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Liz Desousa for Byrdie
In the era of buzz-worthy skincare, sulfur is about as unsexy as it gets. Not only does it sound like a toxic emission we should be avoiding it also stinks like one. We mean it literally stinks. It's eau de rotten eggs isn't something we're jumping to add to our beauty ambiance. But what it lacks in a certain aesthetic je ne sais quoi it more than makes up for in acne-fighting abilities. (Besides, the formulations smell much better these days.) To overlook this skincare powerhouse for its lack of pizzazz would be to do our skin a great disservice, not only in terms of breakouts but across a whole host of skin concerns.
To find out more about how sulfur benefits the skin, and possibly lend a hand in elevating its lacking image, we went straight to the experts themselves. Read on for what board-certified dermatologists Dr. Jessie Chung and Dr. Sejal Shah had to say about the naturally occurring element, from the benefits of sulfur to how it works.
Meet the Expert
- Jessie Cheung, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Cheung Aesthetics and Wellness.
- Sejal Shah, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Smarter Skin Dermatology.
What Is Sulfur?
Simply put, sulfur is a natural element that is an essential component for all living cells. As Cheung explains, sulfur is common in rocks and minerals and essential for plant growth—and it's also found throughout the body in amino acids, vitamins, and our skin and hair. It's known for its yellow color and its strong smell (but you already knew that). Sulfur has been used throughout history for medical purposes (fun fact: It's also used in wine-making), but when it comes to skincare, you'll commonly find it in acne spot treatments, masks, and soaps.
Sulfur
Type of Ingredient: Exfoliant
Main benefits: Kills bacteria, reduces sebum, and sloughs away dead skin.
Who should use it: Sulfur can be used to treat those with mild-to-moderate acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.
How often can you use it: According to Shah, it can be used on a daily basis, and some skin types can tolerate milder formulations (such as cleansers) even twice a day.
Works well with: Sodium sulfacetamide. "There are newer formulations of topical sulfur lotions that are combined with sodium sulfacetamide, creating a more gentle and less stinky product," Cheung says.
Don't use with: Avoid combining sulfur with other topicals that dry out the skin or exfoliate (such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid) to prevent the skin from becoming too dry or inflamed.
"Sulfur-based products tend to work best for mild-to-moderate acne, primarily whiteheads, blackheads, and papules," Shah says. "It typically isn't as effective for more moderate-to-severe acne, especially as monotherapy." While it does have similar effects to benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, Shah says that typically sulfur is better tolerated than those two treatments.
Benefits of Sulfur for Skin
Some of the characteristics of sulfur that make it great as an acne treatment (for instance, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties) are also helpful for treating an array of other skin concerns.
- Dries out blemishes: According to Shah, sulfur reduces sebum (oil) on the skin. When applied to the blemish, sulfur works to dry out the skin so it can then be sloughed away.
- Promotes exfoliation: Sulfur works to exfoliate dead skin and remove impurities. Shah says that sulfur has a keratolytic effect (meaning it works to soften and thin the epidermis), which helps remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.
- Fights bacteria: Sulfur has antibacterial properties, and, according to Cheung, sulfur is a dermatologist-favorite because it kills bacteria, fungi, and various parasites.
- Treats sensitive skin conditions: Cheung says because sulfur is anti-inflammatory and helps to soften and exfoliate thick, dead skin, it's often used to treat acne, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff. Shah adds that it's also known to treat eczema and rosacea.
Potential Side Effects of Sulfur
Sulfur may be drying and might irritate sensitive skin, so Shah suggests using caution when trying products containing sulfur. With that said, she adds that it tends to be gentler than some other acne medications, which usually makes it a good choice for people with sensitive skin (confusing, we know). For this reason, it's always smart to consult your dermatologist for guidance in selecting the best topical for you.
How to Use Sulfur for Skin
Cheung says because it can be drying and irritating for some, sulfur is commonly prescribed as a short-contact cleanser to be used once a day, usually at bedtime because of the strong scent. If you love a creamy cleanser, Shah suggests the cult-favorite Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Cleanser Acne Treatment. The three-percent sulfur concentration promises to tackle the oil and breakouts while the honey and rice-bran extract are meant to soothe the skin.
Both Shah and Cheung recommend prescription products to their patients (Ovace Wash Cleansing Gel and Avar Cream are two of Cheung's favorites), but there are a few favorite formulas you can find over-the-counter. Made with 10 percent sulfur (the highest level permitted), the Bye Bye Blemish for Acne Drying Lotion is recommended by Shah as the perfect nighttime treatment for your blackheads, whiteheads, or papules. To use, simply dip a Q-tip in the solution and dab it over the area. Another of Shah's favorites, Sunday Riley's Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment Mask also packs a punch with a 10-percent sulfur concentration as well as niacinamide, and zinc PCA ingredients meant to minimize redness, reduce oil, and clear up acne breakouts.
Avoid layering sulfur with your other acne topicals that may exfoliate or dry out the skin such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid. Experimenting with multiple acne treatments together may be too much of a good thing and cause the skin to become too dry and inflamed.
Oral vs. Topical Sulfur
Not only can you apply sulfur to the skin topically, but you can also consume it orally through your diet or via sulfur supplements to support normal functions of the body. However, for skin-specific results, Cheung suggests sticking with a topical. "There aren’t many good studies for oral sulfur supplements for acne, and there is no current recommended dosage," Cheung explains. "A topical makes more sense because it will affect the skin more efficiently, rather than going through the digestive tract and bloodstream." You're better off taking supplements to decrease inflammation and promote gut health, such as pre- and probiotics and adaptogens, according to Cheung, but always consult your doctor before trying any new supplements or making changes to your routine.
The Final Takeaway
While sulfur may not be the most pleasant-smelling of ingredients, it provides countless skincare benefits that we're unwilling to turn our noses up at. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can contend with hero ingredients the likes of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, all while maintaining a far gentler ecosystem for the skin. It can, however, still prove drying for more sensitive skin types so be sure to slowly work the ingredient into your skincare routine and monitor how it affects your skin specifically.