In skincare, magnesium lowers cortisol levels, stabilizes hormonal imbalances, repairs the skin barrier and reduces inflammation, all of which help clear acne. How Does Magnesium Fight Breakouts? Magnesium is highly effective in breaking down and absorbing oil and bacteria in the pores and balancing your skin's pH.
To control hormonal acne, dermatologist Dr Kiran Sethi suggests supplementing with magnesium. It lowers cortisol production, which then helps reduce acne by stabilising hormonal imbalances in the body.
There is little or no direct evidence that consuming a magnesium supplement actually has any direct impact on acne, though in cases of deficiency you may experience more inflammation and poorer skin quality.
Who should use it: In general, all skin types can benefit from magnesium usage. However, those with oily, acne-prone skin will most likely benefit the most. How often can you use it: Topically, magnesium products can be used daily, preferably at night. If ingested, be careful not to exceed 350mg daily.
"Magnesium oil is actually magnesium chloride flakes mixed with water," Dowd explains. "Magnesium lotion is typically magnesium chloride in a base of coconut or shea butter. Both are great for muscle spasms or cramps and are also used for dermatitis, eczema, and acne."
"Magnesium helps improve your skin's overall appearance, reducing acne and other skin disorders by lowering cortisol levels, stabilizing hormonal imbalances, and improving cellular processes," says Dendy Engelman, a dermatologist in New York City.
Magnesium can even improve the skin's complexion. When topically applied, magnesium oil breaks apart fats and oils. This can help reduce skin oiliness. This, in turn, can reduce the severity and occurrence of acne breakouts.
Does magnesium oil cause dry skin? Magnesium oil is good for overall skin health, however it can sometimes dry out the skin as it is a natural salt based solution.
If the body has absorbed too much magnesium, a person may notice any of the following symptoms, which can range from mild to very severe: lethargy. facial flushing.
Washing the face daily, especially before bed or after a sweaty workout, will help kill bacteria and clear off dead skin cells. Vitamins can give the skin the extra boost needed to fight acne. Vitamin A, D, zinc, and omega-3s are the most widely used vitamins for treating acne.
Zinc is a mineral that can also help with acne. You can take it as an oral supplement or as a topical treatment. A recent review of the past studies on the topic found that zinc can decrease oil production in the skin, and can protect against bacterial infection and inflammation.
A 2016 study found that people with acne have lower levels of vitamin D than those without the skin condition. This deficiency may be a factor in the development of acne. According to a study from 2014, Vitamin D also blocks P. acnes from affecting skin cells.
Vitamin D levels can also affect your skin health. You may notice several symptoms of vitamin D deficiency on your skin like dry skin, skin rashes, acne or signs of ageing. Acne is a common skin problem. There is a link between vitamin D levels and acne.
Signs of a magnesium overdose can include nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue. At very high doses, magnesium can be fatal.
Side Effects to watch for
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. breathing problems.
Another study noted that supplementing with magnesium improved symptoms of depression in 112 adults, with noticeable benefits occurring after 2 weeks ( 7 ).
“You don't have to worry about overdosing on magnesium lotion due to its transdermal application, which means the mineral is absorbed through the skin rather than the digestive tract,” their website states.
A study conducted in Germany found that supplying magnesium to hair follicles can trigger hair growth. The study involved spraying magnesium oil on the scalp or any part of the body, coupled with a foot soak in Epsom salt water 12 weeks. This regimen resulted in a 59.7% increase in hair (1).
According to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements , healthy adult men should generally consume 400 to 420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium daily. Healthy adult women should consume 310 to 320 mg daily. Pregnant women are recommended to consume a higher dose than women who aren't pregnant.
The most bioavailable form of magnesium is magnesium citrate. This means that it is in a form that your body can use and you will get the most benefit from it,” Coleman says.
Unlike other heavy metals, magnesium has potent detoxification properties that help the human body get rid of toxins that are built up in cells.
High doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. In addition, the magnesium in supplements can interact with some types of antibiotics and other medicines.
Magnesium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Magnesium is important for many processes in the body, including regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure and making protein, bone, and DNA.
Zinc halts the over-production of keratinocytes and helps clear up acne over time. It also helps with the epidermal balance of keratin and collagen to help prevent blockage within the skin. Similarly, zinc is a natural DHT-blocker that lowers the amount of sebum that the skin produces.