Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
3.1
2211 Reviews
Topical Keratolytic
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Topical Keratolytic
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Topical Keratolytic
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Due to its antimicrobial properties and ability to absorb skin oil and dry out the skin, sulfur has been used for thousands of years for various skin conditions, including acne. However, it is normally reserved for noninflammatory acne (whiteheads and blackheads), because it doesn't work as well as other over-the-counter medications for inflammatory acne (papules and pustules).
Topical Keratolytic
How to Get It
This is an over-the-counter treatment. Here are some places you can find it online.
Read All About Sulfur
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.1%
4
24.2%
3
17%
2
16.1%
1
20.6%

Used Sulfur? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
February 22, 2013

Pros:

My skin felt pretty good, not as dry.

Cons:

The product flat out tells you, this product will make your skin purge. It claims it will purge your skin, but then clear it up. All in the matter of 30 days. Heres what really happens, you spend a significant amount of time putting all these products on your face, advised that while using Murad, dont even touch ANY other brand, so i was unable to use my regular Clean and Clear cleanser. So i was strictly using these products for around 30 days, all it did was purge the hell out of my skin.

Murad uses ingrediants that department stores do not use, which explains the expense. However these ingrediants prove to be very inneffective.
August 27, 2012

Pros:

Refreshing feeling, noticeable change, really feels like it works.

Cons:

Purging stage, stings a little, smells weird.

Okay, everyone is complaining about the purging stage. The truth is, this happens with almost EVERY acne treatment you'll use. It's the hidden stuff coming up and your face adjusting to the change. It takes a while to adjust to and everyone reacts differently. After using the product only once, my face started to break out a little..However, in the spots where it was clear, you could tell that those spots were actually cleaner. You can feel both the 1st and 2nd step working while you apply it. My face still hasn't cleared up, but I'm still in the purging stage and I have hope for this product, honestly. I know it will work out in the end. You shouldn't lose hope either. I got this product at Sephora for 27 dollars; 25 with my mall discount. If you want to buy this product, you can find it cheap, I'm sure. I got the entire package. I will update my review once I get past the purging stage.
July 18, 2012

Pros:

- Gentle
- Clears skin fast
- Not too drying
- You can feel it working

Cons:

-There is a 'purging stage' but that happens with lots of products!! It doesn't last long.

This was recommended by my dermatologist and its amazing! I use the cleanser and the spot treatment every second day and the treatment gel every other day. It's really great for my skin and works really well except it varies for different people's skin. But it's really gentle and I'm surprised to see so many bad reviews! I experienced the 'purging stage' about a week after i started using it but that passed quickly and just started clearing up. You should definitely try it!!
June 24, 2012

Pros:

Gentle
Makes skin soft
Clears skin quickly
Does not bleach the skin
Not too drying

Cons:

None really

Really great product! Murad is the gentlest acne system I have ever used. I only use the treatment gel once a day and it is not too drying. Within a week most of my pimples were gone and my skin felt smoother overall. Im surprised to see so many negative reviews for this product, because it is very gentle, if used correctly. I did not experience the "purging stage" at all with this product. I would definitely recommend trying it.
June 22, 2012

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

WILL make you break out badly, more often, more severe than ever before, and in places you never broke out before.

I wish I could jump into a Deloreon and go back 7 years before I ever put this awful stuff on my face. I had very light breakouts that were pretty much gone (I was 24) and very light post acne marks/enlarged pores on my cheeks that bothered me. Damn that stupid infomercial selling this false miracle cream--I got suckered into ruining my skin. Because I this stuff, I got horrible acne that never went away. My skin is now very oily and the breakouts that popped up in new places are still frequent visitors on my face. Because of this stuff, I have never had a 100% clear skin day. My texture got weird, my skin always feels greasy now and the scars it has left is just shattering. This completely ruined my skin and I have yet to find a solution to undo this damage. Zero stars if I could. I personally despise Dr. Murad now :(
April 22, 2012

Pros:

Works to clear blemishes and PREVENT new ones like it says.
The only thing that reduced the oil on my face.
Soothing, clean smell.
Worked fast!

Cons:

I really can't think of any....

I absolutely LOVE this line of products. I'm sorry to hear other people don't have the same results. I have the most sensitive skin known to man and most things irritate and make me break-out, however this product worked within days of starting and really cleared my very broken out skin. I had used proactiv for years and it always kept my skin pretty clear, but suddenly it became WAY to harsh on my face and made my skin worse. Murad products were my savior and were much more effective than proactiv, but very gentle. My since has not been overly dry since I started. I also never had a purge with this product. I guess it varies for people. Just a side note: right around the time I started using this product I also cut out dairy, gluten, processed foods and meat. I really think there is some truth to your diet..especially dairy! Stay away! I also think Yasmin BC is great for acne prone skin....I started taking that particular kind again about a week ago and I already see an even better improvement. I say definitely try Murad!
February 27, 2012

Pros:

Smelled good

Cons:

Moderately severe acne became raging acne! My entire forehead, which had a few zits, was covered with zits days into the treatment. I quit after a week. Am going back to proactiv.

Purging period? No thanks! Want my money back!
February 20, 2012
Product used: KAVI (Coral KAVI)

Pros:

Helped with body acne (bacne)

Cons:

Dried out face
Made me break out
Whiteheads everywhere

I read all the great reviews on Kavi products and was excited to try them out. Unfortunately, I was left very disappointed. The Coral soap was way too harsh and drying for my skin, it made me break out with a ton of white heads on my face. And my skin is NOT sensitive. It did help with my bacne though, I used on my body with decent results. Way too strong for my face though.
January 23, 2011

Pros:

Amazing spot treatment

Cons:

smells
burns skin
dries you out extremely
hard to get off
have to leave on for 10-15 mins

I am on day three of proactiv and wondering so much. Again today it was hard to get off my face, it smells so bad (main ingredient sulfur), and now I can't wash again until my skin goes back to normal. My skin feels rough from using it for the 2nd time. If this is normal please tell me. I am totally clueless to anything acne especially proactiv.
October 31, 2010

Pros:

Love this stuff
Makes open zits smaller faster
Easy to use
Get alot out of that tiny bottle!

Cons:

Hard to buy when not buying whole kit
Doesn't eliminate acne really.

It's a great spot treatment, probably best i've ever used.. but it isn't meant to be used alone because it won't get rid of your acne! I used to use proactiv but now I use Dan's regimen because it's cheaper/better so it's hard to get just the mask! But it is a great spot treatment like I said!

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.