Minerals are having a wellness moment: from magnesium for a better night’s sleep to electrolytes after a sweaty workout. Even skincare is getting in on the act. We break down the need-to-knows.
Magnesium is the headline act. Crucial for nerve, bone and heart health, it can help with sleep, migraines, anxiety, brain health and even post-exercise muscle soreness. Evidence for absorption through the skin is limited, so skip the sprays and bath salts and invest in a good quality supplement, or up your intake of whole grains, nuts, seeds and leafy greens.
Essential minerals that carry an electrical charge, electrolytes handle fluid balance, muscle function and nerve signalling. Sodium is the biggie, but potassium, magnesium (again) and calcium all fall into this category. We lose a lot of sodium in sweat, so it’s important to replace it if you’re training in hot, humid weather, running for more than 90 minutes, or cycling for more than 2 hours.
When it comes to skin, the focus shifts to another group of minerals – including manganese, copper, zinc and calcium. Bionsen and the Tokyo Thermal Studies Centre have studied the composition and beneficial effects of the oligominerals found in Japan’s Aso Thermal Springs, finding proven benefits for skin wellbeing. Bionsen incorporates these minerals into its formulas, helping to protect, rebalance, regenerate and hydrate while working with your skin’s natural defences, and your body’s natural processes. The Bionsen formula is based on the natural composition of the NMF (Natural Moisturising Factor), which regulates skin hydration and helps maintain the skin’s protective barrier.
Unlike antiperspirants, Bionsen’s deodorants are designed to keep you fresh while allowing the body to sweat – another natural process – and are free from irritants like aluminium, parabens, silicones and colourants. Ideal for sensitive skin, Vitamin E helps to calm and moisturise, while preserving and balancing the skin’s natural microbiota.
Minerals might have had a PR makeover, but the thinking behind them is grounded in science, not hype: supporting the body by working with its own natural processes and defences.
Learn more about Japanese thermal oligominerals, discover the Bionsen range and connect on Instagram.
