Magnesium Lotion Is The Unexpected Product That's Great For Skin And Your Sleep Schedule

Are you struggling with skin concerns or falling asleep at night? It may be time to turn your attention to the benefits of magnesium. With so much information available online, it can be difficult to distinguish between trends and fads and legitimate health solutions. However, magnesium is undeniably essential, as this mineral plays a key role in everyday bodily functions (via Healthline).

"An astounding number of biochemical reactions in the body cannot do without magnesium," nutritionist Carolyn Dean shared with Allure, with skin and sleep proving no exception. In fact, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found magnesium to be an effective treatment option for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Inadequate magnesium also impacts your sleep. "Magnesium plays a big role in the chemicals that would help to turn down or relax the central nervous system," sleep specialist Dr. Chris Winter, M.D., revealed to Well+Good.

People who have experimented with oral magnesium supplements in the past may have experienced negative side effects, such as unwanted impacts on their digestive system. Topical magnesium, such as magnesium lotion, is a lesser-known form of magnesium typically used to address magnesium deficiency and other health concerns. So, what do you need to know to make sure you don't miss out on the potential health and beauty benefits of this underrated mineral?

According to a 2010 study published by the Magnesium Health Institute, the main advantage of using topical magnesium instead of taking oral supplements is that it allows the magnesium to enter directly into the bloodstream without going through the stomach and liver. This enhances the absorption of magnesium, along with reducing adverse gastrointestinal side effects.

Your cardiovascular system, nervous system, muscles, and bones all rely on magnesium to carry out vital functions. Therefore, it also makes sense that magnesium would play a role in maintaining healthy skin. Applying magnesium to your skin via a lotion provides unique benefits, such as reducing dryness and irritation. For instance, holistic facialist Emilee Wilson told Allure that "Magnesium is the way to go for clients who come in with redness or rosacea." Additionally, if you live with acne, you can try magnesium oil or lotion, as magnesium helps regulate hormonal imbalances, per the Women's Health Network.

The topic merits further study, but individuals with a known magnesium deficiency may have trouble maintaining a regular sleep schedule, per SleepFoundation.org. "Magnesium deficiency has been associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and difficulty relaxing, which are key ingredients to getting good sleep at night," Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a University of Southern California professor of pulmonary and sleep medicine, explained to The New York Times.

People who experience chronic stress or anxiety may also benefit from topical magnesium, as long-term stress leads to muscle tension. "If your muscles are extra tense as you're trying to fall asleep, you can't get good sleep," sleep doctor Temitayo Oyegbile-Chidi, M.D., Ph.D. shared with Well+Good. "Also, we know that when you're very anxious and stressed about things ... you're more likely to wake up because of all that muscle tension. So, having a way to relax the tension in your muscles can really improve sleep overall." In this case, adding magnesium lotion to your nightly routine could significantly improve your sleep, even if you don't have a severe magnesium deficiency.

Although studies have yet to determine if topical magnesium offers more benefits than dietary supplements, as per Healthline, magnesium lotion may be an effective alternative option for those who cannot tolerate traditional supplements due to unwanted side effects. Massaging lotion into your skin before bed can also serve as a mindful activity that may also improve your skin's circulation and encourage relaxation.