The First Uses of Magnesium in Healing (And Why They Still Matter)

Magnesium has been used in healing for centuries. From soothing sore muscles to calming irritated skin, its benefits are wide-reaching and time-tested. But how did it all begin? And why are its early uses still important today? Let’s take a closer look at the first uses of magnesium in medicine and why your skin still loves it.

Ancient Roots: Early Uses of Magnesium in Medicine

The healing properties of magnesium go way back. Long before modern skincare labs, people were already turning to magnesium-rich minerals to treat common health problems. One of the earliest known forms was magnesium sulfate, better known today as Epsom salt.

Discovered in the 1600s in the town of Epsom, England, this naturally occurring mineral compound quickly gained popularity. People would soak in magnesium-rich waters to ease pain, reduce swelling, and detox the body. These are some of the earliest recorded magnesium healing benefits.

Back then, there were no fancy creams or lab-made solutions. Just simple, natural minerals doing powerful work. And the results spoke for themselves:

• Pain relief: Soaking in magnesium sulfate helped with sore muscles and joint aches.
• Skin support: Epsom salt was used to calm rashes, insect bites, and skin irritation.
• Digestive help: Taken internally, it acted as a gentle laxative to relieve constipation.

These traditional uses of magnesium laid the foundation for what we now know about its healing power.

Magnesium Sulfate: Healing with Epsom Salts

Magnesium sulfate Epsom salts uses haven’t changed much over time. They’re still one of the most popular ways to tap into magnesium’s benefits. Whether you’re soaking in a bath or using a compress, Epsom salts deliver serious relief for body and skin.

Why are benefits of Epsom salt baths still such a big deal? It comes down to how magnesium works in the body. Magnesium helps regulate more than 300 enzymes. It supports nerve function, muscle health, and even mood. When absorbed through the skin, it can help ease pain and reduce inflammation.

That’s why people today still use Epsom salts for:

• Muscle recovery after workouts
• Reducing swelling from sprains or injuries
• Soothing irritated skin or bug bites
• Relaxing the body and mind before bed

The science may have evolved, but the core benefits remain the same. Simple, natural, and effective.

Magnesium Oxide: A Skin-Safe Powerhouse

Another early form of medicinal magnesium is magnesium oxide. It’s a white, powdery mineral used for everything from digestive relief to skincare. In medicine, it was often used as an antacid or laxative. But in skincare, it has a different kind of superpower.

Magnesium oxide for skin works as a gentle exfoliant and a calming agent. It helps remove dead skin cells without being harsh. It also has mild antibacterial properties, which can help with acne or irritation. That’s why it’s found in many modern face masks, powders, and deodorants.

At MAGS Skin, we use magnesium because it works with your skin not against it. Magnesium oxide is especially good for people with sensitive underarms. It fights odor without blocking sweat and helps balance skin’s natural pH.

Why pH Balance Matters

Your skin has a natural pH level that keeps it healthy and strong. When that balance gets thrown off, you’re more likely to see irritation, breakouts, or dryness. Magnesium helps keep that balance in check. It’s one of the reasons why magnesium in skincare is such a smart choice.

Healing Properties of Magnesium: What the Science Says

Today, we have more research to back up what past generations knew. Healing properties of magnesium include:

• Anti-inflammatory effects: Magnesium helps calm the body’s immune response, which can reduce redness and swelling.
• Improved circulation: Better blood flow means faster healing of skin and muscles.
• Stress relief: Magnesium helps regulate cortisol, the stress hormone that can affect your skin.

Think of magnesium as your skin’s quiet helper. It doesn’t overpower. It supports. That’s why magnesium for inflammation relief is such a trusted tool in both wellness and skincare today.

From Bath Soaks to Skincare: The Legacy Lives On

So how do the early uses of magnesium in medicine still shape our routines today? The answer is in how we use it. Whether it’s a warm Epsom salt bath or a magnesium-based deodorant, the goal is the same: support your body in a gentle, natural way.

At MAGS Skin, we believe in honoring that legacy. We use magnesium because it’s proven, simple, and kind to your skin. Our formulas are inspired by history and backed by science. No gimmicks. Just real results.

Why Your Skin Still Needs Magnesium

Modern life throws a lot at your skin. Pollution, stress, sweat, and harsh products can all lead to irritation. Magnesium helps restore balance. It calms, cleanses, and protects just like it did hundreds of years ago.

And the best part? It’s safe for almost every skin type. Whether you deal with sensitivity, redness, or odor, magnesium can help.

Quick Takeaways: Magnesium’s Healing Past and Present

• Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) has been used since the 1600s for pain relief and detox.
• Magnesium oxide is a gentle mineral used in both medicine and skincare.
• Healing properties of magnesium include inflammation relief, skin balance, and stress reduction.
• Magnesium in skincare is ideal for sensitive skin, especially in deodorants and gentle cleansers.
• Traditional uses of magnesium still guide how we use it today in baths, creams, and beyond.

FAQs About Magnesium and Skincare

Is magnesium safe for daily use on skin?

Yes. Magnesium is gentle enough for daily use, especially in products like deodorants, lotions, and scrubs.

What’s the difference between magnesium sulfate and magnesium oxide?

Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is usually used in baths. Magnesium oxide is more common in creams and skincare products. Both offer healing benefits.

Can magnesium help with skin inflammation?

Yes. Magnesium has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help calm red, irritated, or sensitive skin.

Why is magnesium good in deodorant?

It stops odor without blocking sweat. It also supports your skin’s natural pH, which helps prevent irritation.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Magnesium Is Here to Stay

Historical magnesium treatments may seem old-fashioned, but their benefits are anything but outdated. From Epsom salt soaks to modern skincare, magnesium continues to prove its worth. It’s gentle, effective, and science-backed. Whether you’re looking to calm your skin, ease tension, or simply feel more balanced, magnesium delivers.

At MAGS Skin, we’re proud to carry on this tradition. Because when it comes to healthy skin, sometimes the oldest remedies are still the best.