Why A Magnesium Bath Is The Ultimate Relaxation Hack

Finding ways to relax and restore is more important now than ever. While meditation, yoga and deep breathing techniques often top the list of the self-care toolkit, there are more convenient and powerful relaxation methods like the magnesium bath. Bathing in magnesium-rich solutions has a myriad of health benefits, from physical recovery and stress relief to improving sleep quality. And it is gaining popularity among wellness enthusiasts, and some health experts even recommend these baths for achieving holistic wellness.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about magnesium baths.

What Is A Magnesium Bath?

Simply put, a magnesium bath is a therapeutic soak in warm water with magnesium salts. These salts are often derived from compounds like magnesium sulfate and magnesium chloride and dissolved into the bath water. While a regular bath is mostly about hygiene or relaxation, magnesium baths bring a wellness edge as they help to top up the body’s magnesium levels.

How Does Magnesium Work?

Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports many bodily functions, from controlling blood sugar levels and blood pressure to regulating muscle and nerve function. It is also involved in the production of protein, bone and DNA.

When you soak in a magnesium-rich solution, the magnesium ions get absorbed through your skin and into the bloodstream, which we commonly refer to as transdermal absorption. Since it bypasses the digestive system, this is a more efficient way to increase your magnesium intake, especially if you have trouble absorbing magnesium through food or supplements.

Many people find magnesium baths to be calming and restorative. This is because magnesium relaxes the nervous system by regulating the neurotransmitters which send signals throughout the brain and nervous system.

What Are The Benefits Of Bathing With Magnesium?

Besides its calming effects, magnesium also brings a host of health benefits, most of which are backed by scientific evidence.

Magnesium for stress relief: Magnesium controls the body’s stress hormone, cortisol. While a warm bath itself can be relaxing, adding magnesium can take it to a whole new level.

Muscle recovery: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts use magnesium baths to reduce soreness and speed up the recovery after intense workouts.

Better sleep: Magnesium also supports the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. So, taking a soak in magnesium water before bed may help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.

Relief from pain: Studies show that people with chronic pain conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia often find relief with regular magnesium baths.

Skin hydration: By reducing inflammation and supporting the skin barrier, magnesium helps with skin hydration and conditions like eczema.

What Are The Different Types Of Baths?

Magnesium can be added to bathwater in several forms, each with slightly different properties and benefits.

Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate) Bath

Epsom salts are made up of the natural mineral compound, magnesium sulfate. These baths are great for relieving muscle tension, reducing inflammation and detoxifying the skin. Epsom salt is not only the most common form used in a bath but also the most budget-friendly option. You can easily find these salts in pharmacies and health stores.

Magnesium Chloride Bath

Magnesium chloride flakes are known for their better absorption than other forms of bath salts. This type of bath is good for those with magnesium deficiency or those looking for stronger therapeutic effects. On top of that, magnesium chloride is also gentler on sensitive skin.

How To Take A Bath Using Magnesium?

You don’t need a spa to create the perfect magnesium bath. In fact, you can turn your home bathtub into a wellness haven with just a few simple steps.

Prepare The Bath

First, fill your bathtub with warm water. Make sure it is not too hot. So, maintain a temperature between 37–39°C (98.6–102.2°F). This will help open up your pores, allowing for maximum absorption of magnesium.

Add The Magnesium Salt

Once the tub is filled, you can add any magnesium salt of your choice. However, if you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality product, we recommend using the Base Collective Magnesium Bath Salts from Rest and Digest.

Our bath salts are crafted with pure magnesium chloride flakes to promote deep relaxation, muscle recovery and overall wellness. In fact, they create a calming and skin-nourishing soak that supports over 300 biochemical functions in the body. They are also suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

While different bath salts might include instructions on how much to mix, a general guideline is to use 2 cups of Epsom salt or 1-2 cups of magnesium chloride flakes. Make sure to stir the water to dissolve the salts completely. For extra luxury, you can consider adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus.

For more information on magnesium bath salts - see our informative guide to using magnesium bath salts here.

Soak For 20-30 Minutes

Set aside at least 20 minutes to relax in the bath to give your body enough time to absorb the magnesium and benefit from it. You can use this time to meditate, read, or just close your eyes and breathe.

For a more indulgent bath experience, consider lighting some candles from our Rest and Digest Queen B Box of 30 Little Lights. Or take the opportunity to recharge your self care by writing in your bullet journal. If you have never done journalling before you will be surprised with how rewarding it can be. Here are some great ideas for starting your journalling journey.

Rinse And Dry Off

After your soak, make sure to rinse your body with cool or lukewarm water to remove any salt residue and pat dry with a towel. If you have sensitive skin, consider using our Magnesium & Vitamin E Cream to soothe your skin and prevent dryness.

Complement your self care routine with The Base Collective Beauty Sleep Wash and Beauty Sleep Spray, infused with magnesium and lavender to prepare your body for a restful sleep. If you need added relief, apply our Magnesium Oil Spray or the Base Collective Magnesium & White Tea Body Balm. They help soothe tired muscles while also deeply moisturising the skin.

What To Watch Out For While Bathing

A magnesium bath is generally safe for most people, but make sure to follow the tips below for a safer and more wholesome bath experience.

Consult A Doctor

Magnesium, though relaxing, can affect your body’s mineral balance and interact with certain drugs. So, if you have any chronic health conditions like heart problems, kidney disease or are taking certain medications, make sure to consult your doctor before starting regular magnesium baths.

Don’t Use Hot Water

While warm magnesium baths can be refreshing, extremely hot water can dehydrate your skin and make you dizzy. So, stick to warm water and keep a glass of water nearby to stay hydrated during your bath.

Don’t Use Magnesium In A Bath If Pregnant

While using magnesium baths for cramps or sleep troubles can be perfectly safe for some pregnant women, it might not be the case for some others. So, to be on the safe side, always consult your healthcare provider before using magnesium baths or any form of topical magnesium during pregnancy.

How Often Should You Do It?

How often you need to take a magnesium bath will depend on your needs. For general wellness and stress relief, 2-3 times a week is usually enough. However, athletes and people with more chronic pain may benefit from more frequent magnesium baths, even daily in some cases. So, listen to your body and adjust accordingly.

What Are the Side Effects?

Magnesium is very safe to use and side effects are very rare. But some people may experience skin irritation or itching, especially with high concentrations of salts. You could also feel dizzy or lightheaded if you soak for too long or in very hot water. If you experience any of these side effects, consult a medical professional. You may also consider reducing the frequency and the concentration of your magnesium baths.

A magnesium bath is more than just a luxury, it’s a natural tool for relaxation, recovery and overall wellbeing. So, whether you’re dealing with stress, sore muscles or sleepless nights, slipping into a warm tub with magnesium salts may be just the solution. And by incorporating our Rest and Digest magnesium products into your self care routine, you can amplify the benefits of your magnesium bath. So, try this relaxation hack today and let the healing power of a magnesium bath melt your worries away.