Other than improving your muscle function and energy levels (and avoiding all of the negative side effects mentioned above), magnesium keeps your skin looking glowing, says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Magnesium is necessary for the maintenance of a healthy skin barrier, and has been shown to help fight off dry, damaged skin.”
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That’s why Julia Tzu, M.D., founder and medical director of Wall Street Dermatology, suggests using it in a topical application, too. “Topical magnesium is thought to be anti-inflammatory. it helps in synthesizing the necessary oils that our skin produces for protection,”. Facial powders and mineral makeup usually contain magnesium compounds. Don’t rely on it as the main source. Cullen says there’s not a lot of science proving the benefits of topical application, so it’s better to actually ingest it.
How to Get It More
Since our body absorbs 30 to 40% dietary magnesium. The best way to get nutrients is through green leafy vegetables. Such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. Nuts, legumes, seeds, and whole grains are also good sources.
If a food has a lot of fiber, it likely has a decent amount of Mg in it too. Lastly, Cullen says dark chocolate and avocado are solid sources.