How Magnesium Can Make Your Acne Better

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, around 50 million Americans experience at least mild acne each year, making it the country's top skin condition. And PR Newswire reports there were 681.2 million global cases of acne vulgaris, the most common form of acne, in 2016. Acne is difficult for many people to get rid of, and skincare solutions that work are often costly and may require complicated or time-consuming skincare regimes. 

The Mayo Clinic describes acne as a persistent skin condition where hair follicles become plugged by the skin's natural oils and dead skin cells. Symptoms of acne can appear as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples or lumps under the skin, which can sometimes be painful. Acne symptoms can last several years, and severe cases can lead to permanent scarring. Due to its displeasing appearance, acne can cause prolonged emotional distress, especially in adolescents, teenagers, and young adults, about 79% to 95% of whom are afflicted by the skin condition, as reported in a study by JAMA Dermatology. But magnesium may provide relief for acne sufferers worldwide.

As reported by the Royal Society of Chemistry, magnesium is the Earth's eighth most abundant mineral. The silvery-white, soft metal is usually obtained from the oceans and the brines from salt lakes in the United States via electrolysis of magnesium chloride, says the Minerals Education Coalition. 

According to a 2005 study in the International Journal of Dermatology, soaking in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution can reduce skin inflammation, improve skin barrier, and reduce skin redness and roughness. But you don't have to travel to the Dead Sea to get magnesium's skin-soothing benefits. You can use at-home magnesium remedies to reduce inflammation and calm acne symptoms. 

Dr. Kiran Sethi tells Vogue that magnesium supplements can help reduce acne by helping with healthy hormone production, reducing the stress hormone cortisol, thought to be a significant contributor to acne outbreaks, and helping balance blood sugar. Lastly, some swear topical application of Milk of Magnesia can help relieve acne symptoms and reduce skin redness and inflammation, as evidenced by cases reported in the People's Pharmacy.