/ WT* is transdermal absorption

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HOW YOUR SKIN BECAME THE COOLEST SUPPLEMENT HACK?

When you think about taking supplements, your mind probably jumps straight to pills, capsules or powders. But did you know that some nutrients and medications can sneak in another way, through your skin? That’s right, your skin isn’t just a protective shield, it’s also a pretty clever gateway. This little trick is called transdermal absorption, and it’s how things like nicotine patches, certain hormone therapies and even pain relief gels get the job done. Instead of relying on your stomach and liver to do the heavy lifting, transdermal delivery skips that whole route and goes straight to your bloodstream. Think of it as the express lane for nutrients and medicines.

Here’s why that matters. When you take something orally, it has to go through your digestive system before it can circulate in your body. That means it can get broken down, diluted or partially lost in the process. The liver, in particular, likes to step in and metabolise things before they have a chance to do their work. This is called the first pass effect, and it’s one reason why oral supplements don’t always deliver as much bang for your buck as you might hope. With transdermal absorption, you bypass all of that, giving your body a more direct and sometimes more effective way to soak up what it needs.

Now let’s talk magnesium, because this mineral is the unsung hero of your body. It’s involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions and is key for healthy bones, steady nerves, strong muscles and a happy heart. Yet here’s the kicker: more than two thirds of adults in the UK aren’t getting enough magnesium, which means their bodies are running on low reserves of this absolute powerhouse. Enter transdermal magnesium. Instead of relying solely on food or supplements, you can rub magnesium oil or lotion on your skin, soak in an Epsom salt bath or use a magnesium spray. The magnesium passes through the skin, slips into your bloodstream and gets to work where it’s needed most. It’s a pretty neat hack for topping up your levels without depending entirely on your digestive system to cooperate.

The idea of absorbing minerals this way might sound a little magical, but it’s based on science. Your skin has small spaces between cells where ingredients can pass through and reach the tiny blood vessels beneath. From there, it’s straight into circulation, no liver roadblocks required. That means potentially better absorption, quicker results and a lot less interference along the way. And for something like magnesium, which can also help calm muscles, reduce inflammation and even ease stress, the topical benefits can feel like an added bonus. Think smoother skin, less tension and that sigh of relief you get from a warm soak.

While more research is still being done to confirm exactly how much magnesium you can raise this way, the studies so far are promising. Plus, anyone who has ever melted into bliss during a magnesium bath will tell you that even if it’s partly science and partly ritual, the results are worth it. So next time you’re thinking about your supplements, don’t forget your skin has a front row pass to the bloodstream. It might just be the smarter way in.