How Does Sulfur Help with Acne?

Sulfur is one of the very common ingredients used for curing acne by destroying bacteria causing pimples and blemishes. However, sulfur is a very complex element that does not go well with everyone with acne.

In the early 18th century use of sulfur was very common for fighting vapors, which was thought to cause many diseases. If burned directly on bare flame then it releases fumes containing noxious which helps in destroying bacteria and germs. Both Egyptian and Chinese medicines use sulfur for treating eczema and acne problems.

Sulfur is available in different forms but sulfur foam is considered to be the best option for fighting against acne. Sulfur foam can be applied directly on the skin; it helps in opening the clogged pores and also makes the skin healthy. The only side effect of this foam is its foul smell and if it is mixed with any other fragrance then it reduces its effectiveness.

Asian skin is benefited the most by the use of sulfur. There are many evidences to support this statement but this does not mean that sulfur only works on Asian skin, instead; the treatment is equally helpful in curing acne on other skin types as well.

Before discussing how sulfur helps in treating acne, it is very crucial to know the reason how these pimples and blemishes occurs. Male hormone name androgens increases the secretion of sebum from sebaceous glands. Sudden hormonal changes in male body increases the production of androgens hormone. When excess amount of sebum combines with the dead skin causing clogging of skin pores this ultimately causes painful and ugly looking pimples and acne. As discussed above, oily skin is the most favorable place for production of acne, hence; sulfur helps in making the skin dry by limiting the secretion of sebum from sebaceous glands.

When applied directly on skin it eventually causes dryness of top layer of skin leading peel off. This way the layer of dead skin is removed and pores gets cleaned from clogging facilitating the production of new skin. This is not the end; sulfur also contains antibacterial properties that help in preventing bacterial infection on the epidermis. One thing which every individual should understand that even though sulfur treatment is very effective but it is not good for all types of skin. Experts say that people with oily skin are more benefited by the use of sulfur treatment because it helps in removing excess oil causing clogging of pores. On the other hand, this treatment is not at all good for people with dry or combined skin because then use of sulfur will make the skin very dry causing flaked skin and itching. The treatment is equally effective for treating both mild and severe acne problems.

Other than acne treatment sulfur is also very effective in making the skin healthy and smooth. As this treatment helps in getting rid from dead skin cells and keeps the skin pores unclogged, so it contributes in making the skin healthy. This is the reason why sulfur is recommended to use in soaps and shampoos.

Side Effects of Sulfur

Along with many benefit sulfur treatment also has some side effects, which may not be as prominent when compared to its benefits. Some common side effects of sulfur treatment for acne include irritation, allergy, foul order, decolonization of skin, dry skin and so on. If the severity of sulfur side effect increases then one should immediately visit a doctor with any delay. Skin is very sensitive, so extra care is required for maintaining good health.

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How Does Sulfur Help with Acne?