Even if you’re consuming nutritious real foods, it’s hard to get the magnesium you need from food alone. Magnesium is one of the few supplements I take daily, and I often use a topical magnesium oil spray on my skin.
Why is Magnesium important to overall health? Many people don’t get enough of this important mineral, which is used in hundreds of reactions in the body. Every cell in your body needs magnesium in some form. Magnesium is essential for healthy bones, teeth, muscles, nerves, and joints, optimal sleep, and stress reduction.
Want more sleep and less stress? I’m in!
Why Magnesium Deficiency?
Magnesium deficiency is so prevalent because many of us have lifestyle habits that actively decrease our magnesium levels. This includes lack of sleep, excessive stress, and alcohol/caffeine/sugar intake. In addition, many natural sources of magnesium are being depleted. Soils are being depleted due to over-farming and heavy use of pesticides. Also, water filtration systems remove much of the natural magnesium in our water.
The ocean is a great source of pure magnesium and trace minerals, but not all of us have access to the beach every day. Transdermal magnesium oil is an easy and effective way to boost your magnesium levels.
Benefits of Magnesium Oil
Thousands of research studies involve magnesium therapy in some form or another, evaluating the effects of this essential mineral on everything from skin health to diabetes and high blood pressure.
An easy way I’ve found to boost my magnesium levels is to take magnesium oil transdermally (or through the skin). Just spray it on after your shower or bath and let it soak in. It’s quick and easy, and absorbed without having to go through the digestive system.
There are also magnesium supplements you can take internally. I like magnesium drink mix. The tranquility of nature or Jigsaw Health. I’ve been liking this one lately too From BiOptimizers Contains seven types of highly absorbable magnesium.
However, some people have difficulty absorbing magnesium into their bodies. If you have trouble increasing your magnesium intake through oral supplementation, topical use can be effective. In my experience, alternating between the two methods ensures absorption.
Here’s why I use magnesium oil on a daily basis.
1. Increases magnesium levels
The purpose of using magnesium oil is obviously to increase magnesium levels. A study conducted by the Herbal Research Center in 2010 showed that intracellular magnesium levels increased by over 25%. Study participants used magnesium on the skin for 12 weeks. Transdermal magnesium therapy includes magnesium soaks (such as foot baths) and magnesium sprays.
I consider this a basic nutritional insurance policy, since it is very difficult to obtain magnesium through food and water.
2. Smooth skin
I like to use magnesium oil along with dry brushing to keep my skin healthy. I dry brush in the morning and often use a magnesium spray. This routine helps to smooth skin and prevent breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with diluted magnesium oil and work your way up depending on your skin condition.
3. Reduces muscle pain
Many athletes swear by magnesium for its post-workout recovery and muscle soreness. Even if you’re not a top-level athlete, you can benefit from using magnesium after exercise. Research has shown that magnesium sprays can help reduce muscle soreness and replenish magnesium levels lost through sweat. They’ve also been found to help with leg cramps and muscle spasms that keep kids (and adults!) up at night.
4. Fewer headaches and migraines
There has been a lot of research into the importance of magnesium in relieving headaches and migraines. Studies have shown that people with higher magnesium levels suffer from less frequent headaches and migraines. When a headache or migraine is coming on, simply drinking water and taking some magnesium can help. This is great news for those looking to avoid the side effects associated with traditional painkillers.
5. Blood Sugar Balance
There has also been a lot of research done on magnesium and blood sugar balance. There are a few possible reasons for this. Eating too much sugar depletes magnesium. Imbalances in blood sugar and insulin levels can deplete magnesium, making it more difficult to balance blood sugar and insulin levels.
Magnesium does not cure diabetes or blood sugar imbalances, but it can be an important part of a comprehensive approach to blood sugar management.
6. Reduced Blood Pressure and the Risk of Hypertension
Intravenous magnesium is routinely used in hospitals for the acute treatment of high blood pressure, but most of us don’t use it at home, and until recently, there wasn’t much well-documented information about magnesium supplements and blood pressure.
A 2016 meta-analysis found that magnesium can help significantly lower blood pressure. The analysis found that doses of 370 milligrams or more per day were effective, so it appears that magnesium would need to be supplemented both internally and transdermally to achieve this benefit.
7. More restful sleep
There’s a good reason why Epsom salt baths are popular for relaxation: Magnesium may have a positive effect on GABA receptors in the brain, which can help you relax and fall asleep more easily and more deeply. Magnesium can also help relieve restless legs at night, resulting in better sleep.
Be careful though, as a small number of people may have the opposite effect and wake up awake after taking magnesium, and of course these people should not take magnesium at night.
How to use magnesium oil
Spray on arms, legs and abdomen daily. I spray 10-20 times most days. You may feel a tingling sensation the first few times, this is normal. It will go away after a few uses, but if it bothers you, dilute it with water.
After application, you can leave it on your skin or wash it off after 20-30 minutes. I usually apply it after a shower and then use a moisturizer or lotion bar about 5 minutes later. If you are concerned about your skin feeling sticky, apply it before bed or before a shower when it is less noticeable and wash it off.
This is my favorite magnesium oil formula. If you’re a DIY type, you can make your own using magnesium flakes. Sometimes I make my own when I don’t have magnesium oil on hand. Try this easy recipe:
Homemade Magnesium Oil
Here’s a super easy way to take magnesium oil topically, it’s great for kids too!
yield: 6 Ounce
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Bring distilled water to a boil.
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Place the magnesium chloride flakes in a glass measuring cup or bowl and pour boiling water over them.
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Stir well for about 1 minute until completely dissolved.
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Allow to cool completely and store in a spray bottle.
- I like to use magnesium oil after my shower, and I often add 10 drops of lavender essential oil for the scent and relaxing effects – it’s great for a little self-care.
- It can be stored at room temperature for several months.
Other Natural Ways to Get Magnesium
Magnesium has many well-known benefits, but it’s only a small part of the many nutrients we need. Magnesium supplements are great, but they should be taken in addition to a diet of real foods, just as nature intended.
There are foods that contain magnesium, but their levels are declining due to poor soil quality and over-farming. Foods that contain magnesium include:
Frequently Asked Questions about Magnesium Oil
This post generated hundreds of comments and questions, so we’ve tried to answer some of the most common questions here.
Why is it called oil if it doesn’t have any oil in it?
Great question! It’s actually a highly saturated mineral solution of magnesium. It feels like an oil when applied to the skin, hence the name “Magnesium Oil.” Confusing? A bit… but I didn’t come up with the name. A number of commercial magnesium oil brands also use the term.
Which type of magnesium is best?
From what I’ve researched, magnesium chloride seems to be the most absorbent and the least irritating. It’s also easy to buy. (That’s the brand I use.)
Does Epsom salt work?
I find Epsom salt sprays too drying, but I love Epsom salt baths – the difference is that Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, so it’s more drying and doesn’t get absorbed as easily by the skin.
Can I use oral magnesium supplement powder to make transdermal magnesium?
No! Oral medications irritate the skin. They leave a white film behind, which can be disastrous. I don’t recommend them.
Would it be a good idea to add calcium to the spray as well?
I don’t. In theory you could, and it dissolves pretty well, but it leaves a white film on the skin, and calcium isn’t easily absorbed through the skin. Many people get enough calcium but are deficient in magnesium, so this method may not be as beneficial.
Can I put this in a plastic bottle?
In theory, yes, it should work just fine. I prefer glass whenever possible, especially since glass bottles are so readily available now. Glass Spray Bottle here.
Can it be used on babies, children and pets?
Always consult with a healthcare professional or veterinarian before using any products on children or pets. That being said, I use this magnesium spray at night for my kids to help them sleep better.
Can I use magnesium while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Supplements such as magnesium are generally considered beneficial during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but speak to your midwife or doctor if you have any concerns. I have used this supplement throughout several of my pregnancies with great results.
This is supposed to improve sleep, so why is it making it harder for me to sleep?
There is a small group of people who have the opposite reaction to magnesium – while it promotes restful sleep for many, others cannot fall asleep for a few hours after taking it. After some experimentation, I have found that I fall into that group and that I do better when I take magnesium in the morning.
Why does this oil cause a burning or tingling sensation in some people?
There is a theory that people who are magnesium deficient may have a tingling or burning reaction to magnesium oil. It was quite irritating at first, but I soon got used to it and it went away. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the deficiency theory. I also found that this particular magnesium oil did not cause any tingling or burning sensation at all.
What about adding essential oils to the mixture?
While certain essential oils carry risks, some can be extremely beneficial. Adding a few drops of oils that are generally safe for the skin (such as lavender or sweet orange) can add a pleasant scent and provide health benefits. As always, do your research and seek personal health advice from a licensed aromatherapist.
Can this be used as a deodorant?
Yes! I have another recipe for a spray deodorant as well, but this is basically it. The spray alone works great now.
Have you tried magnesium to reduce stress or improve sleep? Have you tried making your own? Share with us below!
