Magnesium is one of 16 essential minerals your body needs to be able to perform vital functions. Magnesium plays a key role in more than 300 enzymatic reactions inside your body. As something of a nutritional powerhouse, some of the core health benefits include supporting calcium absorption, bone formation and maintaining healthy heart muscles – among many others.
But when over two-thirds (70%) of UK adults are deficient in Magnesium, it’s more important than ever to take charge of your health and boost your Magnesium to optimal levels.
You may have heard of transdermal Magnesium as another method of boosting your Magnesium. But what is it? And how does transdermal Magnesium work?
Find out how to help your body achieve active levels of Magnesium with our essential guide. We’ll cover everything you need to know about the technology behind transdermal Magnesium, from its key advantages to explaining why it can sometimes sting a little when you apply it.
Dive into the world of Magnesium bath flakes, sprays, lotions and gels and find a better way to a BetterYou.
In this guide:
What Does Transdermal Mean?
Transdermal is a term used to describe a method of application where the active ingredient travels through the skin and into the bloodstream, ready to distribute it throughout the body. You may be familiar with nicotine patches or gels for movement – this is how they work too.
Transdermal supplements travel through the skin through 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.
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What’s the Difference Between ‘Transdermal’ and ‘Topical’?
Some people may confuse these 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.
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 and supplements, they both offer systemic absorption and distribution via the bloodstream to various body tissues and organs.
Benefits of Transdermal Supplementation
One of the main advantages 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 – a factor that impacts how effective the supplement is.
Transdermal Magnesium supplements can also help with skin problems such as wrinkles, fine lines, dryness, inflammation and redness. All while supporting vital body functions.
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 treatment, as well as for quitting smoking.
Transdermal Magnesium Studies
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 impressive results.
After twelve weeks of treatment with 31% saturated Magnesium chloride solution, the study revealed an average increase of 59.5% in the cellular Magnesium levels of 89% of participants.
The study found that, to achieve these results by supplementing the same concentration of active ingredients orally, you'd have to undergo treatment for a period of 9 to 24 months.
Transdermal Magnesium FAQs
Got questions about transdermal Magnesium absorption? Let’s dive into it.
Does Magnesium Absorb Through the Skin?
Yes, Magnesium can be absorbed into the body by applying it 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’s also a natural salt-based solution. Our lotions and body butters are combined with skin-kind ingredients to help boost skin softness and glow. Our products contain essential Magnesium chloride – the purest and most effective form of Magnesium chloride – with deeply rich and intensively moisturising ingredients.
You can learn more about the benefits of Magnesium chloride in our guide.
Why Does Magnesium Oil Sting the Skin?
There are a couple of reasons why your skin may sting a little bit when you apply Magnesium oil, but it's important to understand that this often a natural reaction. 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
It’s always a good idea to check the ingredients of any supplement spray to make sure there aren’t any ingredients that may trigger an allergic reaction. It’s also recommended to consult your doctor before taking any new supplements.
Can Magnesium Cause a Skin Rash?
When taken in correct doses, Magnesium shouldn’t cause any form of sudden skin allergies, including skin rashes. It's also extremely rare for Magnesium to cause allergic reactions with an overdose of transdermal supplements, since the body actively eliminates excess amounts.
Common overdosing side-effects are often linked to oral supplementation, which can be known to cause laxative effects.
What Does Magnesium Do for Skin?
Magnesium offers various potential benefits for the skin, as it’s involved in hundreds of biochemical processes within your body.
Magnesium skin benefits may include:
- 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. Once 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. These are all risks of oral administration, not transdermal.
Can Magnesium Get Into Your Bloodstream Through the Skin?
Yes, Magnesium can permeate through your skin and into your bloodstream when you apply Magnesium chloride products to your skin.
Can Magnesium Oil Make Your Skin Cold?
No, there's no evidence of these 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 men aged 19 to 64 years
- 270 mg for women aged 19 to 64 years
However, it’s important to note that there is no upper tolerable limit for transdermal Magnesium.
Is Transdermal Magnesium Better Than Oral Supplements?
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.
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Types of Transdermal Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium Flakes
The bestselling product in our Magnesium range, Magnesium Flakes can offer an efficient solution to raising your Magnesium 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 two to three times a week. At this frequency, a 5kg bag can last you up to 20 applications.
Dosage: 1kg of Magnesium Flakes contains 120g of elemental Magnesium.
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Magnesium Sprays
Magnesium oil sprays are also a very popular option that you can use for general Magnesium intake, as well as:
- Joint therapy
- Muscle recovery
- Sleep enhancement
Magnesium sprays are easy to apply anytime throughout the day. The best time, however, is following a warm bath or shower while the pores of your skin are open to boost absorption.
We recommend spraying between five 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 – perfect for supporting your 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.
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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.
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Magnesium Joint Body Spray
With a focus on supporting normal joint functions, this Magnesium oil spray is designed to help support 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.
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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 helps to back you up through strenuous exercise.
Our Magnesium Muscle Body 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.
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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.
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Magnesium Lotions
Magnesium lotions, including creams and body butters, are similar to sprays in terms of active benefits and application techniques. They're simple and quick to use with effective Magnesium absorption across the collection.
Generally, you should apply 5ml (four 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.
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Magnesium Sleep Lotion
Our 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.
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Magnesium Sleep Kids’ Lotion
Designed for children aged one year and above, this lotion works to provide a restful night's sleep for your little ones. It offers 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.
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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 (four pumps) of Magnesium + Calcium Lotion delivers a minimum of 75mg of Magnesium and 75mg of calcium.
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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 your skin feeling supple and soft.
Dosage: 5ml of Magnesium Body Butter delivers a minimum of 75mg (21.5% NRV) of optimally absorbable elemental Magnesium.
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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.
The best time to apply the gel is following a warm shower to take advantage of your open pores. Just make sure to 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.
More Fast Absorbing Alternatives to Magnesium Tablets
Looking for more ways to boost your Magnesium uptake without having to take tablets? Elevate your active Magnesium levels with our effective and delicious Magnesium Water and Magnesium Powder products.
Take your supplements with you on the go, ensuring fast and efficient delivery of your essential nutrients.
A Better Way to a BetterYou
At BetterYou, we understand that modern life, food production, and our environment make it harder to get the nutrients we need from diet alone. That's why we're here—to offer you a better way to a BetterYou.
As experts in fast, effective supplements, we focus on essential nutrients that help your body function at its best. Using the most bioavailable forms of ingredients and innovative delivery methods like oral sprays and transdermal oils, we ensure quick and efficient delivery of nutrients right where you need them.
Whether you're looking for immune support, better sleep, or enhanced sports performance, we’re available in major retailers. You can find us in Tesco, Holland & Barrett, and Boots, as well as online and on Amazon, making it easy to find the products you need.
