Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes overproduction of skin cells, leading to thick, discolored patches of skin that can be itchy, scaly, or painful. To manage their symptoms, some people with psoriasis choose to try alternative or natural remedies alongside traditional psoriasis treatments. One alternative remedy is magnesium oil.

Though the research on the potential benefits of magnesium oil on psoriasis is mixed, some MyPsoriasisTeam members have found success using the product to manage flare-ups or symptoms. “I got magnesium gel and mixed it with coconut oil,” wrote one member. “It really helps the itching.” Another shared, “I had a flare-up this past weekend from building stress. I took a magnesium salt flake bath today, and my skin has gotten a little better.”

Here is what you need to know about magnesium oil for psoriasis, including what it is, how it may help manage psoriasis symptoms, and any precautions you should take when using it. As always, talk with your dermatologist or health care provider before incorporating a new product into your psoriasis care regimen — even a natural remedy like magnesium oil.

What Is Magnesium Oil?

The chemical element magnesium is the human body’s fourth most abundant mineral. It is crucial for more than 300 chemical reactions and plays a vital role in the regulation of many bodily functions, including blood pressure and muscular contraction.

Magnesium oil is not considered a “true” oil — it is a compound of magnesium chloride flakes and water. This solution is typically applied topically, usually in the form of a spray.

MyPsoriasisTeam Members on Magnesium Oil

Several MyPsoriasisTeam members have shared their experiences trying topical magnesium oil to manage their symptoms. “I have been using magnesium oil (actually, it’s saturated magnesium chloride solution) on my skin since April,” wrote one member, “and it has made a huge difference to me. The last few psoriasis patches that I have had for years have finally gone.”

Aside from helping to remove lesions caused by plaque psoriasis, the oil has improved psoriasis-related issues such as insomnia and depression, members have reported. “It’s amazing … not itching this evening,” shared a member, “but I can’t fall asleep! Just finished a magnesium tablet.”

“Depression can be caused by many things,” wrote another member, and “having psoriasis is certainly one of them. Taking magnesium can help, as well as lavender baths and aromatherapy. But magnesium oil spray helped lift my depression. Remember, it’s salt-based, so don’t spray on broken skin.”

Like the previous member, others have offered caveats and shared the potential downsides of using magnesium oil: “Wondering if anyone has tried magnesium oil? It burns, but the next day is good. The first time I used it, I felt heaps of burning. But the next day, my skin was good. Still testing it out.”

How Could Magnesium Oil Help With Psoriasis Symptoms?

Most of the research conducted on the health benefits of magnesium has focused on its use as a dietary supplement, rather than a topical remedy.

One 2022 review looked at studies related to the effects of vitamin D supplementation on psoriasis. According to the review, those who received vitamin D supplements showed greater disease improvement than those who did not. Interestingly, it was found that adding magnesium and vitamin K2 boosted the body’s absorption of vitamin D. It is important to note that this review took into account only studies of oral vitamin D and magnesium supplementation.

One alternative method of getting magnesium into the body is through salt soaks, like baths using Dead Sea salt and Epsom salts. Although researchers do not fully understand the therapeutic mechanisms of Dead Sea salt, some studies show that minerals are absorbed through the skin when bathing in these solutions.

Both Dead Sea and Epsom salts contain mineral magnesium chloride, which has been found to moisturize dry skin and reduce inflammation. These anti-inflammatory properties can also be beneficial for rheumatic diseases such as psoriatic arthritis.

The magnesium bromide and magnesium chloride found in Dead Sea salt have been found to inhibit skin cell growth in people with psoriasis. As a result, soaking in a warm bath with Dead Sea salt or Epsom may help relieve dry, itchy skin. The hydration may also be helpful for people with plaque psoriasis because it loosens plaques.

It is important to note that the evidence for transdermal absorption (through the skin) of magnesium is mixed. A 2017 review stated that the existing research on topical magnesium application lacks sufficient evidence to prove that the mineral can be absorbed through the skin.

Magnesium Oil for Psoriasis: The Bottom Line

Your dermatology specialist is your best resource when it comes to deciding whether to incorporate natural remedies such as magnesium oil into your psoriasis skin care regimen. They can advise you on safety, including whether the product may result in allergic reactions or side effects, and on how much to use and how frequently.

Find Your Team

Are you or a loved one living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis? Consider joining MyPsoriasisTeam today. Here, you can ask and answer questions, offer support and advice, and share your journey with psoriasis. You’ll find a community of nearly 110,000 members from around the world who understand life with psoriatic disease.

Have you tried magnesium oil for psoriasis? Did you experience either benefits or unwanted effects? Share your story or tips in the comments below or by posting on MyPsoriasisTeam.