Beginner's Guide To Using Sulphur For The Skin

Written by Sumona Bose9th Jun 2020
Beginner's guide to using sulphur for the skin
Unlike other trendy active ingredients, like retinol and peptides, sulphur has been around longer in the world of skincare, and otherwise. From running away from its foul smell in high school chemistry labs to using them in many dermatologist-approved acne treatments, sulphur is a well-known ingredient. However, what you might not know are the advancements the ingredient has brought about in skincare and the many benefits it offers other than clearing pimples and blemishes. Here’s why you need to add sulphur in your skincare and everything to know before doing that.
 

What is sulphur?

How to use sulphur for skin

Sulphur is a natural element that is essential for the survival of all living creatures. Apart from being found in rocks and minerals, sulphur is present in the human body in the form of amino acids, vitamins and the structure of skin and hair.

In skincare, sulphur is used in acne spot treatments, masks, soaps and other blemish cures. It is used to treat mild to moderate acne, whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Mimicking the actions of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, sulphur is known to be more tolerable for the skin as compared to both of these popular acne treatments.

 

Benefits of sulphur for skin

How to use sulphur for skin

As mentioned before, sulphur can be used for treatments other than acne and whiteheads. Being anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in nature, it can also be used for:

  • Mattifying skin: Sulphur has the capacity to control excess sebum production in the skin. Thus, anyone suffering from overly oily skin can look to a quick masking regime with sulphur in it to mattify their skin.
  • Gentle exfoliation: Sulphur has a keratolytic effect on your skin - it softens and thins the epidermis. That is why the ingredient works as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, clear impurities and unclog the pores.
  • Improves sensitive skin: Sulphur is known to kill many forms of bacteria, fungi and parasites. This makes it ideal for treating sensitive skin issues like acne, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), eczema and rosacea.

 

How to use sulphur for skin

How to use sulphur for skin

Even though sulphur is considered a gentle ingredient, some skin types might get irritated by it. The best way to incorporate the ingredient in your routine is to use it in the form of face washes, once a day. The concentrations of sulphur in face masks and soaps are already low enough for safe use. Avoid using other acne and exfoliating ingredients at the same time as sulphur as it can make the skin dry and inflamed.

FYI: You can find sulphur supplements in the market that can be ingested orally. But it is recommended to stick to topical routes as it has fewer side effects and can be applied to your skin directly. And as always, do consult your dermatologist before adding new ingredients in your skincare routine.

Sumona Bose

Written by

Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!

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