Magnesium is one of the 16 essential minerals your body needs to be able to perform its functions in an optimal manner. But you may be asking yourself: "What is transdermal magnesium?".
It plays a key role in more than 300 enzymatic reactions inside your body, with major benefits in calcium absorption, bone formation and maintenance of healthy heart muscles.
Our goal is to help your body achieve healthy levels of magnesium through our line of transdermal magnesium products which includes bath flakes, sprays, lotions, creams, and gels.
To give a clearer idea of our technology, let's begin by explaining what transdermal means.
What Does Transdermal Mean?
Transdermal is a term used to describe a method of application where the active ingredient travels through the skin to reach the blood for distribution all over the body.
You may be familiar with nicotine patches or gels for movement, this is how they work.
You may be wondering how these compounds travel through the skin—the most common route is called the intracellular pathway. This means that the active ingredients pass through the small spaces between the cells of your skin to get to the blood vessels and into the bloodstream. The blood then carries these compounds to where they need to go.
What are the differences between the terms ‘transdermal’ and ‘topical’?
Many people confuse both terms, but transdermal and topical routes of administration are very different. While transdermal gels, sprays, and creams deliver active ingredients to the bloodstream, topical ones are meant to work locally where you apply them only.
Topical products are formulated to affect the skin itself without reaching the bloodstream to avoid systemic effects.
As for transdermal versus oral administration routes of medicine, they both offer systemic absorption and distribution via the bloodstream to various body tissues and organs.
The advantage of adopting the transdermal route over the conventional oral pathway is avoiding the unwanted first-pass effect of metabolism in the digestive system. This is why transdermal administration allows for better bioavailability.
In a 2010 study published by the European Journal of Nutraceutical Research to determine the impact of transdermal magnesium treatment on serum levels and whole body calcium to magnesium (CaMg) ratios, researchers found an average increase of 59.5% in the cellular magnesium levels of 89% of participants after twelve weeks of treatment with 31% saturated magnesium chloride solution.
To achieve the same results via oral route using the same concentration of active ingredients, you'd have to undergo treatment for a period of 9 to 24 months.
Transdermal supplements are typically applied as patches or ointments on the skin to deliver the active ingredient into the blood circulation. They're widely adopted in long-term hormonal therapy, chronic heart disease, as well as for quitting smoking.
Transdermal Magnesium FAQs
You may have some questions regarding the absorption of magnesium through the skin, so let's answer some common ones:
Does Magnesium Absorb Through the Skin?
Yes, magnesium can get absorbed into the body through the application of the mineral to the skin in the form of solutions, creams, or oils containing magnesium chloride salt known as Zechstein magnesium.
Does Magnesium Oil Cause Dry Skin?
Magnesium oil is good for overall skin health, however, it can sometimes dry out the skin as it is a natural salt-based solution. Our lotions and body butters are combined with skin-kind ingredients to help boost skin. The products contain essential magnesium chloride with deeply rich, intensively moisturising ingredients.
Why Does Magnesium Oil Sting the Skin?
There are a couple of reasons why your skin may sting when you apply magnesium oil, but it's important for you to understand that this isn't an allergic reaction, simply because magnesium is already naturally found within the body and is crucial to maintain healthy functions.
Your skin stinging or tingling may be the result of:
- low levels of cellular magnesium
- the movement of large magnesium molecules as they're rapidly absorbed across the epidermis
- application of too much magnesium oil per area
- applying the magnesium oil on very dry or broken skin
Can Magnesium Cause A Skin Rash?
Taken in correct doses, magnesium doesn't cause any form of skin allergies, including a skin rash.
It's also extremely rare for magnesium to cause allergic reactions with an overdose of transdermal supplements since the body actively eliminates excess amounts.
Plus, overdosing side-effects are mainly related to oral administration that can cause laxative effects.
What Does Magnesium Do For Skin?
Magnesium offers numerous positive effects on the skin since it's involved in hundreds of biochemical processes within your body.
Magnesium skin benefits include the following:
- Enhanced skin elasticity and hydration
- Antioxidant action against harmful free radicals
- Delaying the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Soothing effects for redness in skin
- Promotes a younger and healthier look
Can Too Much Magnesium Cause Itchy Skin?
Magnesium may cause an itch because of the absorption dynamics, applying too much product per area, or applying the product directly over broken skin.
Again, suffering from side effects due to a severe overdose of magnesium is extremely rare in individuals with healthy kidneys.
Moreover, the most common signs of an overdose are nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset. All are risks of oral administration, not transdermal.
Does Magnesium Help Skin?
Yes, as we mentioned above, magnesium can help with skin problems such as wrinkles, fine lines, dryness, inflammation and redness.
Can Magnesium Get Into Your Bloodstream Through The Skin?
Yes, magnesium can permeate through the skin into your bloodstream from application of magnesium chloride products to the skin.
Can Magnesium Oil Make Your Skin Cold?
No, there's no evidence of such claims.
How Much Transdermal Magnesium Should I Use?
According to Government Dietary Recommendations, the amount of magnesium your body needs per day is:
- 300 mg for males aged 19 to 64 years
- 270 mg for females aged 19 to 64 years
However, it is important to note that there is no upper tolerable limit for transdermal magnesium.
Is Transdermal Magnesium Better Than Oral?
Transdermal magnesium is ideal for individuals who struggle taking tablets. It absorbs quickly and effectively into the skin, and uses a pure form of magnesium chloride. Transdermal magnesium is also ideal if you have digestive issues when taking supplements, as it enters the body quickly, bypassing the digestive system.
Magnesium Flakes
The bestselling product in our magnesium range, Magnesium Flakes can offer an efficient solution to raising your levels from the comfort of your bath.
Magnesium bath flakes, also known as magnesium bath salts, are designed to be added to your bath or footbath. It's a highly concentrated form of magnesium supplementation, containing magnesium chloride salt, derived from a natural source below the earth's crust.
Magnesium flakes offer the ultimate relaxation time for your body to help soothe aching and fatigued muscles, all the while providing effective magnesium absorption.
For your bath, add 250g Magnesium Flakes (roughly 2 cups) per bath. Lie and relax in the water for at least 20 minutes.
For your footbath, add 150g Magnesium Flakes (roughly 1 cup) to approx. 5 litres of water, enough to cover the feet. Sit and enjoy it for 20 minutes.
A magnesium bath is recommended 2 to 3 times a week. With such frequency, a 5kg bag will last you for 20 applications.
Dosage: 1kg of Magnesium Flakes contains 120g of elemental magnesium.
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Click this link for information on the difference between flakes and Dead Sea salts
Magnesium Sprays
Magnesium oil sprays are also a very popular option that you can use for general magnesium intake, joint therapy, muscle recovery, and sleep enhancement.
Magnesium sprays are easy to apply anytime throughout the day. The best time, however, is following a warm bath or shower while your skin pores are open to boost absorption.
The general recommended application is to spray between 5 and 10 sprays around the body then massage the solution into the skin to stimulate absorption – little and often is key. A 100ml spray bottle contains 600 sprays, lasting you about 100 to 120 applications.
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Original Magnesium Oil Body Spray
The Magnesium Oil Body Spray is our original and most popular spray. It also happens to be the most effective in terms of saturation and is perfect for aiding overall wellbeing.
It contains pure magnesium chloride hexahydrate, which promotes natural muscle recovery and supports and improves calcium absorption.
Dosage: 10 sprays of the Magnesium Oil Body Spray provides 200mg (57% NRV) of optimally absorbable elemental magnesium.
Magnesium Sleep Body Spray
As you can tell from its name, this body spray works to soothe the senses and calm the body for a restful sleep. It contains magnesium chloride hexahydrate, lavender and chamomile.
Dosage: 10 sprays of the body spray provides 75mg of optimally absorbable elemental magnesium.
Magnesium Joint Body Spray
With a focus on supporting normal joint functions, this magnesium oil spray is designed to help keep your flexibility and supple movement. It contains magnesium chloride hexahydrate, glucosamine sulphate, menthol, and eucalyptus oil.
Dosage: 10 sprays of the joint spray provides 100mg of optimally absorbable elemental magnesium, as well as 50mg of glucosamine.
Magnesium Muscle Body Spray
The Magnesium Muscle Body Spray has been specially formulated to help you recover from tiredness and fatigue. It supports muscle functions, aids in electrolyte balance, and backs you up through strenuous exercise.
The Muscle spray contains magnesium chloride hexahydrate, lemon oil, arnica and capsicum.
Dosage: 10 sprays deliver of the recovery spray provides 150mg of optimally absorbable elemental magnesium.
Magnesium Sensitive Body Spray
This magnesium spray is specially designed for people with sensitive skin, those who experience tingles or stings during the application of other higher concentration magnesium sprays, as well as children.
Dosage: 10 sprays deliver of the oil sensitive spray provides 100mg (28% NRV) of optimally absorbable elemental magnesium
Magnesium Lotions
Magnesium lotions, also including creams and butter, are similar to sprays in terms of benefits and application techniques. They're simple and quick to use, with effective magnesium absorption across the collection.
Generally, you should apply 5ml (4 pumps) of product around your body and follow up with a thorough massage into your skin to boost absorption. The best time to apply lotions, creams, and butter is after a warm bath or shower while your pores are open.
A 180ml bottle of magnesium lotion (or butter) should last for 36 applications.
Magnesium Sleep Lotion
Magnesium Sleep Lotion is a soothing blend aiming to relax your muscles, relax your mind, and help you get better sleep. It contains magnesium chloride, lavender oil, and chamomile oil.
Dosage: 5ml of Magnesium Sleep Lotion delivers a minimum of 120mg of optimally absorbable elemental magnesium.
Magnesium Sleep Lotion Junior
Designed for children aged 1 year and above, this lotion works to provide a restful night's sleep for your little ones with the same combination of magnesium chloride and essential oils to relax and benefit the body.
Dosage: 5ml of Magnesium Sleep Lotion Junior delivers a minimum of 37mg of optimally absorbable elemental magnesium.
Magnesium + Calcium Lotion
Promoting normal bone health, this magnesium lotion contains a perfect 1:1 ratio of magnesium to calcium for optimal delivery of these two vital nutrients, all the while leaving your skin soft and hydrated.
Dosage: 5ml (4 pumps) of Magnesium + Calcium Lotion delivers a minimum of 75mg of magnesium and 75mg of calcium.
Magnesium Body Butter
A deeply rich body butter, the Magnesium Body Butter offers intense moisturisation for your body to indulge you in a unique silky smooth experience.
This formula contains magnesium oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E. It aids in enhancing your overall skin elasticity and structure, leaving you supple and soft.
Dosage: 5ml of Magnesium Body Butter delivers a minimum of 75mg (21.5% NRV) of optimally absorbable elemental magnesium.
Magnesium Gels
Magnesium gels are formulated to offer similar efficacy when it comes to magnesium absorption, but with a focus on regulating the release of the mineral via sustained delivery.
Our Magnesium Gel also provides a very targeted application for muscles and joints, making it ideal to use during or after exercise.
The Magnesium Gel is a highly concentrated product. We recommend that you apply a pea-sized amount and massage it well into your skin for better absorption.
A great time for gel application would be following a warm shower to take advantage of your open pores. Always avoid delicate spots such as the eyes or any broken skin.
Dosage: 1ml of gel delivers a minimum of 100mg (28% NRV) of optimally absorbable elemental magnesium, with a teaspoon providing 500mg.
Further Reading & Resources
