Posts Tagged ‘sulfur acne products’

There are numerous types of acne treatments that are touted as being effective for dealing with various acne outbreaks. Sulfur acne is a treatment that is seen to be effective in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Sulfur (also spelled variously as sulphur) is one of the oldest known types of acne treatments having been used historically to treat all kinds of skin conditions throughout the ages.

Sulfur works by drying out the skin causing a layer to peel away if used for any length of time. Although this sounds as though it would be pretty rough on the skin, it actually does it some good if you’ve got acne because it reduces the oiliness in the skin and prevents the pores from becoming blocked.

When used topically the sulfur causes the top layer of skin to slough off providing benefits to skin that has been affected by acne. Sulfur products are available in all sorts of products, both over the counter and through prescription as ointments, masks, soaps, lotions and creams.

It is rarely used as a standalone acne product, but not because it wouldn’t work effectively as one. Sulfur oxide is that rotten egg gas smell you may notice at hot springs or during a particularly nasty science lesson. Most people prefer not to walk around with the stink of rotten eggs on their face so they use it in combination with other, nicer smelling ingredients.

Side Effects From Using Sulfur For Acne

The obvious side effect with using sulfur is also the strength and that is the dry, peeling skin that results. The skin will be irritated and may become red, there could even be a little bit of swelling involved. There may be some discoloration from using certain products that contain sulphur so it is necessary to follow the directions of all products closely.

Acne Medication Containing Sulfur

Although it is possible to find sulfur acne medications alone, some of the more popular or well known acne medications contain sulfur, for example brands containing benzoyl peroxide and sulfur include: Dryox 10S and Sulfoxyl, while brands containing resorcinol and sulfur include Sulforcin Lotion, Rezamid Lotion and Acnomel Cream.

Care should be taken if using a sulfur product if also using prescription or over the counter acne treatments because they may also contain levels of sulfur. If both products are combined the effect on the skin could be too drying.