”Transdermal Magnesium - How it Works” (Interview with Dr Bijoy John)

Many people have trouble with magnesium tablets and powders because they are quite difficult to digest and absorb, and the gut wall is not well suited for high concentrations of magnesium to be absorbed to the interior, so the majority of ingested tablets and powders is wasted by the digestive system. It has been thought for a long time that the skin cannot absorb magnesium minerals, and that it can only go one way, which is out during perspiration. However recent studies have confirmed that the skin can absorb significant amounts of magnesium when magnesium chloride salt is dissolved in water. This happens when we go swimming in the ocean, soaking in mineral springs, or having a magnesium bath with magnesium chloride or magnesium sulphate (epsom salts). Dissolved magnesium chloride (magnesium oil) can also be absorbed into the epidermis when lipids (fats) are present. Without the lipids the pure magnesium oil can sit on the surface of the skin too long and cause irritation and itchiness, especially when people have thinner and more sensitive skin types. The higher the concentration the more resistance there is - unless you have enough lipids to facilitate the absorption. This short video explains the mechanism of action of transdermal magnesium.