Does magnesium make your skin better? The surprising skin-boosting benefits explained

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 50% of the population may not be getting enough magnesium through diet alone, a deficiency that can have visible effects on the body's largest organ. This powerful mineral, involved in over 300 biochemical reactions, plays a critical role in cellular function, prompting many to ask, "does magnesium make your skin better?". This article explores the internal and topical benefits of magnesium for achieving clearer, calmer, and more hydrated skin.

Quick Summary

Magnesium can improve skin health by reducing inflammation, balancing sebum production, and enhancing hydration. It supports cellular repair and collagen synthesis, which helps combat acne, dryness, and signs of premature aging. Both dietary and topical methods can be used to incorporate this essential mineral into your routine for better skin.

Key Points

Reduces Inflammation: Magnesium calms skin by regulating cortisol and fighting inflammation linked to acne, eczema, and rosacea.
Boosts Hydration: As a humectant, magnesium helps the skin attract and retain moisture, strengthening the skin barrier to combat dryness and dehydration.
Fights Aging: Its antioxidant properties protect against free radical damage, and it supports collagen synthesis for improved elasticity and fewer wrinkles.
Manages Acne: By balancing hormones and regulating sebum production, magnesium can help reduce acne breakouts, particularly those linked to stress.
Available Topically and Orally: Magnesium can be absorbed through the skin via creams, sprays, and baths or taken as an oral supplement for systemic benefits.
Supports Skin Repair: Magnesium is essential for cellular regeneration and DNA repair, helping the skin recover from daily environmental stressors.
Can Ease Skin Irritation: Soothing irritated and sensitive skin is one of magnesium’s key benefits, as shown in studies on atopic dry skin and diaper rash.

The Role of Magnesium in Skin Health

Magnesium is not just for bones and muscles; it is an essential cofactor for hundreds of enzymatic processes, including those that govern skin health. Its multifaceted role ranges from DNA repair and cell regeneration to regulating stress hormones that can trigger skin issues. A magnesium deficiency can weaken the skin's barrier function, leading to increased dryness, inflammation, and sensitivity. By ensuring adequate magnesium levels, you can help support your skin's natural protective and reparative systems.

Calming Acne and Inflammation

Inflammation is a key driver for many skin conditions, including acne and eczema. Magnesium's anti-inflammatory properties are well-documented, making it a valuable tool for calming irritated skin. It helps to regulate cortisol, the stress hormone, which when elevated, can lead to hormonal imbalances and increased sebum production that cause breakouts. By lowering cortisol levels, magnesium can help manage stress-induced acne. Furthermore, topical applications of magnesium, like in a Dead Sea salt bath, have been shown to reduce redness and roughness in inflammatory skin conditions.

Boosting Hydration and Barrier Function

Magnesium helps enhance hydration and supports the skin's protective barrier. It acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. Magnesium PCA improves skin plasticity and hydration. Studies involving magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solutions have demonstrated significant improvements in skin barrier function and hydration.

Supporting Anti-Aging and Cellular Repair

Magnesium is a potent antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging. Oxidative stress damages skin cells, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven tone. Magnesium protects skin at a cellular level and is crucial for collagen synthesis. As we age, declining magnesium levels are linked to decreased collagen production, making supplementation and topical application beneficial.

Ways to Incorporate Magnesium into Your Routine

Magnesium can be delivered through various methods:

Dietary Sources: Good sources include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, dark chocolate, and avocado.
Oral Supplements: Supplements like magnesium glycinate or citrate can help meet daily requirements and offer systemic benefits. Consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements.
Topical Applications: Applying magnesium directly to the skin, bypassing the digestive system, includes magnesium oil/sprays, lotions/creams, and bath flakes/salts.

Oral vs. Topical Magnesium for Skin


Feature	Oral Magnesium (Diet/Supplements)	Topical Magnesium (Creams/Sprays/Baths)
Absorption	Absorbed through the digestive tract; bioavailability varies.	Absorbed directly through the skin, potentially offering faster, targeted effects.
Target Area	Whole-body effects; supports internal health.	Targets skin and underlying tissues directly.
Convenience	Easy to integrate daily.	Can be messy or requires dedicated time.
Best For	Addressing overall deficiency.	Soothing localized skin conditions.
Potential Side Effects	High doses can cause stomach upset.	Mild skin irritation or tingling is possible.

Conclusion

Magnesium can improve skin health through both internal and external methods. It helps with inflammation, stress-related breakouts, hydration, and collagen production. Increasing dietary intake, taking oral supplements, or applying it topically can lead to clearer, more resilient skin. Consult a healthcare professional before starting a new regimen. More information is available in the National Institutes of Health fact sheet on Magnesium.

How to get started with a magnesium-rich skincare routine

To incorporate magnesium, try magnesium-infused creams or lotions after showering. A magnesium spray can target specific areas. Alternatively, a weekly bath soak with magnesium flakes or Dead Sea salts offers a full-body experience. Combining these with a magnesium-rich diet provides a holistic approach to better skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topical magnesium can be effective for localized skin concerns like inflammation and hydration, providing faster, targeted benefits. Oral supplements support overall magnesium levels, which in turn benefit skin health from within. The best approach may be a combination of both for comprehensive results.

Some individuals, especially those with sensitive skin, may experience a tingling sensation or mild irritation with magnesium oil or sprays due to its salt-based nature. Using a diluted formula, switching to a lotion, or performing a patch test is recommended.

The timeline varies based on the method and individual. Topical applications may provide more immediate soothing effects, while systemic improvements from dietary changes or supplements can take weeks or months to become noticeable.

For topical use, Magnesium PCA is excellent for hydration, while magnesium chloride is commonly used in bath flakes and sprays for inflammation. For oral supplements, magnesium glycinate is often recommended for better absorption and sleep.

Magnesium's anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Studies on Dead Sea salt (rich in magnesium) baths have shown positive results in reducing irritation and scaling.

Yes, magnesium plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, proteins that are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Replenishing magnesium levels can help counteract age-related decline in these proteins.

Yes, a deficiency can disrupt key cellular processes, leading to noticeable skin problems. Common signs include increased inflammation, dryness, a compromised skin barrier, and a higher susceptibility to acne and breakouts.