People have been suffering from acne for centuries. It's probably one of the most common skin conditions known to man! And because it's been around for ages, remedies, cures and treatments have also been around for centuries. One of these treatments of acne include using the ingredient sulfur. In fact it’s probably one of the oldest known remedies to treating acne along with a wide range of other skin conditions such as dermatitis, rosacea, dandruff and warts. Sulfur has become a widely accessible ingredient featured in many over the counter products as well as at a prescription strength form.
What is Sulfur?
Sulfur is a naturally found organic element containing antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This makes it the perfect treatment for bacteria based acne as well as fungal based acne. But before you go around slathering sulfur based products all over your acne prone skin, be aware that this natural ingredient has a very funky smell. Think rotten eggs meets days old garbage. Yeah, it's NOT pleasant. The things we put ourselves through for beauty! Fortunately for us, most products containing sulfur are formulated with other ingredients that can help mask the awful smell. At least to a tolerable enough level to use it on our faces.
So how does sulfur work on acne? Similar to other acne targeting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, sulfur helps to dry out your skin surface and absorb any excess oils in a much gentler way without the harsh side effects of its chemical cousins. Sulfur helps remove dead skin build up that could be blocking your pores which is what leads to inflamed red zits. By unclogging pores and targeting over production of oil build up, Sulfur works to inhibit the growth of bacterial and fungal acne, preventing future breakouts. This natural ingredient works best on whiteheads, blackheads and fungal based acne. Sulfur also contains keratolytic effects, which helps to soften the skin keratin, helps it exfoliate and reveal a new layer of clear skin.
@careclarkbsn #stitch with @drdrayzday we loveeeee #sulfur!!! Downsides: it smells like eggs. 🥚 & can be too drying for some people. #dermatologynurse #acne #rosacea #skincaretiktok #benzoylperoxide #greenscreen ♬ original sound - Care Clark
The Best Products With Sulfur
Now because sulfur is a naturally occurring ingredient, it works great for all skin types including sensitive beauties. Sulfur can be found in all types of products. Check out a few below:
Saturn Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask
GET CLARITY FOAMING ACNE CLEANSER
Sulfur Acne Lotion
Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask
Ain’t Misbehaving Intensive 10% Sulfur Acne Mask & Emergency Spot Treatment
Now for my natural beauties out there using sulfur could be a real game changer for your problematic skin worries. If you don’t mind the distinctly intrusive smell, this ingredient gives great results without the harshness that other acne fighting chemicals usually produce. If I hold my breath for a few seconds I should be good to go right?
