Sulfur for acne

2024-11-18T23:04:38.218Z

Apostrophe

Slather - Sulfur for acne

A blog article written for Slather, Apostrophe's blog, entitled Sulfur for acne

Kristin Hall, FNPDoctorateDegreeAmerican Board of DermatologyBoard Certified DermatologistChief Medical OfficerDermatologist100A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in conditions involving the skin, hair, and nails. A dermatologist can identify and treat more than 3,000 conditions. These conditions include eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer, among many others.
California

Apostrophe

Dermatology

2024-11-18T23:04:38.218Z
Group CopyCreated with Sketch.
Slather Blog LogoBlack words on clear background depicting the word `"`Slather`"`.
search-512Created with Sketch.

Education

Sulfur for acne

Slather post photo
Slather post photo

Education

Sulfur for acne

Medically reviewed by Kristin Hall, FNP

Written by Apostrophe Team

Last updated 11/1/2024

When it comes to skin conditions, acne won’t win any awards for being pleasant or easy-to-beat. Though it’s one of the most common skin problems around, it’s one that can require some level of trial-and-error to effectively treat. 

In your attempts to attain clear skin, you can throw a lot of money at your pimples. Exfoliating, cleansing, treating, moisturizing -- all of these efforts can be in vain if you’re choosing the wrong treatment products. Acne-prone skin can benefit from the help of a dermatologist, but if you’re committed to investigating easily-available over-the-counter products, we understand why sulfur may have caught your eye. 

Let’s take a closer look at this compound and how it might work to treat acne.


PRESCRIPTION ACNE TREATMENT

Science-backed topical + oral acne treatments from the experts.


What is Sulfur? 

Sulfur is an element with the atomic number 16 on the periodic table. In its pure state, it’s odorless, tasteless, and a pale yellow color. Interestingly, though it seems less than 1% of the earth’s crust is made up of sulfur, meteorites that have come to Earth have as much as 12%. It’s found in ocean water and is most concentrated in deposits surrounding volcanic regions.

Sulfur is primarily used in fertilizers, but also in pigments, explosives, batteries, detergents, paper, insecticides, fungicides, and numerous other products.

How It Works 

We won’t get into how sulfur works in fertilizers, detergents, or anything like that. Because you’re here for acne, or how sulfur might work to remedy your breakouts and blemishes. According to a paper published in the Journal of Drugs and Dermatology, sulfur has been used to treat many dermatological conditions including acne, rosacea, dermatitis, dandruff, scabies, and warts.

The element has antifungal and antibacterial properties and inhibits the growth of P. acnes (now called C. acnes), the bacterium responsible for acne lesions. It also has keratolytic effects, which means it can break down excess skin, skin that may otherwise clog your pores.


ACNE TREATMENT

Target acne and dark spots with our prescription-strength acne treatment.


Sulfur penetrates the skin within two hours of application, and after 24 hours is no longer detectable. 

Acne Products With Sulfur

Sulfur-containing acne products are available without a prescription. These over-the-counter formulas typically feature sulfur as sodium sulfacetamide and may combine it with something known as resorcinol. Several clinical trials have found sulfur acne products to be effective at reducing inflammatory lesions, comedones (non-inflammatory acne lesions), and oily skin. These benefits were found when used alone and/or in conjunction with other acne treatments such as prescription retinoids and benzoyl peroxide.

Acne products with sulfur are pretty easy to find. Online retailers feature spot treatments, drying lotions, face scrubs and cleansers, soaps, and sulfur-containing masks. These products are relatively affordable, generally available for less than $50, with several for under $20.

Complaints and Side Effects 

As with most acne solutions available over-the-counter, reviews on sulfur products are mixed. It isn’t entirely clear, however, if consumers who are saying the products are ineffective applied the treatments consistently and as-directed. 

In general, sulfur-containing skin care products may cause mild irritation or have an unpleasant smell. So like any addition to your skin care routine, test a small section of your skin before using often and broadly.

References 

Like what you just read? Sign up for our email list to get the scoop on skincare science delivered straight to your inbox.
Email IconBlack outline of an evnvelope at a 45 degree angle.
Group 9Created with Sketch.

Education

What is milia?


Read More

Education

Best moisturizer for acne-prone skin


Read More

Education

How to build a face care routine


Read More

Education

What is milia?

What is milia? Today, we’re jumping into one type of bump that you may have heard about most commonly in infants — milia.

Read More

Education

Best moisturizer for acne-prone skin

If you have combination acne-prone skin, figuring out which moisturizer is best for your skin might be tough. In this guide, we break down the best moisturizer for combination, acne-prone skin.

Read More

Education

How to build a face care routine

As you get into skincare, it might seem overwhelming, especially trying to figure out the order you're supposed to apply products in. Below, we detail how to build a face care routine for your skin!

Read More

sign up for our newsletter here

Group 9Created with Sketch.
Email Icon LightTan outline of an evnvelope at a 45 degree angle.

Apostrophe's Service

Apostrophe Treatments

Education

Deep Dives

Apostrophe LogoLarge black A with the bottom left point turned into an apostrophe.