What Is Sulfur And Why Is It So Good For Your Skin?

It's a little stinky, but it's incredibly effective if you suffer from acne. The ingredient, which also happens to be a periodic table element, has long been popular among skin-care enthusiasts for its ability to unclog pores and give the bacteria living on your skin a what-for.

Is it, however, something you should incorporate into your skin-care routine? That is up to you and your dermatologist. But, before you make that appointment with your doctor, you should be prepared with at least a basic understanding of the element.

What exactly is sulphur, and how is it used?

Sulfur is a naturally occurring element with numerous skin-beneficial applications. It can be found in rocks and minerals, particularly in volcanic areas, as well as in our bodies. It is one of the most abundant elements in the human body, and it is required for DNA repair. The element is nonmetallic and naturally has a pale-yellow colour.

The great thing about sulphur is that it has so many properties that it can be used in a variety of ways. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of sulphur are well known. When used in skin care, sulphur absorbs excess oil that causes acne by drying out the skin's surface and unclogging pores.

The element's properties also make it a great gentle exfoliator, which means it can help you with other skin problems like eczema and rosacea. How? It reduces inflammation while also killing bacteria. Sulfur's exfoliating properties make it an excellent treatment for dandruff.

But why does sulphur stink?

Before we go any further, let's address the elephant in the room — the very gassy elephant. Sulfur can occasionally smell like rotten eggs. It's not a pleasant odour, but if you're using a sulfur-based skin-care product, the stench doesn't always indicate that the product has gone bad.

While pure sulphur has no odour, its compounds, such as hydrogen sulphate, do. With this in mind, many brands make certain that their products do not have that stinky odour.

Most products, however, contain other chemical ingredients that mask this odour. The addition of sodium sulfacetamide or other fragrances is one example.

Which sulphur products should I use?

Of course, the type of sulphur products you use will be determined by your skin's requirements. A cleanser containing sulphur is always useful to have in your skin-care rotation if you're looking for a preventative method to control oil and breakouts.

Before you reach for a product, ensure that the sulphur content is concentrated enough to be effective. Sulfur can be found in over-the-counter beauty products in concentrations ranging from 3% to 10%. Because everyone's skin is different, it's best to consult with your skin specialist to find the best formula for you. Acne treatments with concentrations of up to 10% are usually safe to use for up to eight weeks.

By far the most effective acne spot-treatment product, in my opinion. They can absorb excess sebum and can be added to your nighttime routine two to three times per week.

Sulfur-containing face masks are one of my favourites for their pore-cleansing properties. As previously stated, sulphur also works well on eczema and rosacea-prone skin, so if that is an issue for you, it may be a good idea to invest in some sulfur-containing soaps that will treat the affected area. While the exact mechanism is unknown, it is believed that sulphur has an anti-inflammatory effect that can aid in the treatment of rosacea. It can help to reduce inflammatory lesions and surrounding redness. The same principle applies to the treatment of eczema with sulphur. Apply the soap to the areas of your skin that are irritated.

What are the dangers of sulphur use?

Everyone's skin is different, and while sulphur works well for the majority of people, it's important to proceed with caution if you have extremely sensitive skin. It can cause dry skin, so I recommend using a moisturiser on a regular basis. If a rash appears, or if you experience itching or redness, discontinue use and consult your dermatologist.

Also, be cautious about the products you use in conjunction with a sulphur treatment. Sulfur should not be used if you are using drying products such as retinol or benzoyl peroxide because it may cause the skin to become too dry. Sulfur, on the other hand, can be a very good alternative if you are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide. It provides many of the same benefits, but in a much gentler manner.

Some people are naturally allergic to sulphur. I recommend starting with once a day and gradually increasing to twice a day if there are no problems. Before applying any product to a large area of your skin, perform a patch test.

Now that you're aware of all the benefits sulphur can provide for your skin, contact your dermatologist in Andheri West to ensure the ingredient is appropriate for you, and then... well, it's time to shop.