Magnesium is an essential mineral crucial for many bodily functions, including skin health. Research shows that magnesium possesses anti-inflammatory and indirectly antioxidant properties, which can be relevant for acne treatment.
Several clinical studies have examined the effects of magnesium on acne. Research indicates that magnesium supplements reduce acne in teenagers. One study showed a significant improvement in acne outbreaks and a decrease in inflammation after four weeks of magnesium supplementation. Another study investigated the effect of magnesium combined with vitamin B6 on acne and reported that this combination led to a significant improvement in acne symptoms.
There is also research suggesting that magnesium deficiency may be linked to skin problems, including acne. Several studies have found that people with acne often have lower levels of magnesium in their blood compared to healthy controls.
If you are considering using magnesium as part of your acne treatment, here are some general recommendations based on current research. Magnesium supplements can be taken in forms such as magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, or magnesium oxide. Magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate are significantly better than magnesium oxide, which should be avoided. A common dose for acne treatment is 300 mg of magnesium per day.