Magnesium – one of the most talked-about minerals of the moment, but who should be taking it and for what? Aside from helping with the nervous system and muscle recovery, magnesium is a very popular supplement for helping with sleep. As a muscle relaxant it helps to relax the body physically as well as calming the mind, which makes it ideal to take before bed.
Depending on the brand you choose, the dosage for magnesium supplementation can vary significantly. Taking synthetically manufactured magnesium will usually require a higher dosage than bioavailable magnesium, for example – because your body won’t absorb the former as readily as the latter.
One Irish company specialising in organically sourced magnesium is Oriel. Oriel have sourced their magnesium from the ocean, ensuring bioavailability as well as sustainability and a range of products that really work, without the need for absurdly high doses. Oriel’s magnesium drops for sleep are a highly concentrated food supplement whose high absorbency rates allow a smaller dosage to have a greater effect within the body.
Taken a half hour before bed in a glass of water, these tasteless drops have an almost-immediate effect on the nervous system. Without feeling drowsy or sedated, an effortless, restful sleep ensues. Oriel magnesium drops will leave the user feeling rested and alert the following morning, as though you’ve just stepped out of an Epsom salt bath.
As well as supplement drops and a muscle recovery gel, Oriel have also used their bioavailable magnesium to create a skin repair gel, which I have been using on my face as part of my night time skin care routine. This is a clear gel which I apply all over my face after the usual cleansing and toning. As a long time sufferer of sensitive skin and occasional acne rosacea I have to be particularly careful with what I put on my face to avoid irritation and breakouts. Rosacea in particular is usually triggered by a gut imbalance – if I eat the wrong foods my skin unfortunately suffers as a result. What I found when using the magnesium gel was a significant reduction in skin redness and irritation. Red patches were reduced almost immediately, which lead me to apply the gel sporadically to blemishes, to reduce inflammation on the skin around them. The gel also has a rapid smoothing effect on the skin, similar to a primer. On the handful of occasions I applied makeup after the gel, my foundation went on flawlessly and stayed looking fresh for hours. This could be a game changer for anyone concerned about the effect their heavy makeup may be having on their skin when worn long-term.
Between taking the drops and applying the gel nightly, I have been experiencing the most restful sleep I’ve had in years. I wake up soft skinned, rested and ready to take on the day ahead. The drops are an ideal way to supplement magnesium for anyone who has trouble taking tablets, or finds it difficult to sleep. Magnesium has also been known to ease anxiety and to help with muscle recovery. The gel I used is suitable not just for face but also for sore muscles or aches/pains. It’s odourless and free from artificial colours, parabens and petroleum.
If you’re looking to improve the quality of your sleep and skin I would highly recommend giving Oriel a go – support local without compromising on quality.
