How magnesium can improve your skin - from anti-ageing to adult acne
The list is never ending of supplements, elements and ingredients that are now proven to be good for you and your skin. Whilst many you can disregard and carry on as normal without, magnesium is one that you should actually take note of as its benefits are ever growing and surprisingly effective for both your gut health and skin woes such as acne and ageing.
What is magnesium?
"Magnesium is an element that helps to regulate the hundreds of diverse bio-chemical reactions in the body," says nutritionist and naturopath, Kara-Mia Vernon. Magnesium is an essential mineral found in human tissues and especially in bone. A few of the main health benefits of magnesium include its power to act as a catalyst to speed up the absorption of calcium in the body, eases stiff muscles, lowers cortisol production, thereby potentially helping to reduce acne and also helps stabilise any hormonal imbalances in the body. Magnesium supplementation has also been proven to reduce stress and improve your sleep pattern.
"Magnesium is essential for energy production in cells and is considered to be the fourth most important mineral in the body," says Vernon. It's required for the synthesis of DNA replication and the all-important antioxidant and smart-ager Glutathione. Although green leafy vegetables and nuts and seeds are purported to be a good source of magnesium,"this essential element is only found in these foods if it's available in the soil in the first place," advises Vernon.
Today's mass-farming issues we face in the UK means farmers are more interested in size, growth rate, and pest resistance and care less about the nutritional value of their crop. Which is why we now have an issue where by certain fruits and vegetables don't hold the same nutritional value as they did ten years ago. "Less magnesium in our food means less absorption in your body," says Vernon. "It's estimated that up to 70% of Britons have inadequate levels, with over 50% of teenage girls being grossly deficient," she adds. Meaning some may need to turn to fortified skincare to help see the benefits on your skin.
How can magnesium help my skin?
"Magnesium deficiency also results in lower levels of fatty acids on the skin," advises Vernon. This reduces elasticity and moisture and creates the perfect condition for dryness and lack of tone. And more wrinkles. “Glutathione levels often peak as we hit our twenties so it’s important to consider replacing our levels from an early age," says skin expert Bianca Estelle. "Although it occurs naturally in the body and can be found in leafy greens, our fast-paced lives have us exposed to high toxin levels that the human body hasn’t previously had to cope with that inhibits absorption," says Estelle. To prevent strains on the liver (where most glutathione is found) and to aid the detoxification process at the same time as reaping countless health benefits, glutathione supplementation will benefit everyone and all skin types. Poor DNA replication means that we age faster, and we all know that means wrinkles.
Magnesium is also known as an important chemical in immune function and plays a role in reducing acne and breakouts, skin allergies and also collagen function," adds Dr David Jack. Magnesium is taken both orally and is available in some topical skincare. "If you chose supplement form, it's important not to overtake magnesium as it can have a laxative effect. Magnesium can also be given through IV, however, given the effects it can have on the heart rate, this should be done with cardiac monitoring, not in wellness drips," says Jack. Most supplement forms will do just the job but you may want to consider what form your body best absorbs.
Best Magnesium-infused products
Containing optimum doses of zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, this complete formula delivers these essential molecules to the system in a simple, effective form.
Glossier Super Glow Serum, ￡24
For an all round glow, vitamin C brightens and magnesium energizes your skin for days when you didn’t get enough sleep or skin looks sallow.
Westlab Magnesium Flakes, ￡8.99
Simply add a few to your bath to soothe muscle pain and stop cramps
Better You Magnesium Oil, ￡12.20
Formulated primarily for topical use, essential magnesium is absorbed directly into the skin tissue, entering the cells immediately. Magnesium Oil efficiently replaces magnesium lost through modern diet and pressured lifestyles.
Atlantic Kelp And Magnesium Energising Hand Wash, ￡16
Infused with magnesium to help replenish skin with essential minerals, while moisturizing and soothing.
Glutathione Skin Patches, ￡110 for 30 patches
Wear daily for a boost of energy and to protect against ageing.
Please speak to a doctor before taking a magnesium supplement.