What ingredients are necessary to any skincare routine will often be up for debate depending on people’s skin types.
But there is one ingredient in particular that almost every expert seems to agree will help to cure redness and acne, whether used in topical products, or ingested as a vitamin – and it also happens to be a key component in lots of laxatives.
Magnesium, which is a common mineral used to re-balance the digestive system, also works help with cell repair and reduce inflammation that can occur on the face during extreme breakouts.
Essential: Experts recommend adding magnesium, a mineral commonly found in laxatives, to any beauty routine to help with redness or acne-prone skin (stock image)
‘Magnesium helps improve your skin’s overall appearance, reducing acne and other skin disorders by lowering cortisol levels, stabilizing hormonal imbalances, and improving cellular processes,’ Dendy Engelman, a dermatologist in New York City, told Allure.
Although there are a number of topical beauty products that contain the coveted ingredient, many experts recommended adding a supplement to target the inside of the body.
‘The best way to absorb it is internally, rather than externally,’ Ido Magal, herbalist and founder of Lavido, told Refinery29.
‘When you use magnesium internally, it helps with almost 300 different processes in the body.’
These processes include helping with muscle contractions, lowering blood pressure, producing a healthy heartbeat, improving sleep quality and regulating blood sugar levels.
To introduce a oral medication into the routine, consumers can purchase products such as laxative milk of magnesia or Extend-Release Magnesia supplements.
But topical treatments with magnesium can also make an impact on someone’s skin, especially if they have redness or rosacea.
One option to help ‘glow from within’ is Glossier’s Super Glow drops ($28) which combines both magnesium and vitamin c and will brighten the skin’s complexion. Apply the drops after cleansing to experience the full effect.
Helpful: Both Laneige’s Water Bank Moisture Cream (left) and Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask (right) are topical treatments to add magnesium into any beauty routine
Important: Glossier’s Super Glow drops (left) and REN’s full-body cleanser are other products people can utilize to add more magnesium
Problem areas: For spot treatment, Mario Basescu’s Special Mask for Oily Skin works to zap the redness and acne with the help of magnesium
Another way to implement the magnesium into a beauty routine is to use moisturizing products with the ingredient.
The Laneige’s Water Bank Moisture Cream ($35) is formulated to alleviate dryness in the skin and add moisture with the combination of magnesium, potassium and other essential minerals.
For some skin types, a harsher treatment is necessary to rid the skin of bumps and redness.
Adding a deep cleansing mask, such as the Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask ($120), will help draw out the toxins and impurities while pushing magnesium into the pores.
Another mask that de-clogs the pores with magnesium is the Mario Badescu’s Special Mask for Oily Skin ($18). Similar to the Omorovicza mask, it works to pull out the impurities of the skin while also using minerals like magnesium to soothe the pores.
If someone wants to add magnesium into their skincare routine for their entire body, they can utilize the REN Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash ($27).
But the number one recommendation from experts is to first check with a dermatologist to formulate a plan for any stubborn acne or marks.
The expert advice can help guide people in what might work best to clear up the skin.