Is Sulphur Good for Acne?

Sulphur is one of the oldest acne treatments know to man, dating back to the ancient Romans. It is still a commonly used ingredient in acne treatment ingredients because of it it effectiveness. It is also used to treat dermatitis, and bacterial and fungal infections.

How it works

Sulphur successfully combats acne by interfering with the growth of the acne bacteria on the skin. It is also used as an exfoliating agent, because it causes the skin to peel. It has the ability to absorb oil and reach into the pores, breaking down comedones (whiteheads and blackheads).

Use

An acne cleanser that contains sulphur works best if it is left on the skin for several minutes. A mask or an acne spot treatment that contains sulphur is more effective if left on the skin over night.

Precautions

Sulphur should not be used on large areas of skin, because the absorption of large quantities can lead to side effects.

Side effects

Sulphur may cause itching, burning, stinging sensation, and redness of the skin. You should consult your doctor before adding sulphur to your acne care routine if you are using other medications.

Disadvantadges

Many products that contain sulphur have a distinctive, offensive smell. Some sulphur products can cause skin discoloration.

References

• Combat Acne
• Acne Treatment Center