Sulfur

What it is: Sulfur has been used to treat acne for thousands of years for its peeling and drying actions, and is found in various washes, soaps, and creams.

What it does: Sulfur provides peeling and drying of the skin. Although it is effective at breaking down existing blackheads and whiteheads, it may also promote the development of new ones by increasing cell adhesion.

Things to be aware of while using it:
(see full story for details)		 It smells bad. It may also discolor skin.

Side effects include peeling and redness.

Return to over-the-counter medications

References

Fulton, James E. Acne Rx. James E. Fulton Jr., M.D., PhD: 2001.

"Questions and Answers About Acne." National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Jan. 2006. National Institutes of Health. 2001. link.

"Sulfur." MedlinePlus. 2006. Thomson Healthcare. 2000 link.