Magnesium is a mineral that is imperative for our overall health and wellness. Magnesium is used for more than 300 reactions in the body.
Every cell in the body needs magnesium in some way, and it’s essential for our bones, muscles, teeth, joints, brain, as well as for optimal sleep and stress reduction. From migraines to skin conditions and sleep disorders, magnesium may be the remedy for countless skin and health conditions.
Due to our foods being heavily processed that many of us eat, magnesium deficiency is common as it is depleted from the food sources. Magnesium deficiency may lead to many health issues that can easily be avoided by simply boosting up your levels. There are many ways you can increase your magnesium levels. One of the most easiest and effective way is via topical magnesium application; using sprays or oils.
Reasons Why We Are Lacking Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency has sky-rocketed in today’s world. As a result,many more individuals are suffering from health conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, constipation, hypertension, fatigue, heart problems, and more. In fact, studies show that there are about 80% of Americans who have health-related problems due to inadequate magnesium levels.
On top of that, several natural food sources of magnesium are becoming depleted as well. Our soils contain less magnesium due to over-farming and high levels of chemical usages such as pesticides. Water filtration also removes much of the naturally occurring magnesium in water.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways you can relieve a deficiency and benefit from replenishing your magnesium levels.
Topical Magnesium
There are thousands of studies that involve magnesium therapy in some form. These studies evaluate magnesium’s affect from skin health to diabetes to hypertension and much more.
Topical intake is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get the required magnesium for your body to properly function. Topical magnesium may be more effective compared to other methods. This method has quicker absorption and keeps the skin hydrated and well nourished. By using a topical application, magnesium can easily get to the bloodstream and support the cells that need it most. Also, this method contains concentrated magnesium that will not cause harmful or disturbing side-effects.
On the other hand, oral supplementation of magnesium may have poor absorption rates and may cause gastrointestinal problems. Oral supplementation may not be helpful for those who have a sensitive gut.
Magnesium Benefits
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Increasing Magnesium Levels
Obviously, the goal is to increase your magnesium levels and magnesium oil will contribute to that. A 2010 study for 12 weeks conducted by the Drug and Herbal Research Center in the UK, showed a 25% plus increase in cellular magnesium levels in participants who used transdermal magnesium therapy. The transdermal magnesium therapy included magnesium soaks and magnesium spray.
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Smoother Skin
Ever since I started using magnesium oil, my skin has become smooth and breakout free. I like using magnesium spray at night after I’ve showered to help me sleep better too. For those with sensitive skin should start with diluted magnesium oil and work up as their skin allows.
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Decreased Migraines and Headaches
For those who suffer from frequent migraines or headaches, there has been a lot of research about the importance of magnesium. Magnesium isn’t an acute treatment for symptom relief, but the studied show that those who have optimal levels of cellular magnesium have fewer instances of migraines and headaches.
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Reduction of Muscle Soreness
Several athletes swear by magnesium for post-workout recovery. Even those of us who aren’t high athletic trainers can benefit from magnesium after working out. Magnesium spray may help reduce muscle cramping/ soreness and replenish magnesium levels through sweat.
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Balanced Blood Sugar
Consuming an excess amount of sugar will unbalance your blood sugar levels and insulin levels which will then deplete your magnesium levels in the body. Magnesium is not a treatment for diabetes or blood sugar imbalance but, studies have shown that magnesium is an important part of a holistic approach to blood sugar management.
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Restful Slumber
There’s a reason why Epsom salt baths are used for relaxation. Epsom is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. The combination of the two helps improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins, improve sleep, and help ease migraines headaches. Magnesium may have a beneficial affect on GABA which are receptors in the brain that allows a person to relax and fall asleep more easily.
How to Use Magnesium Oil
For best results, apply the topical oil liberally and rub well into clean skin of legs, torso, and arms. Avoid sensitive areas and mucus membranes. You can rinse or wipe off after 20 minutes, if desired. It won’t do any harm if you don’t or forget to wipe it off. Some individuals like to apply the topical spray right before going to be. It’s completely up to you and your comfortability.
If you feel a tingle on the skin for the first few times of use, it is normal. It should start to fade after a few applications. 9 tips to decrease the magnesium oil itching, burn, and sting.
9 Tips to Decrease the Magnesium Oil Itching, Burn, and Sting
The sting, itchy, or burning sensation caused by magnesium oil spray may feel uncomfortable when you are first beginning. However, once you have increased the magnesium levels in your body, the discomfort will slowly fade away after a week or two with regular application.
- Choose a magnesium product more suitable for sensitive skin.
- Find a magnesium blend tailored to help with a specific condition
- Never use magnesium spray before or after sunbathing
- Rinse the oil off 15-20 minutes after application
- Don’t apply magnesium spray after shaving
- Don’t use magnesium spray after taking a hot bath
- Apply the magnesium oil on less sensitive areas
- Use the magnesium spray before the shower
- Moisturize your skin after rinsing off the oil with a thick cream or coconut oil.
This is a popular magnesium oil brand, that many individuals like, but if you are a DIY type, you can create your own oil.
DIY Magnesium Oil Spray Recipe
What You’ll Need:
- 1 glass spray bottle
- 1 cooking pot
- 1 glass bowl or glass measuring cup
- ½ cup magnesium chloride flakes
- ½ cup distilled water
Directions:
- In the cooking pot, place the distilled water and bring to a boil. (Distilled water will extend shelf life)
- Place the magnesium chloride flakes in the glass bowl or glass measuring cup and pour the boiling water over it.
- Stir until flakes are completely dissolved. Let cool completely and store in the glass spray bottle.
- Store at room temperature for about 6 months. The bathroom cabinet is a good place.
Note: If you prefer to use the magnesium oil before bedtime, you can add 10 drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture for scent and relaxation.
Other Natural Ways to Get Magnesium
It is important to know that magnesium is only a small part of many nutrients that are needed for the body. Yes, magnesium is very important, but it’s not the only one. Magnesium supplementation such as the oil is great but should be an addition to a real-food based diet. Magnesium can be found in some foods which are listed below. It is always recommend to buy organic produce to insure higher quality in the soil as well as the plant you’re consuming.
Magnesium Oil FAQs
Listed below are some common questions and comments that you might have.
What type of magnesium works best?
From the research and experience, magnesium chloride flakes seem to work best. It absorbs quickly and is least irritating. This is a common brand.
Why is it called an oil if there’s no oil in the mix?
This is actually a highly saturated mineral solution of magnesium, but when you apply it on your skin, it tends to feel like an oily substance. That’s how it got the name “Magnesium Oil.”
Will an Epsom salt spray work just as well as magnesium oil spray?
Some individuals find that Epsom salt sprays dry out their skin. But, taking Epsom salt baths are great. Since the Epsom salts are magnesium sulfates, it can be more drying to the skin as well as less absorbent.
Can this mixture go in a plastic bottle?
It should just work fine but, glass is preferred whenever possible. Here are some glass bottles.
Can I use this on babies/kids/pets?
First talk to your vet or pediatrician before using any products on a child or pet. On the contrary, CBD oil may be safe for your dog.
Can I use magnesium oil while pregnant or nursing?
Again, always check with your doctor before using anything while pregnant or nursing.
I thought magnesium oil improves sleep, so why is it keeping me up?
There are some individuals who have opposite reactions with magnesium. While the effects are supposed to help you have a better sleep, there is a small percentage who have trouble sleeping for a few hours after applying the oil. It might be recommended to spray the oil around mid-day or morning before or after your shower.
Can this be used as a deodorant?
Yes you can. Here is a separate deodorant recipe that you can try out that’s basically the same recipe as above.
Why does the oil cause a tingling sensation?
There is a very strong link between low magnesium levels and the stinging caused by magnesium. The reasons why magnesium oil can cause skin tingling, itching, or burning can be any or the combination of the following.
- Severe deficiency– itchiness is often a side effect when magnesium oil is first introduced. The more severe the deficiency is, the more severe the sensation.
- Vasodilatation– magnesium oil acts as the vasodilator that relaxes muscle cells and increases blood flow in capillaries. This may cause stinging sensation.
- Salt residue– magnesium oil is Magnesium Chloride Brine, i.e. salt water. It may leave behind a slight residue, which can trigger a itchy sensation on skin.
- Too much magnesium at once– Don’t load up on the magnesium oil all at once. This might cause a sting or burning sensation. Start gradually, especially if you’re a first-time user.
