In previous posts, I’ve talked about high magnesium needs and what to do if you fall into that category, whether because of your size, health or lifestyle factors. I briefly introduced the benefits of using topical, or ‘transdermal’ magnesium to boost your intake.
Now, if you’re just starting out with topical magnesium, you may be wondering how to use it.
There are three different products in our topical line, and each is slightly different.
Let’s start with the easiest.
Magnesium Chloride Spray
Natural Calm Canada’s crystal clear, odour free Magnesium Chloride Liquid is a brine from distilled concentrated sea water that feels like an oil.
Our Magnesium Spray is a diluted version of the full-strength product (see below), and it comes in a convenient spray bottle for instant application. If you’re looking for a product that can be applied directly to the skin, the spray is a great option.
How much should you use?
In 10 sprays, or 1 ml, there are 60 mg of elemental magnesium and 90 trace minerals. To give you an idea of how you might distribute this across the body, here’s a quick guide:
1 spray each top of foot = 2
1 spray each bottom of foot = 2
1 spray each front of calf = 2
1 spray each back of calf = 2
1 spray each front of thigh = 2
1 spray each back of thigh = 2
1 spray each glute = 2
1 spray each hip = 2
1 spray lower back = 1
1 spray midback = 1
1 spray each side of upper back = 2
1 spray each shoulder = 2
1 spray back of neck = 1
1 spray each bicep area = 2
1 spray each forearm = 2
1 spray upper face/forehead (covering eyes) = 1
1 spray lower face (covering eyes) = 1
1 spray each side of upper chest = 2
1 spray abdominal area = 1
If you follow this guide, you’ll apply 32 sprays to your entire body, and over 180 mg of highly-absorbable magnesium chloride.
Allow the Mag Spray to air dry before putting on clothing. It isn’t necessary to rinse, but if you wish to do so, wait 20-30 minutes after application, to allow the product to really soak in.
Use daily!
Magnesium Chloride Gel
Magnesium Chloride Gel is topical magnesium designed for massage. Like the spray, Magnesium Chloride Gel can be applied directly to the skin, without sensitivity for most users.
Magnesium Chloride Gel contains the same magnesium chloride as the spray, but combined with a ‘carrying agent’ called Amigel.
As you can imagine, the carrying agent holds the liquid magnesium in more viscous form. Instead of forming a thin layer on the skin, like the spray, the gel holds the magnesium in a thicker layer on the skin, while the body absorbs the mineral.
People love Magnesium Chloride Gel for relief from tense muscles, aches, pains and other symptoms of magnesium deficiency.
How much should you use?
In each ml of gel, there are 60 mg of elemental magnesium and 90 trace minerals. So, if you were to measure out 1 tsp (5 ml), you could expect to apply 300 mg of magnesium to your skin. That’s concentrated!
Magnesium Chloride Liquid
Magnesium Chloride Liquid is a more concentrated version of our spray product. It’s twice as strong as the spray, and has a cap instead of a spray top.
Unless you’re a seasoned user, try diluting the product at home before use. Mix the Magnesium Chloride Liquid with pure water and rub into the skin, or add it to your own spray bottle and apply as above.
You can also add full-strength Magnesium Chloride Liquid to a bath, or a foot soak.
For application to the face, try using a cotton pad and wiping the Magnesium Chloride Liquid over the skin. It’s a great toner, helps with dry, rough skin and is purported to activate anti-aging DHA.
Seasoned users can try pouring a small amount of Magnesium Chloride Liquid into their cupped palm, and applying directly to a larger surface area, like the torso.
Allow the Magnesium Chloride Liquid to air dry before putting on clothing. It isn’t necessary to rinse, but if you wish to do so, wait 20-30 minutes after application, to allow the product to really soak in.
How much should you use?
There are 120 mg of elemental magnesium and 90 trace minerals in 1 ml of the full-strength Magnesium Chloride Liquid (that’s 2x the magnesium of the spray). Try adding 5 ml (1 tsp) to a bath
Use daily!
Pro-tip: Make a Compress!
Above we’ve described the basic application for these products – simple, convenient ways to use topical magnesium. But if you have a particularly painful or tense area of the body, you may want to try a hot compress.
- First, spray or rub the topical magnesium into the affected area.
- Then, take a small towel and wet it in hot water (as hot as comfortable).
- Place the hot towel over sore area, on top of the magnesium, and allow the heat of the compress to drive the magnesium into the skin.
- When the compress cools, repeat.
- Do this process three times if preferred.
Works like a charm!
Let us know if you have any questions or comments on using our magnesium chloride products.
