A complete guide to magnesium flakes: uses, benefits and FAQs

Epsom Bath Salts

The complete guide to Epsom salt: what it is, how it works and how to use it

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The complete guide to magnesium flakes: what they are, how they work and how to use them

Epsom vs Magnesium

Discover the best bath salt for your next restorative soak

Epsom vs Dead Sea

Discover the best bath salt for your next restorative soak

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MAGNESIUM

The complete guide to magnesium flakes: what they are, how they work and how to use them

If, like us, you love a good soak, the chances are you’ve heard of magnesium flakes – also known as magnesium chloride, magnesium bath salts or simply magnesium salt. But what’s in those pretty crystals, and how could they help you switch off, slow down and even sleep more deeply?

If you’re after a seriously soothing soak, step this way.

What are magnesium bath flakes?

Magnesium chloride flakes are small, crystalline fragments of a naturally occurring mineral compound called magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MgCl2·6H2O).

They’re made by evaporating mineral-rich water from ancient lakes and seabeds to leave behind a 100% pure mineral sheet. This is then broken into flakes, ready to be dissolved again.

So you can feel all the benefits of natural minerals in the comfort of your own bath.

The benefits of a magnesium flake bath

You’ve likely seen magnesium supplements on sale. But why is it suddenly having such a moment?

Well, when it comes to vitamins and minerals, magnesium packs a real punch. It’s involved in over 300 processes throughout the body, helping everything from muscle function and regulation of the nervous system, to preparing the body for sleep.

While it’s hard to diagnose a magnesium deficiency, it’s likely many of us aren’t getting enough through diet alone. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include muscle twitches or cramps, fatigue and weakness, brain fog, headaches and low mood, but it’s tricky to diagnose definitively.

When dissolved in water, magnesium flakes release magnesium ions. These, combined with warm water and a soothing soundtrack may be just what you need to help calm a busy mind and get set for a deep, restorative sleep.

Explore Westlab Magnesium Salt >

What are Magnesium flakes best used for?

If you struggle to switch off, magnesium flakes are for you. So, for days when you need to soothe your mind and bring your body back into balance, make a beeline for the bath.

Simply warm your favourite towel, add a generous pour of magnesium flakes to running water, then soak your way back to clarity and calm.

How much should I use?

We don’t do sprinkling here. Go all in and add around 500g of Westlab Magnesium Bath Salt to your bath, then swirl the water and watch them dissolve.

Check out our perfect pour >

Magnesium Flakes vs Epsom Salt vs Dead Sea Salt

All of our bath salts have slightly different properties and benefits, so match your minerals to your mood for best results.

Feeling frazzled and can’t switch off: Magnesium flakes

Want to wind down before bed: Magnesium flakes

Tight muscles after a big gym session: Epsom salt

Sore feet after a long day: Epsom salt

Sensitive skin: Dead Sea salt

Dry, itchy skin: Dead Sea salt

Even if you can only soak for 20 minutes, a mineral-rich bath can help you feel renewed, reenergised and ready to go again.

Can I mix two bath salts together?

Absolutely. As long the amount of Westlab Bath Salts you add is around 500g in total, you can mix and match to your heart’s delight.

Shop Westlab Epsom Salt | Shop Westlab Magnesium Salt | Shop Westlab Dead Sea Salt

FAQs

How often should I use Westlab Magnesium Bath Salt?

You can use our bath salts up to three times a week, or whenever you need some help slowing down and restoring calm.

How much should I put in the bath?

When we say a generous amount, we mean a generous amount. We suggest adding around 500g, depending on how deep you like the water.

Does the water have to be hot?

Not at all. In fact a cool bath in the height of summer can be wonderfully soothing too. If you’re looking to release muscle tension or ease aches and pains though, a warm bath is more effective. Whichever you choose, pick a mineral salt to match your mood, then slide in and relax.

How long should I soak for?

At least 20 minutes, if you can. By setting aside dedicated time to unwind, you’re more likely to feel the benefits. After all, the best rituals are never rushed.

Any tips for a relaxing bath routine?

While a 20-minute dip will do you good, a few small steps and a slightly longer soak can really elevate the whole experience. So you can emerge restored, rebalanced and feeling like you again. Here’s how. 1. Book the bathroom: tell your housemates, partner or kids your plans, then ban them from the bathroom for an hour. 2. Don’t skip the warm-up: put your favourite towel on a heated towel rail or radiator. 3. Mute your inner monologue: stop your mental to-do list spinning by bringing a book, streaming a playlist or catching up on a podcast. 4. Escape the screens: set your phone to Do Not Disturb, or – better yet – leave it outside the bathroom altogether. 5. And relax: sink into the water, slow your breathing and unwind.

I’ve got sensitive skin – can I use Westlab Magnesium Bath Salt?

If you’re worried about flare-ups, we recommend using Westlab Dead Sea Bath Salt. Its blend of skin-nourishing minerals will leave even sensitive skin feeling soothed, hydrated, and protected.

Can children use Westlab Magnesium Bath Salt?

All of our bath salts are formulated for adult use only.

Where does Westlab source its magnesium flakes?

The 100% pure, natural magnesium chloride used to make our magnesium bath flakes is extracted from Qinghai Lake, high on the Tibetan Plateau.

Can you absorb magnesium through your skin?

While there are some claims that you can absorb magnesium through the skin to boost your intake, there’s no proven scientific evidence, and more research is needed. One thing that’s undisputed though is the power of a warm bath after a busy day. So, when it’s time to unwind, reach for a pure mineral salt to soak away the stresses of the day.