We need minerals and electrolytes to function, but most of us just think of all minerals as salts and associate them with hydration. While that’s a major and very important role that some minerals have, the gamut of necessary minerals is extensive, and the non-negotiable tasks they carry out will blow your mind. Save this page for reference.
Most often, you’ll find activated carbon in water filtration systems, which is why it’s such a powerful ally in Alkaglam x Poosh’s Purifying Facial Mist. It absorbs, and thus totally removes contaminants and toxins from the water in your product so that you’re only getting pure, mineral-rich mist to help support the skin barrier, minimize bacteria, and control sebum production, making it great for those with oily skin.
Poosh x Alkaglam
Price: $95
Carbon Purifying Mist
This vital mineral helps us with energy production, which may seem counterintuitive since many of us take it at night to relax and drift off to sleep. That’s because it helps regulate muscle and nerve function—a high-functioning nervous system means more energy and an easier journey into deep rest.
This mineral plays a major role in transporting oxygen from our lungs all over our body. It’s a component of hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells and is responsible for this very important task. When we are low on iron, we can suffer from fatigue. And you know what is rich in iron (and magnesium, and calcium)? Cacao. In case you needed a reason.
Iodine directly affects our metabolism. That’s because it is crucial for our thyroid health—it makes thyroid hormones like thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which help us create proteins and enzymes necessary for nutrient assimilation. A lot of thyroid issues can be traced to low iodine.
This less-buzzy mineral has a pretty important job. It helps our body break down fats and carbs so that we can use them for vital functions; these nutrients are what the brain and most of the body run on for fuel. It also is vital for glucose breakdown and helps insulin action, which helps to regulate blood sugar issues.
Low potassium can result in heart issues, muscle cramping, and weakness. That’s because potassium helps muscles to contract and supports normal blood pressure.
Selenium is a powerful skin and immunity mineral. It helps produce DNA and protects our cells against damage and infections. Like iodine, it also helps the reproduction of thyroid hormones, directly affecting our metabolism as well.
Zinc is known as a trace mineral, because we only need small amounts of it. A little goes a long way in the body. Zinc helps to carry out necessary chemical reactions; helps the growth of new cells; and helps create DNA, build proteins, heal damaged tissue and support skin health. It also helps keep infections at bay for an overall strong immune system.
This mineral is critical for helping the body build connective tissue and bones, helping the blood to clot after an injury, and regulating sexual hormones. It also helps with normal brain and nervous system function and helps us metabolize fats and carbs, absorb calcium properly, and regulate blood sugar.
Copper is a major beauty mineral. Ever heard of copper peptides? Not only does it help our body make red blood cells and support our immune response, it also acts as an antioxidant, preventing cellular damage from free radicals, and helps us produce collagen.
Salt, or sodium, in small, healthy doses helps our body maintain an ideal balance of water and minerals so that we don’t immediately just pee all our water out—we actually stay hydrated for longer. It also helps to conduct nerve impulses like an electric current of energy in our body. It assists with relaxing and contracting muscles and preventing cramping during exercise.
Tourmaline is known in the crystal-loving world as an energy protector, but we’re here to set the record straight—that’s not woo-woo. Grey tourmaline scientifically does produce an electric charge, one that helps promote collagen production. That’s the kind of energy forcefield we stand behind. Or in.
Technically a mineral clay, kaolin is the most gentle of clays when it comes to facial masking. It’s rich in silica, a mineral that also boasts improved collagen production as well as helps to improve the texture of the skin.
While not technically an essential mineral, silver is super antimicrobial, meaning it helps to heal and prevent infections, kill off harmful bacteria, and treat acne-prone skin.
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