One of the most important minerals for our health, magnesium is good for more than 300 processes in the body! Recent research shows many Australians are not meeting the daily dietary intake requirements to maintain adequate levels of this powerhouse mineral and some estimates show that up to 75% of the population are magnesium deficient. And unfortunately, as we age, our bodies produce less and less.

What many don’t don’t realise is that magnesium is essential for good skin health. With the skin being the largest organ of our body, it makes sense that if you are lacking in this important mineral the condition and wellness of your skin will start to suffer. And given this mineral is involved in so many processes in our bodies, it's easy to understand why the skin may be the last organ to get its fair share of magnesium from the food and supplements you take.

The International Journal of Dermatology published research showing that 'bathing in a magnesium rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin'. At The Base Collective, our range of magnesium-rich skincare products have natural calming and hydrating properties that have the capability to improve the overall condition and appearance of your skin without drying it out.

Magnesium is great for acne and inflamed skin for many reasons - it’s anti-inflammatory, reduces redness and naturally hydrates the skin. It also lowers cortisol production, so has the potential to reduce hormonal acne by stabilising imbalances within the body. If you find your skin is affected by external aggressors such as changes in weather, washing your hands and using hand sanitiser more frequently, or even using creams and moisturisers that claim to hydrate but are full of hidden chemicals, magnesium can help.

Magnesium deficiency has also been linked to sleep issues and even insomnia, and increasing the levels of this important mineral can be a simple and effective treatment. Making magnesium part of your nightly bedtime routine such as showering with our Beauty Sleep Wash then following with the Beauty Sleep Balm and Spray can help you to fall asleep quickly, stay asleep and also achieve deeper and more restful sleep. This is because the magnesium works with the lavender to relaxes the body and the mind, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, or the “rest and digest” mode. It also aids in regulating melatonin, the hormone which guides the natural circadian rhythm. Magnesium has also been shown to alleviate mood disorders including anxiety and depression, which of course can interfere with sleep.

When you exercise, magnesium is needed by the body to build muscle, provide energy, loosen tight muscles to prevent injury and optimise recovery time. To compound the problem, we lose magnesium as we sweat, so it’s extra important to replenish your body of the mineral post-workout. If you experience prolonged soreness, muscle cramps and spasms during or after exercise this can be a sign of magnesium deficiency. Soaking in a bath with pure magnesium chloride flakes or applying a magnesium oil spray can help to combat these symptoms and ensure a speedy recovery.

Magnesium is readily absorbed via the skin so by applying it topically you’re making sure it lands exactly where it is needed. Not all Magnesium products are created equal though! It's important to read the ingredients labels and choose products for your skin that don't contain known irritants such as phenoxyethanol, SLS, parabens or mineral oils that will clog the pores.

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