Magnesium: the quiet power for skin, muscles and relaxation
There are some ingredients that unknowingly do a lot for your body. Magnesium is one of them. Maybe you already use it as a supplement or have heard that it helps against stress, muscle pain or insomnia. But did you know that magnesium can also have a positive effect through the skin?In this article we will tell you more about magnesium: what it does, why it is important, and how you can use it in different ways, from nutrition to care.
What does magnesium actually do?
Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in your body. It supports hundreds of processes, including the building of muscles and bones and the transmission of stimuli in the nervous system. Without magnesium, your body would function less smoothly.
It helps muscles relax, calms your nervous system and supports natural energy production. That is why magnesium is often called the “anti-stress mineral”. It helps the body recover after a busy day and prevents tension from accumulating.
How common is a magnesium deficiency?
There is a lot of talk about magnesium deficiencies, but how big is that problem really?
Volgens onderzoek van het Radboud UMC Magnesium deficiency only occurs in one to two percent of the Dutch population. This usually concerns people who use antacids or have type 2 diabetes.
Yet that figure does not say everything. About one percent of all the magnesium in your body is in the blood, while the other 99% is in bones, muscles and tissues. The standard blood test therefore only measures a small part of your total magnesium supply.
This explains why someone can have normal blood values, but still feel tense, tired or restless. In such cases we speak of a functional or local deficiency: there is enough magnesium present, but it is not absorbed properly or used too quickly. Stress, medication, a lot of caffeine or intensive exercise can influence this process and lead to complaints such as restless legs, muscle cramps and irritability.
Waar is magnesium goed voor?
The effect of magnesium is broad. The mineral supports strong bones and muscles, helps with fatigue and contributes to energy management. It also plays a role in stress regulation, sleep quality and skin recovery. A magnesium deficiency or reduced absorption can manifest itself in irritability, tension or restlessness.
Magnesium influences substances in the nervous system that contribute to relaxation. As a result, it is often associated with better sleep and a calmer feeling. Whether you notice this varies from person to person.
What does magnesium actually do?
Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in your body. It supports hundreds of processes, including the building of muscles and bones and the transmission of stimuli in the nervous system. Without magnesium, your body would function less smoothly.
It helps muscles relax, calms your nervous system and supports natural energy production. That is why magnesium is often called the “anti-stress mineral”. It helps the body recover after a busy day and prevents tension from accumulating.
Do you absolutely have to swallow, spread or spray magnesium?
Not necessarily. Healthy people who eat a varied diet usually get sufficient magnesium through food. Green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and oily fish are all rich sources of this mineral. However, it is not always possible to supplement sufficient magnesium with food alone. Intensive exercise, sweating, stress, medication or one-sided eating patterns can increase the need or reduce the absorption. In those cases, extra magnesium, via a supplement or through the skin, can provide support.
Using a magnesium oil or cream can be pleasant, especially for tired muscles or restless legs. These products work locally and can help with relaxation. The science is not yet clear about how much magnesium is actually absorbed through the skin, but many people experience applying it as soothing and nurturing.
What percentage of magnesium chloride is actually good?
You see different percentages on packaging: one states 31%, another 33%, and sometimes it is not mentioned at all. Ultimately, that number doesn't say everything. It's about the overall formula and how the ingredients work together. There are also magnesium sprays with a lower percentage of magnesium chloride, but they often contain additional caring ingredients such as glycerin or squalane. These substances emphasize hydration and skin care, making the product feel softer and gentler on the skin.
Hypogeen is all about respect for the skin. We choose ingredients that support the natural balance and contribute to relaxation and recovery. In our view, magnesium fits perfectly with this: it helps keep muscles supple, reduces tension and supports healthy skin 💙
Bronvermelding:
¹ Waring, W.S. et al., “Magnesium absorption through the skin: A randomized clinical trial,” Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2017.
² Radboud university medical center, “Magnesium: forgotten mineral is in the spotlight,” 2024.
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