Whether you’re suffering from acne, eczema or psoriasis, sulfur soap can help soothe your skin and fight the underlying cause of these conditions. It’s also a great alternative to harsh topical treatments that can cause irritation, peeling, and allergic reactions.
Benefits of Sulfur Soap on Skin
As the third most abundant mineral in the human body, sulfur is found in all living tissues. It’s a natural antibacterial that promotes skin’s normal shedding process, and it has been used to treat a wide range of skin conditions for thousands of years.
It’s one of the most recommended ingredients by dermatologists to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne. It’s effective at reducing oil production, exfoliating dead skin cells, and drying out blackheads.
Sulfur can be found in products that target a wide range of skincare concerns, so it’s easy to find a formula that works for you and your specific needs. The best way to find a sulfur-based product is to speak to your dermatologist and discuss what you’re looking for in a formula.
You can get a sulfur-based product in concentrations that range from 3 percent to 10 percent, so you can use it for as long as your skin needs it, says Dr. Ramanadham. However, she notes that you should talk to your dermatologist if you’re using a sulfur-based product on a large area of your face or if you have sensitive skin, because the concentrations can be too high for your complexion and can even lead to dryness or redness in some cases.
Besides working to treat acne, sulfur can also be beneficial for skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, according to Shah. It can help with dandruff by drying out excess oil on the scalp and exfoliating the top layer of the skin, she adds.
In fact, if you’re dealing with a condition like dandruff, the antibacterial and exfoliating properties of sulfur can be particularly helpful, as it helps to remove dead skin cells, dandruff-causing oils, and bacteria from your scalp.
The keratolytic properties of sulfur make it a great choice for treating blemishes, too. It’s especially effective at removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, which can prevent clogged pores.
It can also reduce inflammation of the skin, which can lead to a more clear complexion in the long run. It can also help with fine lines and wrinkles, she adds.
Sulfur’s keratolytic effects can also soften and thin the skin, promoting a more even complexion. It’s a gentle, nonirritating treatment that’s especially good for younger skin, as it can help keep the skin from getting too drier and rough.
Despite the fact that sulfur can stink like rotten eggs, it’s safe to use on most skin types and can help with acne-prone or oily skin. It can also be paired with other active ingredients in your routine, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, to maximize its effectiveness, suggests Smita Ramanadham, M.D., a New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist.