As anyone who has spent restless nights counting down the clock, conjuring images of sheep or tossing and turning in frustration knows, there is no one ideal quick fix to enhancing our slumber.
Sure, the array of pharmaceuticals will sort the problem in the short term, but there are side effects and dangers of taking over a longer period of time. Instead, consider the ways to overhaul your routine and maximise your sleep environment to encourage 40 winks. One such way is through the wonders of magnesium.
This essential nutrient is of the utmost importance in the body’s proper functioning and is responsible for 325 chemical reactions, including rest and recovery. This is why there is a market for supplements harnessing its power. But interestingly, it is also ideal after a particularly tough session in the gym. Athletes wax lyrical on its effect on overworked muscles when used in lotion form and massaged into the skin after physical activity.
Magnesium comes in many forms but when included in lotions, balms or butters, it works to firm and smooth the skin, counteracts delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), eases restless leg syndrome and encourages a restful doze – but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
What is magnesium cream used for?
Dr Naomi Newman-Beinart, Nutritionist and Chartered Psychologist explains, “Magnesium cream is known for its potential to ease muscle pain, making it a go-to remedy for athletes and individuals experiencing muscular discomfort. It’s also recommended for its ability to soothe the discomfort associated with restless leg syndrome. Plus, many users have reported experiencing improved sleep quality after incorporating magnesium cream into their bedtime routines”.
Keeley Holland, magnesium specialist and NPD Manager at BetterYou confirms this adding that “Magnesium creams are a great alternative for magnesium supplementation, particularly if you have muscle pain or restless legs as you’re able to apply directly to the area of concern for targeted relief. Transdermal absorption of magnesium is a safe and effective way to increase serum magnesium levels without the fuss of tablets and capsules that are often poorly absorbed in the gut”.
Do magnesium creams work?
“While individual experiences may vary, there is growing evidence suggesting that magnesium cream can indeed deliver on its promises”, says Dr Newman-Beinart. Studies have highlighted its potential to alleviate muscle pain and cramping, as well as improve sleep quality in certain populations”.
She adds, “Topical magnesium has—through a growing number of trials and studies— been shown to be more effective than oral supplements such as tablets and capsules in delivering magnesium to the body”.
What’s more, Holland says “Lotions and creams have an added benefit of being gentle on the skin, providing moisturisation and protection to dry and sensitive skin. They are also a great alternative for babies and children who may struggle with alternative methods of supplementation and can be easily incorporated into a daily routine.”
How does magnesium cream work?
“Magnesium, when applied topically in the form of cream, is absorbed through the skin, bypassing the digestive system. This allows for efficient absorption and utilisation by the body”, reveals Dr Newman-Beinart. Once absorbed, magnesium exerts its muscle-relaxing and calming effects, which can help alleviate muscle tension, reduce cramping, and promote relaxation to support restful sleep.
Holland stresses to treat yourself to a massage with every application as this “improves the uptake of magnesium into the body too”.
Can you use magnesium cream when pregnant?
Both experts stress that while topical magnesium is safe to use during pregnancy, always consult with a healthcare provider first.
How to use magnesium cream
It’s simple. “Magnesium creams can be used as a direct replacement for any daily moisturiser and can be used in exactly the same way”, says Holland. “For those looking for a sleep benefit, apply around 30 minutes before bed to the arms and legs to help you drift off into a peaceful slumber. For aches and pains, whether it’s from a tough session at the gym or juggling childcare and family commitments, massage directly into the area of concern and reapply throughout the day to help ease discomfort”.
Dr Newman-Beinart says you can also “massage a good amount of magnesium cream into your feet and calves when you get into bed to help you sleep more peacefully”.
Shop the best magnesium creams below
Neom Organics London Luxury Magnesium Body Butter
Neom has not one but two magnesium-based body lotions. The first is its luxury formulation, a rich, conditioning cream that is powered by the component (as well as shea butter and coconut oil) to reduce muscular tension and encourage relaxation. This is enhanced by the notes of lavender, jasmine and Brazilian rosewood that set the fragrance.
Designed specifically to encourage a sound slumber, the Neom Perfect Night's Sleep Magnesium Body Butter combines a nourishing blend of shea butter, aloe vera, grapeseed oil and coconut oil with the named hero ingredient, selected to encourage the production of melatonin. To support your dozing, it is scented with a trademarked aroma that sets lavender with jasmine and sweet basil to calm the mind and body.
Buy now £38.00, John Lewis
BetterYou Magnesium Creams
In the BetterYou collection, you will find formulas supercharged by magnesium in the form of your choosing. There’s a body butter made for sensitive skin types, a cooling gel to release muscle and joint stress and two variations of lotion, one of which is a targeted solution specifically to encourage a sound 40 winks.
In the latter two, magnesium is blended with shea butter to nourish the skin, while maximising the benefits of the nutrient - namely in terms of improving rest and recovery. The composition includes just 14 essential ingredients to provide a clean, vegan and palm oil-free lotion. There is also a cream made for kids.
Buy now £11.95, BetterYou
Feather & Down Magnesium Soothing Sleep Butter
Feather & Down was founded with a clear mission in mind: to provide you with the formulas you need for a restful slumber. Alongside the selection of pillow mists is this butter balm. As you rub it into your skin, you can maximise the aromatherapeutic benefits of the lavender and chamomile essential oils. But, most importantly of all, there is magnesium to encourage relaxation in the form of a conditioning cream to leave your skin silky soft.
Buy now £8.19, Amazon
Ren Atlantic Kelp Body Cream
Magnesium is an ingredient featured in many of the Ren Clean Skincare offerings, from a body wash and scrub to a lotion. As far as the latter is concerned, it comes in the form of a quickly and easily absorbed cream that harnesses the power of the named component as well as nutrient-rich Atlantic kelp extract. You will also be treated to moisture-enhancing plankton extract to combat dry and dull skin and supercharge your body care routine.
Buy now £25.00, Space NK
This Works Deep Sleep Body Whip
This Works is perhaps best known for its pillow mists but if you’ve not yet been initiated, there is a whole world of body care heroes ready to transform your nighttime routine. The Body Whip is one such product that calls on the fragrance of the Deep Sleep collection to set the mood for a deep slumber. But that’s just the beginning. There is also the inclusion of magnesium to improve sleep quality as well as hemp seed extract and copper PCA to balance the skin’s microbiome and shea butter for a lovely and soft skin feel.
Buy now £25.00, Space NK
The White Company Nourish Magnesium Body Lotion
Not only will The White Company’s Nourish make an attractive addition to your bedside table but it brings with it the Zen-giving properties of magnesium while caring for your skin at the same time. The scent of oat, bergamot and amber drive this product, but it's the calming feeling that will come as you slather it onto your limbs that will keep you coming back for more. This is on account of the shea butter, aloe vera and allantoin, a powerhouse hydrating trio that is only enhanced by soothing barley, almond and oat extracts.
Buy now £25.00, The White Company
Green People Alexandra Kay Magnesium Body Lotion
Powered by natural ingredients, this magnesium-based body lotion will encourage you to take the moment of care that your body more than deserves. Through its composition that includes red algae and a trademarked plant active dubbed CB2 derived from patchouli, it brings intense nourishment to your limbs, absorbing quickly into the skin and bringing long-lasting softness. There should be no irritation for sensitive skin types.
Buy now £34.11, Amazon
