Sulfur for Acne

The use of sulfur as an acne remedy dates back centuries ago, when medical practitioners of the time would use all sorts of unusual substances to treat the physical concerns of ancient times.  Commonly known as brimstone back then due to its awful smell and the lore that it was a stone wrought from the depths of hell, this yellow mineral became known for treating various skin problems, such as dermatitis and warts.  Today, products that contain sulfur as a primary ingredient are utilized to combat acne outbreaks.  The rotten egg odor that accompanies sulfur, however, has thankfully been excluded from typical modern sulfur-based medicinal preparations.  Sulfur can now be found in a whole lot of everyday items, from detergents and dish cleansers, to therapeutic soaps for bathing. 

Sulfur functions as a peeling or exfoliating agent, stimulating the rotation of dead skin cells by causing old skin to dry up and peel off.  The application of sulfur acts to reduce the production and presence of sebum, the natural skin oil secreted by skin pores, and thus prevents these pores from getting clogged.  Sulfur also has certain anti-bacterial properties, and inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria when combined with sodium sulfacetamide.  As part of a multiple product treatment regime, the sulfur-based product is applied last and left on to allow it to penetrate the skin.  Depending on the sulfur concentration potency, however, you would be prudent to read the instructions to determine whether it should be washed off after letting the layer act on the skin for a few minutes, or if the sulfur chemical layer can be left on for hours without any adverse effects.  Most conventional sulfur products are typically recommended for usage one to three times a day.

As a potentially strong active component, sulfur has been known to produce certain adverse side effects, particularly when one starts out using it as a form of acne treatment.  These side effects include a burning sensation, skin irritation, peeling, redness and drying.  Consequently, if one is suffering from sunburned or irritated skin, such as from a rash, it would be best to wait until the other conditions subside or heal before starting with a sulfur regimen.  Likewise, even over-the-counter treatments may be harmful if you have particularly sensitive skin, so do consult your doctor about whether this is a safe alternative to use.  Not much is known currently about the effects of sulfur on pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding, either, so you should exercise caution if you are either. 

Sulfur treatments are most effective against milder forms of acne, such as blackheads and whiteheads, and may produce results against moderate acne formation.  For cystic and nodular acne, however, you may wish to turn to more powerful substances to give you relief.  Sulfur treatments can be combined with treatments that utilize salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide for greater and more rapid effect, but keep in mind that these other substances have also been known to induce allergic reactions in certain persons.  Once again, your dermatologist would know best how to mix and match alternative acne treatments for the best outcomes.

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