Magnesium, a vital mineral essential for the human body, is crucial in over 300 enzymatic reactions. While magnesium can be obtained from dietary sources like leafy green vegetables, beans, nuts, and whole grains, transdermal absorption through the skin is gaining popularity as an effective method of delivering this essential mineral.
The way magnesium is absorbed through the skin
However, specific molecules, including magnesium ions, can successfully penetrate this layer and be absorbed into the bloodstream through a series of intriguing processes:
Passive diffusion: Magnesium ions from topical preparations pass through moisturized skin and hair follicles in the stratum corneum. The passive transport occurs due to a concentration gradient where magnesium moves from an area of high concentration outside the skin to a place of low concentration within the bloodstream.
Ion exchange: The skin’s pores contain negatively charged areas near their entrance. As positively charged magnesium ions attempt to pass through these pores, they briefly encounter harmful locations where ions such as sodium and hydrogen reside.
Solvent transfer: When water evaporates from the skin’s surface, it draws dissolved magnesium ions into the stratum corneum through a process known as solvent transfer. Moisturizing oils in magnesium preparations promote swelling and increased permeability of the skin, facilitating solvent removal.
Through these fascinating passive and active processes, topically applied elemental magnesium successfully breaches the outer skin barrier and gets absorbed into the bloodstream,continue reading this article to know can you absorb magnesium through the skin.
Several factors also influence the absorption of magnesium through the skin:
Hydration level: Well-hydrated skin facilitates the passage of magnesium ions through the lipid bilayers of the stratum corneum.
Scope of application: Skin thickness varies across different parts of the body. Thinner areas with more hair follicles, such as the armpits, exhibit more excellent absorption compared to thicker areas like the soles of the feet.
Massage: Gentle circular rubbing with magnesium oil improves blood flow to the skin by opening up more pores for enhanced magnesium absorption.
Age: As individuals age, there may be a decrease in magnesium penetration through the skin due to a weakening of the skin’s barrier function over time.
For most healthy individuals, regular use of transdermal magnesium on areas such as arms, shoulders, and legs leads to successful absorption and increased blood magnesium levels. However, those with inflammatory skin conditions may experience reduced absorption.
The merits of transdermal magnesium therapy
Prevents intestinal malabsorption: In cases where oral doses are not effectively absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract due to leaky gut syndrome, cutaneous application provides greater bioavailability.
Avoids side effects of oral supplements: High oral doses may cause digestive upset, diarrhea, and cramps in some individuals. Transdermal delivery bypasses this issue by avoiding direct contact with the gastrointestinal tract.
Direct delivery to skin and muscles: Through local massage, magnesium is absorbed directly into the muscles and underlying skin cells, minimizing systemic circulation and potential side effects on other organs.
Finally
Transdermal magnesium facilitates diffusion, solvent entrainment, and cellular signaling to transport magnesium ions across various layers of the skin into the systemic circulation. Compared to oral medications, topical administration provides greater bioavailability, avoids gastrointestinal issues, delivers magnesium directly to muscles and skin, and maintains stable tissue and serum levels of this vital mineral.