Does Magnesium Help Eczema or Psoriasis?
Magnesium has become one of the more widely discussed supplements in the eczema and psoriasis community — and with some reason. It's involved in hundreds of biological processes, several of which are directly relevant to inflammatory skin conditions. The Dead Sea, famous for its apparent benefits for psoriasis, is exceptionally high in magnesium salts. Epsom salt baths are a staple recommendation in natural skincare circles.
But does the evidence actually support magnesium as a useful tool for managing these conditions? And if so, in what forms, and with what realistic expectations?
Here's a clear-eyed look at what magnesium does, what the research shows, and where it sits in a broader approach to skin health.
Can magnesium help eczema and psoriasis?
Magnesium may help support inflammation balance, skin barrier function, and stress regulation—but it’s not a treatment for eczema or psoriasis.
In short:
May support inflammation and skin health
Can help reduce stress (a key trigger)
Evidence is limited and indirect
Not a cure or standalone solution
What magnesium does in the body
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body — a figure that gets cited often, but is worth unpacking in the context of skin health specifically.
The functions most relevant to eczema and psoriasis are:
Inflammation regulation. Magnesium plays a role in modulating the body's inflammatory response. Low magnesium levels are associated with elevated markers of systemic inflammation, including C-reactive protein (CRP). Since both eczema and psoriasis are driven by inflammatory immune responses, anything that influences inflammation balance is potentially relevant.
Stress response regulation. Magnesium helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis — the system that governs the body's response to stress. When magnesium levels are low, the stress response tends to be exaggerated, leading to higher cortisol output. Cortisol, in turn, is a well-established trigger for eczema and psoriasis flare-ups. This is one of the most direct mechanisms by which magnesium deficiency could affect skin conditions.
Sleep quality. Magnesium is involved in regulating neurotransmitters including GABA, which promotes relaxation and sleep. Poor sleep is both a consequence and a cause of eczema flare-ups — it impairs skin barrier recovery and elevates inflammatory markers. Magnesium's role in sleep quality therefore has indirect but meaningful relevance.
Skin barrier lipid production. There is some evidence that magnesium is involved in ceramide synthesis — the production of lipids that are integral to the skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier is the central issue in eczema, and ceramide deficiency is one of its hallmarks.
Immune function. Magnesium is required for normal T-cell function and immune regulation. Both eczema and psoriasis involve dysregulated immune responses — in eczema, a Th2-dominant response drives inflammation; in psoriasis, a Th17-dominant response is central. Magnesium's role in immune modulation is modest but real.
Why magnesium is linked to skin conditions
Magnesium is involved in 300+ processes in the body, including:
immune system regulation
inflammation control
skin barrier function
Research suggests magnesium imbalances may be linked to conditions like eczema and psoriasis
Some studies have even found lower magnesium levels in people with psoriasis, suggesting a potential connection
How magnesium may help eczema & psoriasis
1. Supports inflammation balance
Magnesium helps regulate inflammatory pathways in the body, which are central to both eczema and psoriasis
2. Supports the skin barrier
Magnesium plays a role in lipid (ceramide) production, which helps keep skin hydrated and protected
3. Helps manage stress
Stress is a major trigger for flare-ups, and magnesium helps regulate the stress response
4. Supports sleep
Better sleep = better skin repair and recovery
These benefits can support symptoms indirectly, rather than treating the condition itself.
Does magnesium actually work?
Here’s the reality:
There’s no strong evidence magnesium alone improves eczema or psoriasis
Some studies show it may help reduce inflammation markers
Topical magnesium and salt baths may help skin hydration and comfort
But results are:
inconsistent
often mild
highly individual
What the research actually shows
The evidence base for magnesium specifically in eczema and psoriasis is limited but not absent.
Several studies have found lower serum magnesium levels in people with psoriasis compared to healthy controls, suggesting a possible link between magnesium status and disease activity. Whether low magnesium contributes to psoriasis, or whether the inflammatory state of psoriasis depletes magnesium, is not yet fully established — but the association is consistent enough to be meaningful.
For eczema, the picture is more indirect. The strongest evidence comes via magnesium's role in stress and cortisol regulation. There's good evidence that stress worsens eczema, good evidence that magnesium deficiency exacerbates the stress response, and therefore a reasonable inference that adequate magnesium status may help reduce stress-related flare-ups — even if the direct eczema-magnesium research is sparse.
The Dead Sea connection is frequently cited but worth examining carefully. Dead Sea water is rich in magnesium chloride alongside many other minerals. Studies have shown genuine benefits for both eczema and psoriasis from Dead Sea bathing and Dead Sea salt products — but attributing this specifically to magnesium is difficult when multiple minerals and the UV exposure at the Dead Sea are all potentially contributing.
The honest summary: magnesium has plausible, mechanistically sound reasons to be relevant for both conditions. The direct clinical evidence is limited. The indirect evidence — via stress, sleep, inflammation, and barrier function — is more compelling.
Magnesium deficiency and skin conditions
Some evidence suggests:
magnesium deficiency may contribute to inflammation and flare-ups
low levels are linked to stress and immune imbalance
However:
deficiency is not the sole cause
Forms of magnesium for skin
1. Oral supplements
Oral magnesium supplementation is the most straightforward way to address magnesium status. It's the approach best supported by evidence for systemic effects — particularly stress and sleep regulation.
Not all magnesium supplements are equivalent. The form of magnesium matters for absorption. Magnesium glycinate and magnesium citrate tend to be better absorbed and gentler on digestion than magnesium oxide, which is commonly found in cheaper supplements but has poor bioavailability and is more likely to cause loose stools at higher doses.
The Drought Skin Support Formula contains magnesium as one of its 14 nutrients, specifically for its role in supporting normal physiological balance and its relevance to stress regulation — both meaningful for reactive skin. Explore the formula →
2. Magnesium baths (Epsom salts)
Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) baths are one of the most popular home remedies for eczema and psoriasis. The idea is that magnesium is absorbed through the skin during bathing, delivering direct benefits to the skin barrier.
The evidence here is genuinely mixed. Several studies have shown that magnesium can be absorbed transdermally — through the skin — though the extent of absorption and its clinical significance is debated. What is clearer is that salt baths (including Dead Sea salt) can reduce transepidermal water loss and improve skin hydration in people with eczema.
One important caution: for some people with eczema, salt baths sting on broken or inflamed skin. Start with a lower concentration and assess your skin's response before increasing.
3. Topical magnesium (oils/creams)
Magnesium oil — which is actually a concentrated solution of magnesium chloride in water, not an oil — is applied directly to the skin. The claimed benefits include both transdermal magnesium delivery and localised anti-inflammatory effects.
A practical note for eczema-prone skin: magnesium oil can cause a tingling or stinging sensation on application, particularly on sensitive or compromised skin. This is worth testing cautiously — apply to a small, unaffected area first. Some people find it well-tolerated; others find it too irritating to use consistently on inflamed skin.
Recommended Products
Westlab Reviving Epsom Salt
a well-regarded UK option. For eczema-prone skin, using Epsom salts in lukewarm (not hot) water for 10–15 minutes, followed immediately by emollient application, is the approach most likely to be beneficial. Hot water accelerates moisture loss and can worsen symptoms — temperature matters.
BetterYou Magnesium Oil Body Spray
one of the most established products in this category. BetterYou have done their own research into transdermal magnesium absorption, though independent clinical evidence remains limited
Magnesium deficiency: how common is it?
This matters because the question of whether supplementing magnesium actually helps depends partly on whether many people with eczema and psoriasis are deficient in the first place.
Magnesium deficiency is more prevalent than commonly assumed. Estimates suggest that a significant proportion of the UK population consume less than the recommended amount (300mg per day for men, 270mg for women). Deficiency tends to be higher in people who drink alcohol regularly, who have digestive conditions affecting absorption, who take certain medications (including proton pump inhibitors and some diuretics), and whose diets are high in processed foods.
Symptoms of low magnesium include muscle cramps, poor sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and heightened stress reactivity — several of which are also common in people with chronic skin conditions, either as contributing factors or consequences. It's plausible, though not proven, that a subset of people with eczema or psoriasis have lower magnesium status that is contributing to their condition.
Dietary sources of magnesium
Before reaching for a supplement, it's worth considering whether dietary intake can be improved. Good food sources of magnesium include:
Dark leafy greens — particularly spinach and Swiss chard, which are among the richest sources. Nuts and seeds — pumpkin seeds, almonds, and cashews are particularly high. Legumes — black beans, edamame, and lentils. Wholegrains — brown rice, oats, and wholemeal bread. Dark chocolate (70% or above) — a genuine dietary source and one of the more enjoyable ones. Oily fish — salmon and mackerel contain useful amounts.
A diet regularly including these foods provides a good foundation. Supplementation becomes more relevant when dietary intake is consistently low, when absorption may be impaired, or when the stress-sleep rationale makes additional support worthwhile.
What magnesium can and can't do for eczema and psoriasis
Being direct about this matters:
Magnesium is not a treatment for eczema or psoriasis. It will not clear plaques, reliably prevent flares on its own, or act as a substitute for medical care or a comprehensive approach to skin management.
Where it has a legitimate supporting role:
As part of addressing magnesium deficiency, which may be contributing to heightened stress responses and poor sleep — both relevant triggers. As a bathing addition that may improve skin hydration and comfort. As a component of a broader nutritional approach to skin health, alongside other nutrients that play documented roles in barrier function, immune regulation, and cellular repair.
The key framing is supportive, not curative. Magnesium addresses certain pathways. It doesn't address all of them — and psoriasis and eczema involve enough overlapping systems that single-nutrient approaches consistently underperform compared to more comprehensive nutritional support.
Downsides and limitations
1. Limited direct evidence
Magnesium isn’t a proven treatment for eczema or psoriasis.
2. Inconsistent results
Some people see benefits—others don’t.
3. Topical irritation
Magnesium products can sting or irritate sensitive skin
4. Not addressing the full condition
Only targets certain pathways (like stress or inflammation).
When magnesium might help
It may be worth trying if:
you have high stress levels
your diet is low in magnesium-rich foods
you’re looking to support overall skin health
Think of it as supportive—not targeted treatment.
Skin support for eczema & psoriasis-prone skin
This is ultimately the most important point. Eczema and psoriasis are multi-system conditions. The nutrients most relevant to managing them from within include not just magnesium, but zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, biotin, B vitamins, copper, and antioxidants like CoQ10 — each addressing different aspects of barrier function, immune regulation, and skin repair.
Magnesium is one of the 14 nutrients included in Drought's Skin Support Formula, precisely because of its role in stress regulation and physiological balance. The formula is designed to provide comprehensive nutritional support for reactive skin — covering the multiple pathways that single-ingredient supplements inevitably leave unaddressed. Made in the UK, suitable for vegetarians, and formulated for consistent daily use.
FAQs: Magnesium & skin conditions
Is magnesium good for eczema?
Potentially — but indirectly rather than directly. Magnesium's most relevant contributions are via stress and cortisol regulation, sleep quality, and possible support for skin barrier lipid production. There is limited direct clinical evidence for magnesium as an eczema treatment, but the mechanistic rationale is sound.
Can magnesium improve psoriasis?
Several studies have found lower serum magnesium in people with psoriasis, suggesting a link. Magnesium's anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties are theoretically relevant. As with eczema, the evidence is indirect rather than definitive.
Are magnesium baths effective?
They may soothe symptoms, but absorption through skin is unclear. Salt baths have been shown to reduce transepidermal water loss in eczema-prone skin. The key is using lukewarm water, not hot, and applying emollient immediately afterwards while the skin is still slightly damp. Test cautiously if your skin is currently inflamed.
Should I take magnesium supplements?
Only if needed—diet and overall health should be considered first.
Can magnesium oil irritate eczema?
Yes, it can — particularly on broken or actively inflamed skin. The magnesium chloride solution can sting on sensitised skin. Test on a small unaffected area first and use it only when skin is relatively calm.
What form of magnesium supplement is best?
Magnesium glycinate and magnesium citrate have better bioavailability and are gentler on digestion than magnesium oxide. If you're taking a supplement primarily for stress and sleep support, these forms are preferable to cheaper oxide-based products.
Am I likely to be deficient in magnesium?
Possibly — magnesium intake is lower than recommended in a significant portion of the UK population. People with diets high in processed foods, who drink alcohol regularly, or who take PPIs or certain diuretics are at higher risk. If you experience poor sleep, muscle cramps, fatigue, or heightened anxiety alongside skin symptoms, it may be worth discussing magnesium status with your GP.
Final thoughts
Magnesium plays an important role in overall health—and may help support eczema and psoriasis indirectly.
But it’s not a solution on its own.
The most effective approach is one that supports your skin across multiple pathways—not just one nutrient.
Start your skin support journey →
Written by the Drought Skin team — specialists in natural support for psoriasis, eczema, and sensitive skin.
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