Understanding Transdermal Magnesium Absorption
Transdermal magnesium therapy involves applying magnesium directly to the skin, which allows the mineral to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This method is especially useful for those who experience digestive upset from oral magnesium supplements. Proponents claim that it can help address various issues, including muscle cramps, soreness, and promoting relaxation. The skin, with its complex layers, acts as a selective barrier, but certain formulations of magnesium can penetrate the epidermis and reach the blood vessels underneath, often facilitated by hair follicles and sweat glands. While the extent of absorption is still a subject of scientific research, anecdotal evidence and some studies suggest it can be an effective route for increasing the body's magnesium levels.
The Top Contender: Magnesium Chloride
When it comes to skin absorption, magnesium chloride is consistently cited as the superior choice. It is highly soluble and its form is readily available for the skin to take in. Magnesium chloride is harvested from various sources, with some of the purest forms coming from ancient seabeds, such as the Zechstein seabed in the Netherlands, protected from modern pollutants.
Products Made with Magnesium Chloride
- Magnesium Oil: A concentrated aqueous solution of magnesium chloride that, despite its name, is not an actual oil. It is most often used as a spray for targeted application on sore muscles. It can cause a tingling sensation, especially for those with low magnesium levels, but this typically subsides with continued use.
- Magnesium Flakes: These are solid flakes of magnesium chloride that are dissolved in a bath or foot soak. Bathing in a magnesium-rich solution is a relaxing way to promote absorption over a larger surface area of the skin.
- Magnesium Gels and Lotions: These products combine magnesium chloride with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil. The carrier agents help to enhance skin moisturization while delivering magnesium, making them ideal for massage and for those with sensitive skin.
The Alternative: Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt)
Magnesium sulfate, more commonly known as Epsom salt, is another popular option for topical use, primarily in baths and soaks. Epsom salt has been a traditional remedy for soothing muscle aches and promoting relaxation for centuries. While it can release magnesium ions into bathwater, evidence regarding the extent of its absorption through the skin is more limited and debated compared to magnesium chloride. Many of the perceived benefits may come from the relaxing effects of a warm bath rather than significant magnesium replenishment through the skin. It is also quite harsh on the stomach if ingested and is used as a laxative.
Factors Affecting Absorption
Several variables can influence how much magnesium is absorbed through the skin:
- Skin Condition: Healthy, unbroken skin absorbs more efficiently than damaged or irritated skin.
- Duration of Contact: A longer contact time between the product and the skin can increase absorption. For sprays, waiting 20-30 minutes before wiping off any residue is often recommended.
- Concentration: Products with higher concentrations of magnesium may result in more significant absorption.
- Application Area: Massaging the product into the skin, especially after a warm shower when pores are open, can stimulate and improve absorption.
Comparison of Magnesium Chloride vs. Magnesium Sulfate
| Feature | Magnesium Chloride | Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Targeted application (sprays, lotions, gels), higher absorbability. | Relaxing baths and foot soaks, general muscle soreness. |
| Absorption | Considered more readily and effectively absorbed through the skin. | Anecdotal evidence of absorption via baths, but scientifically debated. |
| Product Forms | Oils, flakes, gels, lotions, body butter. | Bath salts, primarily. |
| Potential Sensation | Can cause a tingling or itchy sensation, especially for those with very low magnesium levels. | Typically does not cause tingling, more associated with the overall relaxing bath experience. |
| Purity | Often sourced from ancient, protected seabeds, resulting in high purity. | Widely available, often used for general-purpose soaks. |
Conclusion
For those seeking the most effective transdermal absorption, magnesium chloride is the superior form. Its high solubility and bio-availability for topical use make it the active ingredient in most dedicated magnesium sprays, gels, and lotions. While Epsom salt baths provide a relaxing experience and may contribute to some absorption, magnesium chloride products offer a more targeted and potentially more efficient method for increasing magnesium levels through the skin. For best results, consider a spray or lotion applied to clean skin after a warm shower or bath, allowing the product to remain on the skin for at least 20-30 minutes to maximize absorption. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplementation regimen.
To learn more about the scientific literature on transdermal magnesium therapy, you can explore peer-reviewed studies published on the National Institutes of Health website.
