MSM for Skin: What Is It and Why Are We Putting It in Our Face Polish?
There are certain skincare ingredients that become famous overnight. Retinol. Hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C.
And then there are the quieter ones sitting in the corner, getting on with their job without making quite so much noise.
MSM is one of those.
You might know it as methylsulfonylmethane — which is a bit of a mouthful — but MSM is a naturally occurring sulphur-containing compound found in small amounts in the body and in a range of foods.
Sulphur is an important mineral for the body and plays a role in the structure of proteins and connective tissues. And when it comes to skin, that makes MSM an
interesting ingredient to explore.
So, what can MSM do for your skin?
1. It has anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is involved in a whole host of skin concerns, from redness and irritation to acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.
MSM has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, which is one reason it has attracted interest in skincare and dermatology research.
That doesn't mean MSM is a magic fix for inflammatory skin conditions — a good herbalist can help you with that — but it may have a useful role as part of a gentle, supportive skincare routine.
2. It provides sulphur for healthy connective tissue
Sulphur is involved in the structure of proteins within the body, including components of connective tissue.
Collagen is one of the major structural proteins in skin, giving it strength and helping it maintain its structure and elasticity.
MSM has therefore been investigated for its potential role in supporting collagen and overall skin structure.
3. Antioxidant support
Our skin is constantly dealing with environmental stressors.
UV exposure, pollution and normal metabolic processes can all contribute to oxidative stress.
MSM has antioxidant properties and has been studied for its potential to help protect cells against oxidative stress.
4. It may help support moisture retention
Healthy, hydrated skin tends to look and feel smoother and more comfortable.
Research suggests that MSM may have a role in supporting skin hydration and moisture retention.
And when you're dealing with dry or dehydrated skin, anything that helps support the skin barrier and keep moisture where it belongs is worth paying attention to.
5. It's interesting for stressed and sensitive skin
One of the reasons we particularly like MSM is that it fits nicely into our approach to skincare: support the skin rather than batter it into submission.
Skin doesn't always need more actives, more acids or more aggressive exfoliation.
Sometimes it needs a gentle polish, some nourishing oils and ingredients that support the skin while you get on with your day.
So why is MSM in You Little Scrubber?
This is where the science meets our slightly cheeky approach to skincare.
You Little Scrubber is our gentle facial exfoliant, made with MSM alongside vitamin E and a delicious blend of May Chang, cedarwood and lemon oils.
The aim is simple:
Remove the dull, dry surface cells without making your skin feel like you've just attacked it with a brillo pad.
MSM brings its sulphur-containing goodness to the formula, while the oils help leave skin feeling soft and conditioned.
It's designed to be gentle enough for sensitive skin while still giving you that satisfying fresh-faced feeling you want from an exfoliant.
Basically, glow without the punishment.
How often should you exfoliate?
This depends on your skin.
If you're sensitive or easily irritated, start gently — once or twice a week may be plenty. There's no prize for exfoliating your face into oblivion.
Use a small amount, massage gently and rinse thoroughly. Follow with your usual moisturiser or facial oil.
And if your skin is currently irritated, inflamed or compromised, give the scrub a miss until things have settled.
The Sage approach to skincare
At The Sage Apothecary, we're rather fond of ingredients that have a reason for being there.
We're not interested in throwing twenty-seven ingredients into a jar because they sound impressive on the label.
We like traditional plant knowledge, modern understanding and formulations that actually make sense.
MSM is a good example of that.
It's not a miracle ingredient. It's not going to turn back time. And it certainly isn't going to do your tax return.
But as part of a thoughtful skincare routine, it's an interesting ingredient with some genuinely useful properties.
And that's exactly why you'll find it in You Little Scrubber.
Fresh skin. Gentle exfoliation. A little bit of sulphur-powered goodness.
You Little Scrubber is available now at The Sage Apothecary.
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