Float therapy has long been known for its calming effects on the nervous system. As you rest weightlessly in a warm tank filled with a saturated solution of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), your body enters a state of deep relaxation. But many people step out of their first float asking the same question: Did I actually absorb magnesium through my skin?
At Altered States Wellness, float therapy is more than just a sensory experience—it’s part of a larger philosophy of gentle, natural support for the body. Clients often ask whether transdermal magnesium absorption is real or just a wellness myth. Let's explore what the research says, what your body might actually be doing during a float, and whether floating could be a legitimate way to support your magnesium levels.
Why Magnesium Matters So Much
Magnesium plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. From supporting muscle and nerve function to regulating blood pressure and helping synthesize protein, this mineral is essential for wellness. But modern lifestyles, chronic stress, processed foods, and even soil depletion have made magnesium deficiency common.
Low magnesium levels can contribute to muscle cramps, fatigue, sleep issues, headaches, and even anxiety. This makes it understandable that people are searching for more effective ways to replenish their magnesium stores. Oral supplementation is one option, but it’s not the only route. That’s where transdermal absorption enters the conversation.
The Science Behind Transdermal Magnesium Absorption
The idea of absorbing nutrients through the skin is appealing. It bypasses the digestive system, making it especially attractive for people with gut issues or poor nutrient absorption. The skin is semi-permeable, and certain substances like nicotine, hormones, and medications can cross the barrier. But when it comes to minerals like magnesium, the data is more complex.
A few small studies have suggested that magnesium levels in the body can rise after soaking in Epsom salts. One pilot study in 2006 from the University of Birmingham (UK) claimed that serum magnesium levels increased after a week of daily Epsom salt baths. However, this study lacked a control group and was never peer-reviewed, making its findings interesting but far from definitive.
More recent reviews and clinical trials have found mixed results. Some research shows no significant increase in serum magnesium after topical application, while other studies suggest potential benefits with longer or more frequent exposure. The key takeaway is that science hasn’t fully confirmed widespread transdermal absorption of magnesium yet, but it also hasn’t ruled it out entirely.
Float Tanks and Magnesium: What Happens in the Water
Each float session involves lying in a tank of water saturated with magnesium sulfate—about 1,000 pounds of it in a typical commercial float tank. That’s far more concentrated than any Epsom salt bath at home. The water is also heated to match your skin temperature, which helps open the pores and promotes better absorption of substances.
As you float, your body is weightless, your muscles fully relaxed, and your skin exposed to high levels of magnesium for 60 to 90 minutes. This environment is vastly different from applying a magnesium spray or soaking in a standard tub. If transdermal absorption of magnesium is possible, float tanks likely offer one of the most optimized ways to do it.
Another factor to consider is the state of the skin. Micro-abrasions, hydration levels, and the health of your skin barrier can all influence how easily magnesium moves into the body. People with sensitive or broken skin may experience more noticeable effects (like a tingling sensation), which could reflect some level of interaction.
Anecdotal Evidence and What Floaters Report
Even though scientific studies haven’t yet caught up, anecdotal reports from floaters are powerful. Many people say they feel less sore, sleep better, and experience a calming effect that lasts for hours or even days after floating. These outcomes align with what you’d expect from increased magnesium levels.
Sleep is particularly interesting. Magnesium plays a well-known role in regulating melatonin and calming the nervous system. Clients who float regularly often report deeper sleep, fewer nighttime awakenings, and reduced anxiety. Whether it’s due to direct magnesium absorption or the overall relaxing nature of the float experience, the effect is real for them.
Some athletes and fitness enthusiasts also credit float therapy with faster recovery times. Magnesium is crucial for muscle repair and inflammation control. While float therapy includes several recovery-enhancing elements—like reduced gravity, sensory deprivation, and stillness—magnesium exposure remains a consistent part of the equation.
Other Benefits Beyond Magnesium
Even if magnesium absorption turns out to be minimal or variable from person to person, that doesn’t diminish the value of floating. Resting in a magnesium-rich environment provides multiple forms of support. The water's buoyancy takes pressure off joints and muscles, while the quiet, dark space offers a rare reset for the nervous system.
Cortisol levels drop, breathing slows, and the body moves into a parasympathetic state—the opposite of fight-or-flight. This state promotes healing, better digestion, and a clearer mind. Magnesium may contribute to this by calming nerve activity, but the float itself is already working in your favor.
Another indirect benefit of floating in magnesium-rich water is topical care. Some people with skin issues, including mild eczema or psoriasis, report improvements after regular float sessions. Magnesium has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and soaking in a sterile, mineral-rich solution can leave the skin feeling soft and soothed.
What to Keep in Mind About Magnesium Absorption
If your primary goal is to increase magnesium levels, floating can be part of your approach—but it shouldn’t be your only strategy. Think of it as one piece of a wellness puzzle. Maintaining a magnesium-rich diet, supporting gut health, and reducing factors that deplete magnesium (like chronic stress or alcohol) are just as important.
Those looking to maximize any potential magnesium absorption during a float should make sure their skin is clean and free of lotions or oils before entering the tank. Hydrating well before and after a session also supports mineral balance.
Final Thoughts
Float tanks create a setting where magnesium exposure is high, the body is relaxed, and healing becomes possible. Whether magnesium crosses through your skin in large amounts or works more subtly at the surface, the experience offers undeniable value. Research may still be catching up, but for many floaters, the results speak for themselves.
At the end of the day, wellness isn't always about isolated metrics or lab-confirmed outcomes. Sometimes, it’s about how you feel. If float therapy leaves your muscles looser, your sleep deeper, and your mind calmer, you’re probably on the right track—whether the magnesium made it into your bloodstream or not.
