Sulfur Health for Dry Skin, Acne, & Eczema

Sulfur is an essential mineral found in large quantities within the body. Internally, it is helpful for a variety of conditions, from helping improve blood sugar regulation to decreasing blood pressure. For these conditions, sulfur is generally taken orally, in supplements such as MSM. For most adults, this is important because we don’t get enough sulfur in our diets as we age. You can intake sulfur from a variety of sources, such as grass-fed beef and raw milk.

Sulfur is also important for connective tissues, such as the ligaments and skin. As sulfur levels decrease in our body, our skin barrier weakens, and the skin can sag. You might also develop dry skin or dandruff, and your hair could become more friable and break easily.

The good news is that you can use sulfur topically to treat a variety of skin conditions. A product known as DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide, is a topical agent that is readily absorbed across the skin. This product is usually used to treat inflammatory disorders, such as arthritis pain.

Topical sulfur products come in a range of brands and formulations. In addition to skin cleansers, there are lotions and ointments. Some brands that you might find with sulfur in them include Sulforcin and Fostril. Certain sulfur-based products may have a form of sulfur known as sulfacetamide, which is found in products such as Clarifoam and Plexion.

Sulfur can help with a variety of skin issues because it helps with shedding excessive skin. It also helps fight bacteria on the skin’s surface with antimicrobial activities. As such, sulfur products may be used to treat acne, eczema, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, warts, and skin discolorations.

Sulfur is used to treat acne because it dries out the skin surrounding the pores, cutting back on sebum production that can cause the pores to become blocked. It also has keratolytic properties, which means that as the epidermis dries out, it peels the layer of skin away, unblocking pores. With its antibacterial activity, sulfur can combat the bacteria that is associated with acne outbreaks, known as P. acnes bacteria.

You might also consider a topical therapy with sulfur known a balneotherapy. This process typically involves spa treatments such as mud baths, with sulfur containing mud and waters. It can be useful to treat skin conditions such as eczema, as well as pain associated with arthritis.

Using sulfur-based products can have side effects, although these tend to be minimal. Some effects can be what you’re trying to treat, including dry, flaking skin. You might also develop itching or swelling at the application site of the sulfur product. If you have an allergy to sulfur or a sensitivity to sulfa drugs, you should not use or take sulfur products because your risk of having an allergy is higher.

Sulfur has many uses and people with skin conditions may benefit greatly from using topical sulfur therapy. You should always consult with your doctor before starting any treatments, since some people may develop sensitivities, such as getting excessively dry skin after using sulfur products. It may greatly benefit you if you have eczema or acne issues, so you should consider it today.