DMSO and Skin Conditions: Relief, Repair, and Safe Use

What DMSO is, how it interacts with skin, research evidence, safety considerations, FAQs

Your skin is the body’s largest organ and its first line of defence against the outside world. It’s constantly exposed to sun, pollution, bacteria, and physical wear. For people dealing with chronic or acute skin conditions, this barrier can feel more like a battleground. Itching, redness, inflammation, and slow healing can disrupt daily life.
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), with its unique ability to penetrate the skin and reduce inflammation, has attracted interest as a potential aid for certain skin issues.

How DMSO Works on the Skin

DMSO is a highly penetrative solvent that can carry other compounds directly into the skin’s deeper layers. This quality, combined with its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, gives it a unique position among topical therapies.
In skin health, DMSO may:

• Reduce inflammation and redness

• Relieve itching and discomfort

• Support healing by increasing circulation to damaged tissues

• Enhance absorption of other topical agents

Because it moves so easily through the skin barrier, DMSO can act where many creams and ointments fail — beneath the surface, at the root of the irritation.

Skin Conditions Where DMSO May Help

Eczema

Eczema causes dryness, redness, and itching, often worsened by inflammation. By calming inflammatory responses, DMSO could help reduce flare-up severity and improve comfort.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterised by thick, scaly patches caused by rapid skin cell turnover. DMSO’s deep penetration may allow it to deliver relief beneath the plaques, while its softening effect could help reduce scaling.

Acne & Cystic Acne

In cystic acne, inflammation is trapped deep under the skin. DMSO’s ability to carry anti-inflammatory compounds into the affected area may support healing, while its own antioxidant qualities help limit oxidative stress.

Scar Tissue

Whether from surgery, burns, or injury, scar tissue can be stiff and uncomfortable. Some practitioners use DMSO to soften and improve flexibility in scarred areas.

How It Compares to Other Topical Treatments

Typical topical treatments for skin conditions often focus on moisturising, exfoliating, or providing short-term anti-inflammatory relief. DMSO stands apart because it:

• Works both as an active agent and as a carrier for other compounds

• Penetrates deeper into the skin layers than many over-the-counter creams

• Offers antioxidant benefits to reduce oxidative damage to skin cells

Safe Use of DMSO on Skin

While DMSO offers unique benefits, safe application is essential:

• Purity matters: Always choose pharmaceutical-grade DMSO intended for topical use

• Clean skin first: Any contaminants on the skin can be carried into the bloodstream

• Patch test: Apply a small amount to a small area first to check for irritation

• Avoid sensitive areas: Unless directed by a professional, avoid use on mucous membranes or open wounds

Possible Side Effects

Some users experience mild skin irritation, itching, or a garlic-like odour after applying DMSO. These effects are generally temporary but should be monitored.

Real-World Examples

• A person with chronic eczema using DMSO alongside moisturisers to reduce itching and flare-up severity

• Psoriasis plaques softening after regular, careful application

• A post-surgical scar improving in flexibility after a course of DMSO treatment under professional guidance

The Bottom Line for Skin Health

DMSO is not a magic cure, but for certain skin conditions, it offers a unique combination of deep penetration, anti-inflammatory action, and antioxidant protection. When used correctly, it can be a powerful addition to a skin health routine.
If you decide to explore DMSO for skin health, always choose a high-purity product such as our pharmaceutical-grade DMSO gel UK.