Though the phrase “sulfur” may bring back memories of chemistry class, this plentiful metal is really a key component of natural medicine. Sulfur has been used for millennia to help cure acne and other skin disorders because of its antibacterial characteristics. It is also conveniently located. Both some prescription and several over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments include sulfur. Learn more about the benefits of sulfur in the paragraphs that follow, including the kinds of acne it can cure and OTC solutions you may use at home.
How Sulfur Works?
Sulfur is a topical agent that dries and peels skin when administered. Despite how it may seem, if you have acne, this is really healthy for your skin.
One of the benefits of sulfur is reducing skin oiliness. Additionally, it makes the skin’s cell turnover more efficient, preventing pore clogs from forming. As a result of sulfur’s antibacterial characteristics, Propionibacterium acnes, which causes acne, is kept under control.
Which types of acne does it treat?
For outbreaks caused by a concoction of dead skin cells and excessive sebum, sulfur works best. They consist of less severe kinds of acne like whiteheads and blackheads.
However, it’s crucial to remember that different people may get different outcomes. Additionally, it could be effective on certain breakouts but not others. Finding out what form of acne you have is the first step. Then you may discuss if sulfur is appropriate for you with your dermatologist.
Mild to Moderate Acne
If you have mild to severe acne or pimples, sulfur works best. 3 For cystic breakouts or severe acne, it is extremely ineffective. However, it also works effectively for comedonal acne and inflammatory acne. Sulfur may thus help your skin if you have blackheads, red pimples, or both.
Many different skin care products, such as soaps and cleansers, lotions, masks, and spot treatments, include sulfur. Additionally, many skin salons and spas use it as a standard acne treatment.
Resorcinol or sodium sulfacetamide are often used to sulfur treatments. These components increase the treatment’s effectiveness by adding anti-inflammatory and hydrating qualities.
Therapies for acne based on sulfur may be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Your acne may clear up more rapidly if you do this.
Try using a benzoyl peroxide lotion at night and an over-the-counter sulfur cleaner in the morning. Or, if you see a dermatologist, he or she could suggest that you take a sulfur-based drug in addition to a topical retinoid.
Benefits of Sulfur: Perfect for Sensitive Skin
Benzoyl peroxide allergies on the skin? Does the mere sight of Retin-A cause your skin to become very red? Sulfur may become your new closest companion for sensitive skin.
Compared to many other acne treatments, this chemical that fights acne seems to be kinder to the skin. It isn’t the most efficient acne treatment; many other options work quicker and more effectively.
There are amazing benefits of sulfur if your skin just cannot tolerate the unwanted effects of the majority of other acne drugs.
How Is Sulfur Used in Other Ways?
Sulfur may also be found in treatments that treat sensitive skin problems including seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, eczema, and dandruff because of its capacity to exfoliate dead skin cells from the skin’s surface while simultaneously combating germs inside the pores. As a consequence, you may regularly see it listed as a main component in both soaps and shampoos.
You should pay attention to the quantity of sulfur included in skincare products to guarantee their safety. This is due to the possibility that regularly using high-sulfur solutions might have a variety of negative side effects, like as irritation, and even make acne worse rather than better. Please be aware that any product sold that contains more than 10% sulfur is prohibited.
What Are The Benefits of Sulfur?
Despite there is many benefits of sulfur in treating acne, is not good for all skin types. In fact, some people may find sulfur to be more damaging to their skin than beneficial. Due to its high pH balance, the same components that make sulfur a successful acne treatment may also irritate some people’s skin. The skin’s natural defenses may be compromised by sulfur’s strength, making the skin more susceptible. A good moisture barrier is also necessary because without one, your skin will dry up and become more vulnerable to outside aggressors.
Sulfur has the most benefits in treating minor acne outbreaks, including white and blackheads, because it affects the skin. Unfortunately, the most effective way to treat moderate acne, such papules or pustules, and severe acne, like cysts and nodules, is with harsher medications and under the guidance of a dermatologist or esthetician. However, sulfur could be a great element to help keep clean skin going ahead after more severe acne has been cleared up.
Many of us find it difficult to deal with acne, but it’s crucial to be cautious about the skin-care products you choose. Many people will go for harsh treatments that dry out the skin excessively. Working with a dermatologist or esthetician to find the best treatment for your skin is crucial if you have any questions or concerns about the benefits of sulfur.
Side Effects
The most frequent adverse effects of sulfur include drying, peeling, redness, and moderate itching.
When you initially start your therapy, they often become worse. If your skin is really sensitive, consider starting off low and increasing the amount over time.
Some goods continue to smell like sulfur. Because they often do not include additional fragrance compounds that cover up the sulfur aroma, this is particularly true with products based on natural ingredients or designed for sensitive skin types.
Try a different brand if you find the fragrance to be extremely offensive. The aroma may drastically differ from one product to another.
Products to try
While certain spot treatments include sulfur, other everyday acne products like cleansers and masks also contain sulfur. The dose depends on the kinds of sulfur compounds you use as well. For instance, you should use lotions no more than twice day, but spot treatments may be used up to three times daily.
Conduct a patch test to determine your sensitivity to sulfur or other active components before taking any new acne treatment. How to carry out a patch test
- Choose a little patch of skin that isn’t on your face, like the inside of your arm.
- Wait 24 hours after applying a tiny quantity of product.
- If the product doesn’t have any negative effects, you may use it on your face. However, you should stop using the product if you experience redness, a rash, or hives.
- Several well-known acne treatments using sulfur include:
1.Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask
The ingredients in Sunday Riley’s acne mask are full of miracle workers: 10% sulfur to clear and heal zits, niacinamide to brighten, and zinc PCA to reduce excess oil. Tea tree and manuka oils, which claim to leave skin supple and silky, are used to finish the mask.
While the salicylic acid clears clogged pores, the clay absorbs oil and impurities. Licorice is another ingredient added to the formula, which helps fight dark spots.
3. Dr. Dennis Gross Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask
Dr. Dennis Gross’s mask contains colloidal sulfur and kaolin, which are powerful acne-fighting and skin-smoothing ingredients. Use the product to spot-treat pimples and pores that need extra care, or spread it evenly over your face for a 10-minute mask.
4. Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask
This bubbly mask exfoliates skin while simultaneously drawing out impurities. This sulfur mask doesn’t dry up as many others do. But it continues to focus on blackheads to open pores.
5. Control Corrective Sulfur Calming Mask
This mask cools sensitive skin on touch, which helps to relax troubled skin. Additionally, it works as an overnight spot treatment to help absorb extra oil.
