Soaking in a tub after an intense workout session with bath salts, essential oils, and Epsom salts helps relieve muscle aches and speed up recovery. When you’re trying to decide what to soak in, we come in here at The Fitness Tribe. Epsom salt and other bath salts are famous, but magnesium flakes provide benefits above and beyond sore muscles.
We’ll discuss the main difference between Epsom salt and magnesium chloride and then give you some of our recommendations for the best magnesium bath salts.
Magnesium Chloride vs. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt baths are known for helping with muscle recovery. Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate in a rock formation. Taking an Epsom salt bath absorbs the magnesium into the skin, relieves aching muscles, makes for a better night’s sleep, and leaves the skin feeling soft.
Magnesium flakes contain magnesium chloride, known for being absorbed into the body faster and holding more lasting effects. The effects of magnesium flakes go far beyond helping with muscle soreness and relaxation.
- Detoxification – Magnesium chloride works to rid the body of unwanted toxins. By eliminating toxins, the body works better to assist muscle recovery and provide pain relief.
- Enhance Calcium Absorption – Soaking in a bath salt like magnesium chloride helps the body absorb calcium. Sometimes people with a magnesium deficiency also have issues with calcium. Taking calcium isn’t enough without the help of magnesium chloride.
- Cardiovascular Improvements – Magnesium transfers electrolytes like potassium and calcium into cells. Since electrolytes provide nerve signals for muscle movement, magnesium is vital for heart health and ensuring a proper heartbeat.
Magnesium Side Effects
It’s worth noting that magnesium causes skin irritation for people with sensitive skin, although it is rare that it happens. Sometimes magnesium causes skin peeling, swelling, or hives if you are allergic to magnesium. The magnesium bath flakes contain naturally occurring ingredients, so it’s crucial to note side effects are rare and uncommon. If a reaction occurs, ensure you speak to your doctor immediately and discontinue use.
Best Magnesium Soak Products
Now that you understand the benefits of magnesium salts, we’ll go through some of the best products on the market.
HigherDose Magnesium Zechstein Soak
HigherDOSE | Serotonin Soak Salt
We combined the ancient art of bathing & the purest, science-backed ingredients available (Magnesium Zechstein Flakes, French Green Clay, Apple Cider Vinegar, Essential Oils) to formulate SEROTONIN SOAK.
Known as the HigherDose Serotonin Soak Salt, this magnesium soak comes with a high concentration of magnesium for ultimate relaxation and helps promote more serotonin in the body. The magnesium bath salts come from the depths of the North Sea between the UK and Norway. Some of the best magnesium chlorides come from this area.
In addition to magnesium chloride, HigherDose Serotonin Zechstein soak contains French green clay, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils. Combining those ingredients promotes serotonin production, helps muscle aches, and supports better sleep.
The magnesium flakes are $39 for a one-time purchase. If you subscribe, you receive the bath flakes for $33, a 15% savings.
Life Flo Pure Magnesium Flakes
Life-flo | Pure Magnesium Flakes for Bath - Concentrated Magnesium Chloride Crystals
- Pure magnesium crystals from the Netherland’s ancient Zechstein Seabed
- Fast-dissolving flakes turn your bath into a luxurious, soothing soak
- Contains no fillers or preservatives; lab verified; not tested on animals
Life Flo Pure Magnesium flakes are excellent for a variety of reasons. One main perk is how quickly the bath salts dissolve in warm water. Pour the bath flakes into the tub; there is no need to wait to jump right into the water. The bath salts come from the Zechstein Sea, where high concentrations of magnesium chloride exist in the salt.
The Life Flo Pure Magnesium Flakes are $11.39 for a one-time purchase. Subscribing to receive these bath salts more often means you save 20% and only pay $9.11.
Magnesium for the Win!
If you have always loved an Epsom salt bath, it’s time to take magnesium up a notch with magnesium bath flakes. They dissolve faster into warm water than Epsom salts, meaning less wait time to dive into your bath. If you’re looking for other ways to add magnesium to your diet, there are other alternatives to bath salts. Magnesium gummies are an excellent way to increase your magnesium levels.
Read here to find out more. There are even salts for runners that increase magnesium levels as well. The sky’s the limit when it comes to magnesium.
Kristen holds a bachelors in English from Louisianna university. With a longstanding passion for fitness, she owns and operate her own gym and is a certified jazzercise instructor.