Magnesium

Few people realise just how important a role magnesium plays in our bodies. Magnesium is by far the most important mineral in our body. After water, oxygen and basic foods, magnesium may be the most important element our body needs; it is irreplaceable. It is more important than calcium, potassium or sodium, because magnesium regulates all three, and without it these important minerals cannot bind. Millions of people are deficient in magnesium without knowing it. Recently, awareness of magnesium's essential role in maintaining health has been growing. Nevertheless, up to 80% of people have insufficient magnesium in their bodies, which is a serious cause for concern. This mineral occurs naturally in soil and plants, but modern farming has depleted it, so it is replenished synthetically or from mineral sources such as Epsom salt. In cosmetics, it is used in the form of organic extracts or pure crystals obtained from natural springs, allowing transdermal absorption through the skin.

Magnesium is present in the body in relatively large amounts. Scientists estimate that an adult has up to 25 grams, with half of this amount found in the bones and only 1% in the blood. This mineral needs to be replenished continually, as more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body depend on it. Every cell in our body, including brain cells, needs magnesium. It is one of the main minerals that requires supplementation, as it plays an essential role in the function of hundreds of enzymes, from cell metabolism and protein synthesis to the use of fats and carbohydrates — practically everything. Magnesium is needed not only to produce specific detoxifying enzymes, but also to generate energy for cellular detoxification. In cosmetics, it acts as a humectant that hydrates the skin and strengthens its protective barrier, an antioxidant rich in sulphates that detoxify and protect against free radicals, an exfoliant that removes dead skin cells, and a soothing anti-inflammatory agent. A concentration of 1-2% in scrubs or baths supports regeneration without drying out the skin.

The role of magnesium in the body. Magnesium mainly performs the following functions in our bodies: metabolism of calcium, silicon, vitamin D and vitamin K, activation of muscles and nerves, energy production, detoxification, digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, acting as a building block in the formation and synthesis of RNA and DNA, and as a precursor to neurotransmitters such as serotonin. These properties make magnesium ideal for dry, sensitive, dehydrated and mature skin, where it restores hydration and elasticity. For oily and acne-prone skin, it cleanses pores and reduces inflammation, while soothing skin irritated by burns or bites. I recommend it to anyone with a mineral deficiency, athletes to aid recovery, or people experiencing stress and fatigue, as it supports relaxation through the skin.

Unfortunately, many people around the world have no idea that they are deficient in magnesium. Low levels in the body may manifest as health problems such as anxiety, forgetfulness or muscle cramps. Regular intake not only resolves these health problems, but also helps with a range of other conditions. According to a study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2017), transdermal application of magnesium sulphate at a concentration of 1% increased serum magnesium levels by 12% after 12 days of bathing and reduced inflammatory markers by 25% (compared with a placebo). Another study published in PMC in 2020 confirms that mineral baths with magnesium sulphate improved skin hydration by 30% and supported regeneration after exfoliation.

The main reason for magnesium deficiency in our diet is that modern farming methods have contributed to its excessive depletion from the soil. Naturally, it is then also absent from crops grown in such soil. The frequent use of artificial fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides makes the problem even worse. To get enough, we need to eat foods grown in magnesium-rich soil, especially green leafy vegetables. To consume the required amount of leafy vegetables, we should drink green smoothies daily or eat and chew a large bowl of salad very thoroughly, preferably organic, which should ensure that it is grown without pesticides and unnecessary chemicals. Taking food supplements containing magnesium is another option. It is also advisable for supplements to contain calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K2 alongside magnesium, as these substances complement one another and one cannot be metabolised without the others being present. One of the best ways to replenish magnesium in the body is through absorption via the skin. Human skin is the body's largest organ and can absorb active ingredients into the body. According to current guidelines, men should consume at least 420 mg of magnesium daily and women at least 320 mg, with more needed during adolescence and pregnancy. However, pay attention to the recommended range, as the healthy magnesium threshold used to be somewhat higher. The more unwell we become, the lower the range gets. If we consume 700 mg of calcium, we should consume the same amount of magnesium.

How can you get more magnesium into your body? As mentioned above, another good approach is to absorb it through the skin. Examples include baths or scrubs with added Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate). Through the skin, magnesium can be absorbed 5 times faster and up to 6 times more effectively than when taken orally. The body only ever absorbs what it needs, so there is no risk of overdose.