How can Sulfur Skin Care Products Help to Fight Acne?

Sulfur is usually not the first thing that comes to mind when people think of effective acne treatments, but this odorous mineral is actually one of the oldest acne treatments known to man. In ancient times, sulfur was applied directly to the skin to treat skin and scalp problems like dandruff, dermatitis, warts and rosacea.

In today’s competitive beauty market, the use of sulfur to treat acne and other skin conditions have evolved into something more sophisticated and better smelling. Sulfur acne treatment products now include soaps, face masks and creams, which is very different from what our ancestors used generations ago.

When applied topically, sulfur causes the skin to dry and peel to help treat various skin conditions. Despite how this sounds, it is actually a good thing for your skin if you have acne. Sulfur helps reduce skin oiliness, and prevents pore blockages from forming. Because sulfur helps to remove layers of the skin, it allows you to remove excess dirt and oil that builds up on your skin and can lead to conditions, including acne. Sulfur also kills bacteria on the skin’s surface, reducing acne breakouts.

The reason that sulfur is so effective in treating acne is that it has exfoliating, antibacterial and comedolytic drying properties that help in removing dead skin cells and clearing clogged pores, killing acne-causing bacteria and drying out pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. It also aids in regulating the skin’s oil production, which helps to prevent future acne breakouts.

When Should Sulfur Acne Treatment Products be Used?

Most over-the-counter acne treatment products, including those that have sulfur as their active ingredient, are great for treating mild to moderate acne problems. There are also claims that soaps, creams and masks that contain sulfur are effective in treating acne scars, although there is no evidence to support these claims just yet.

What Other Benefits do Products Containing Sulfur Offer?

Aside from treating acne, products containing sulfur are effective in treating other skin problems like eczema, dermatitis, rosacea and psoriasis. Although the active ingredient in these products that treat these conditions is the same, they have different formulations and different concentrations of sulfur, so make sure that you choose the right product for the condition that you want to treat,

Do Acne Treatment Products with Sulfur Have Any Side Effects?

Sulfur is quite safe to use, but like most anti-acne treatments, redness, dryness, peeling and irritation of the skin is common when they are used for the first time. These symptoms go away eventually, but there are cases when these side effects do last longer than usual. When this happens, it is advisable to lessen exposure to the product or to stop using it entirely if the symptoms become worse.

Despite sulfur’s bad reputation for having a foul odor that reminds people of rotten eggs, it is a very effective weapon to use in the fight against acne. There are many different products that use sulfur as an active ingredient, so for the best results, do not just pick the first sulfur acne treatment off the shelf. Do some research about the products or consult your dermatologist to find out which products will work best for your specific condition.

Try Eileen Mai’s Sulfur Skin Clear Masque to reduce oiliness and inflammations,  clear blemishes for a flawless complexion.