Topical Magnesium: Your Questions Answered

Transdermal magnesium works by allowing magnesium ions to pass directly through your skin into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This absorption happens via skin pores (the same pathway as perspiration) or with the help of plant oils and extracts found in our creams and lotions. The skin has a remarkably large surface area, making it an efficient pathway for magnesium chloride absorption. When applied to the skin, the magnesium ions are readily available for cellular uptake, supporting overall wellbeing through consistent application.

Applying magnesium topically offers several advantages: it bypasses the digestive system, avoiding any digestive issues that can occur with oral supplements; it allows for higher absorption rates; it provides targeted relief to specific areas of pain or tension; and it's gentle enough for daily use without risk of taking too much, as your body only absorbs what it needs. Additionally, transdermal application avoids the challenges sometimes associated with tablets, such as binders and fillers that can hinder absorption. Many people find that regular topical application through creams, oils, or bathing in magnesium flakes provides a more consistent method for supporting optimal magnesium levels.

Some people may experience a slight tingling sensation when first using magnesium oil, especially if they're deficient or have sensitive skin. This sensation typically diminishes with regular use. For sensitive skin, we recommend starting with our gentler formulations like Magnesium Cream, which contains nourishing plant oils that buffer the magnesium and condition the skin simultaneously. Unlike magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts), which can sometimes cause skin dryness or itchiness with frequent use due to the sulphate component depleting skin oils, our magnesium chloride formulations are designed to be gentler on the skin while still providing effective absorption.

For best results, apply topical magnesium daily. You can use Magnesium Cream as part of your morning and evening skincare routine, spray Magnesium Oil on areas of muscle tension as needed, and enjoy a relaxing Magnesium Bath 2-3 times per week. Consistent use will help maintain healthy magnesium levels and provide ongoing benefits for muscle function, stress management, and overall wellbeing. Regular application is key, as modern lifestyle factors like stress, processed foods, and environmental challenges can increase our magnesium requirements. Incorporating magnesium into your daily self-care routine makes it easier to maintain consistency.

Magnesium oils offer a higher concentration of magnesium chloride for targeted application but can sometimes cause tingling on sensitive skin. Creams and lotions combine magnesium chloride with nourishing butters and oils (like shea butter, coconut oil) which buffer the magnesium, reduce potential tingling, and moisturise the skin, making them ideal for daily use or sensitive skin. The plant-based ingredients in our creams and lotions not only improve the application experience but also support skin health while delivering magnesium benefits. For those new to topical magnesium, creams often provide an excellent starting point before progressing to more intensive applications for sleep support.