There’s no shortage of skincare ingredients to choose from for those wanting to optimise their skin. Whilst we’re all familiar with classics like retinoids, Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, there are less famous but transformative compounds. One of these powerhouse ingredients that’s quietly gaining attention is sulfur for skin treatments. Far from the smelly remedies and science projects of yester year, sulfur skincare is altogether far more sophisticated (and less smelly). This ancient mineral that may well deserve a permanent spot in your beauty cabinet due to its variety of skin benefits especially for inflamed, congested and acne prone skin. In this guide, we’re going to explore the science behind sulfur’s skin benefits and how to use it to elevate your skincare routine.
What is Sulfur?
Sulfur is a naturally occurring element found in the Earth’s crust. For centuries, it has been used across many civilizations for its medicinal qualities. Some of the most famous examples include ancient Roman sulfur baths or traditional Chinese medicine remedies for gut, liver, heart and skin issues.
The main uses of sulfur in skincare are deeply rooted in its skin balancing and purifying properties. Sulfur skin treatments work by gently exfoliating the skin and clearing congestion within pores. As a keratolytic agent, sulfur helps loosen and remove dead skin cells which prevents pore clogging and promotes smoother brighter skin. It also moderates excess oil production which helps balance skin and clarify the complexion. Furthermore, sulfur has anti-inflammatory actions which soothes irritation and tackles redness whilst its antimicrobial benefits can also help clear acne.
Benefits of Sulfur for Skin
Sulfur has a wide range of skin benefits and may be of value across a range of skin concerns. Here are some of the key benefits of sulfur skincare for skin:
- Acne Treatment: Sulfur can help treat acne due to its ability to absorb excess sebum and clear pores. Its mild exfoliating effect helps remove trapped impurities that can lead to whiteheads and blackheads, reducing the frequency and severity of breakouts. It can also calm the inflammation associated with active acne lesions. This makes them less visible and may speed up their healing process.
- Oil Balancing: By regulating oil production, sulfur can help balance oily and combination skin. This can help to reduce shine and minimise the appearance of pores.
- Calms Skin: Sulfur is gentle and can help reduce irritation and redness.
- Brightens & Smoothes: As a gentle exfoliant, sulfur helps remove dead skin cells. This smoothes texture and brightens skin tone.
Comparison with Similar Active Skincare Ingredients
In general sulfur is worth adding into a skincare routine but it can also provide an alternative to a few other skincare ingredients for those needing a gentler option. Here’s how sulfur compares to its three main skincare rivals with regards to skin benefits:
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Whilst benzoyl peroxide is a potent acne fighter, it can sometimes cause dryness, peeling, or discomfort. Sulfur, also offers some antimicrobial activity against acne causing bacteria but is milder and less likely to produce these side effects. As such sulfur may offer a gentler alternative to benzoyl peroxide for those with sensitive skin.
- Salicylic Acid: This is the most renowned pore-cleanser and exfoliant. However people with sensitive or reactive skin types may find salicylic acid too drying or irritating. Sulfur’s gentler exfoliation can achieve similar benefits without overly stripping the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives are powerful for cell turnover and acne prevention but can cause irritation and dryness. Sulfur can compliment the activity of retinoids for acne and improving skin texture and brightening.For those unable to tolerate retinoids, sulfur is a good alternative for those with acne, oily or dull textured skin. It however does not provide the anti-ageing effects of retinoids.
How to Use Sulfur Treatments in Your Skincare Routine
You can easily add sulfur into your skincare routine either as the mainstay active ingredient or to supportive and boost the benefits of other products. Here are our top tips for the best way to add sulfur treatments to your skincare routine:
- Choose the Right Product: Sulfur is available in a wide range of products. Opt for cleansers if you have very sensitive skin or are using lots of actives and want to start with a less intense product. For most people, toners are a great choice if you want a daily sulfur treatment. Sulfur containing masks are a good choice if you want a more intense weekly treatment. If you have isolated or stubborn blemishes, then targeted spot treatments in the form of gels, creams or patches are your best bet.
- Start Low & Slow: If you’re new to sulfur, start with a lower concentration a few times a week (or 1-2 times a month if its a mask). Over time, you can gradually increase frequency or potency based on your skin’s response.
- Monitor & Respond: It is essential to pay attention to how your skin reacts to sulfur so you can fine-tune yoru skincare routine. If you notice dryness, simply scale back application frequency or follow with a richer moisturiser. If you’re getting on well with it you can increase the frequency and eventually concentration.
- Pair with Complementary Ingredients: You can enhance the benefits of sulfur skin treatment by layering with other gentle, soothing ingredients. Niacinamide, green tea extracts, licorice, marshmallow or ceramides can help support your skin barrier. These ingredients can also offset any dryness that may occur. Beyond that, you can also use sulfur alongside antioxidants like Vitamin C, NAC or Glutathione and retinoids like Tretinoin to boost its skin clearing and brightening benefits.
Potential Side Effects
Although most people generally tolerate sulfur without problems, it’s not entirely exempt from side effects. You may experience mild dryness, sensitivity or a subtle scent when first adding sulfur into your routine. These are more likely to occur if you have sensitive or eczema prone skin. There is also a risk of irritation or allergy and so you should always perform a patch test before applying any new sulfur skincare product to your face. If you experience allergy, persistent discomfort or irritation, stop the treatment and seek medical help.
When it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding, low strength sulfur skincare products are often regarded as relatively safe treatments. However, it’s always wise to check with your doctor or a qualified dermatologist before adding any new skincare ingredient to your routine during these times.
In the jam-packed world of skincare, sulfur holds its own as a versatile ingredient with various skin benefits. Sulfur provides gentle exfoliation, oil control and anti-inflammatory as well as anti-microbial benefits. This makes sulfur a useful skincare treatment for redness, acne, blemishes, dull and textured skin. As part of a consistent skincare routine sulfur can help smooth, brighten, balance and clear your skin.
At City Skin Clinic, we are devoted to personalised skincare. We offer safe and effective compound skincare treatments with prescription-strength ingredients including Tretinoin and Hydroquinone where appropriate through our online skin clinic. Our doctors treat a range of conditions such as acne and scars, hyperpigmentation, melasma, skin ageing. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.
