MSM – methylsulfonyl methane –to help with repairing skin

A great deal is written and has been discussed, to decide if MSM should be qualified as a "natural" ingredient - but a straight forward answer would be to say that MSM is natural, as it is an organic bound sulfur occurring in almost every living thing.

photo: Wikidepia

MSM is used in the following of our products Problem Skin Spot Treatment Problem Skin Face Mask

On this page

• General information on MSM
• Topical use of MSM
• Cosmetic classification of MSM

General information on MSM

The MSM found in nature is however so microscopic that it has to be manufactured in order to make it commercially available.

MSM originates from the ocean, where the plankton releases sulfur compounds into the seawater which is then converted to DMS - a volatile ingredient - which then escapes into the atmosphere. The DMS then reacts to the ozone and ultraviolet light to create DMSO and DMSO2 - MSM. This then comes down to earth in rainwater where it is taken up by plants.

MSM is commercially made by combining sulfur with paper mill pulp liquids to form DMS and is then purified and processed under pressure and heat, and further filtered and distilled to manufacture pure MSM.

Topical use of MSM

In topical application, where MSM is applied to the skin, it is normally used to help relieve painful muscles and joints, but also has great value in repairing the skin from any type of injury or ailment.

On the skin it is useful in the treatment of skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis, and in one study the topical application of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) showed very positive effects on treating ichtyosis - a rare incurable dermatological disease - characterized by dry, thick and scaly skin. ^{REF 545}

The sulfur contained in MSM is also used in the skin for collagen synthesis, and helps to keep the collagen fibers in the skin flexible and prevents cross-linking of these fibers (cross-linking is normally seen in old aged skin).

The sulfur also helps the body to produce more sulfur bonds, and in so doing keeps the skin even more pliable and youthful looking.

We included it in our Problem Skin Spot Treatment and Problem Skin Face Mask due to the great effect it has on wound healing.

Cosmetic classification of MSM

For cosmetic classification MSM is listed as Dimethyl Sulfone and is classed as a thio compound with the functions as a solvent and/or viscosity-decreasing agent.

For more information on the classification please click here.