.
Anyways, dermatologists tell us that you are not likely to ever use an overdose of magnesium via supplements. But then, you still have to be cautious. If ever it happens, you will have to grapple with all the GI side-effects we listed above and may even suffer a heart attack in extreme cases.
Meanwhile, if you notice any adverse effects with magnesium oil, discontinue its use immediately. Then speak with your doctor about it.
Magnesium oil benefits have gained wide traction online in recent times. However, we still have limited research on the topical use of magnesium. Anyways, if you want to try it out, carry your physician along to be sure that it’s the right option for you.