The Effectiveness of Sulfur Acne Cream

Sulfur is a topical antibacterial sulfur-based agent cream that has been used to treat acne for more than 50 years. The yellow-colored natural element is available as a cream or in facial masks and acts as a strong exfoliate to treat mild to severe cases of acne. It is still widely unknown as to how exactly sulfur reacts to the skin inflammation; however, there are strong speculations the antifungal properties in sulfur is responsible for inhibiting the bacteria growth.

Treatment

Sulfur is effective in treating inflammatory acne, acne lesions and seborrheic dermatitis.

Chemical Reaction to Skin

Cysteine, a substance found in the skin, reacts chemically to the topical application of sulfur, which produces the natural exfoliate and antibacterial agent hydrogen sulfide.

Features

The hydrogen sulfide acts as a natural exfoliating agent by interacting with the skin protein keratin. It also produces an antifungal acid that kills bacteria and reduces inflammation and severe cases of acne.

Benefits

The body is able to quickly and easily absorb sulfur, and compared to other acne medications, sulfur has mild side effects such as redness, dryness and irritation.

Significance

Due to the strong, unpleasant odor, sulfur is usually combined with other acne treatment chemicals like salicylic acid or sodium sulfacetamide.

References

• Prescription Medicines for Acne
• Sulfur Acne Treatment
• Sulfur Compounds in Acne Treatment

Resources

• Sulfur Acne Treatment
• Types of Acne