Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes the 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 try complementary or natural remedies alongside traditional psoriasis treatments. One alternative remedy is magnesium oil, which can be applied to the skin as a topical spray, gel, or 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.”

“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,” shared another member.

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

What Is Magnesium Oil?

The chemical element magnesium is the human body’s fourth most common mineral. It’s important for more than 300 chemical reactions and plays a role in regulating many bodily functions, including blood pressure and muscle function.

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

What Do MyPsoriasisTeam Members Say About Magnesium Oil?

Several MyPsoriasisTeam members have discussed applying magnesium oil to manage 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.”

Members have also mentioned that magnesium oil made a difference in their psoriasis-related issues, such as trouble sleeping. One member reported: “It’s amazing … not itching this evening, but I can’t fall asleep! Just took a magnesium tablet.”

Another member said that finding a natural remedy for psoriasis helped boost their mood. “Depression can be caused by many things,” they wrote. “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.”

Other members also offered caveats and noted potential downsides of using magnesium oil. “Wondering if anyone has tried magnesium oil?” one member asked. “The first time I used it, I felt heaps of burning. But the next day, my skin was good. Still testing it out.”

Magnesium oil gets a thumbs-up from many MyPsoriasisTeam members. But what does the research say about how magnesium affects psoriasis?

How Might Magnesium Oil Ease Psoriasis Symptoms?

Most of the research into the health benefits of magnesium focus on using the mineral 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 authors, people who took vitamin D supplements showed greater disease improvement than those who didn’t get extra vitamin D. Interestingly, findings showed that adding magnesium and vitamin K2 boosted the body’s absorption of vitamin D. It’s 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 or Epsom salts. Although researchers don’t fully understand how Dead Sea salt helps psoriasis symptoms, some studies show that minerals are absorbed through the skin when bathing in these solutions.

Both Dead Sea salt and Epsom salts contain the mineral magnesium chloride, which has been shown 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 stop skin cell growth in people with psoriasis. Soaking in a warm bath with Dead Sea salt or Epsom salts may help relieve dry, itchy skin, and the hydration may also help loosen psoriasis plaques.

It’s 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 enough evidence to show that skin can absorb the mineral.

Talk to Your Health Care Provider

Your dermatology specialist is your best resource when it comes to deciding whether to incorporate natural remedies such as magnesium spray for psoriasis. They can advise you on safety, including whether the product may cause allergic reactions or side effects, as well as on how much to use and how often.

Find Your Team

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones. Here, more than 130,000 members come together to ask questions, share advice, and connect with others 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 your Activities page.