Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
3.1
2211 Reviews
Topical Keratolytic
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Topical Keratolytic
Side Effects
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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
January 3, 2008

Pros:

It was the best ever

Cons:

It worked so good that I got too many chics with my smooth skin

It was a god send
January 2, 2008

Pros:

i've been using this product for almost a month now and I'm finally starting to see an improvement.

Cons:

it is expensive. especially for a broke college student.

I use the complex along with the dietary supplements. I also had a facial after using the product for a week, which enhanced the "purgin process" (unfortunately). but i stuck with it and also started using the neutrogena blush instead of nars (which i think was causing me to break out on my cheeks). basically my skin is starting to clear up but i am being left with redish-brown scars which are almost as annoying as the zits! it does take time to work... be patient and hopefully it will work for you too! God bless and happy new year :)
December 27, 2007

Pros:

The cleanser and lotion are ok products.

Cons:

Overpriced and overrated! It makes your face feel tight and tender. It did not resolve minor problems as quickly at BP.

I gave this system four months time thinking that the purging process would end, but it did not. I am a college student and I am sick at how much money I wasted on this system. Further... now that I have quit the system my face is breaking out even worse than before I started using Murad Acne Complex. I have moderate/severe acne (whiteheads and cysts) and I have found that salisylic acid doesn't help me. I feel that BP is my only hope. I have added an album on my member profile showing what I look like after Murad. Look for this same name "MissColleen".
November 12, 2007

Pros:

Great at getting rid of blemishes.

Cons:

Price but if you only use it as a spot treatment it will last you forever.

I do not use this product as mask. Instead, I use it as a spot treatment for pimples. For that it is great! The blemishes dry out and disappear a lot quicker. Because I use it as a spot treatment, the smell is not overwhelming at all.
October 26, 2007

Pros:

The only of the Proactiv products which I found to have worked well - not overly drying like those containing benzol peroxide. Having sensitive skin, this product did not irritate and actually did improve the look and feel of my face (mild acne).

Cons:

Price. Like most Proactiv products, this too is overpriced I feel. As well, the Proactiv ordering system is terrible.

First off, let me tell you that I have tried a wide variety of medication and treatments for my acne. With a very sensitive face, I have not had much luck with the Proactiv 3 Step -- I found it to be overly drying, giving my face a burnt look. However, this product does work well with me. I have found it to dramatically improve the look of my face like none other. I do not plan on continuing with the use of the three step -- esp. those products which include benzol peroxide as my face had trouble with it. However, this product (other than price) is one in which I have been very pleased with.
October 24, 2007

Pros:

I didn't go poor buying it the one time...

Cons:

Expensive. Did not work for me.

I tried this product over five years ago. It did not work (even slightly) for my skin. It was also very expensive. But I'm sure it works for some people, otherwise they would have gone out of business by now! If you feel you must try it, that's fine. Just don't expect too much.
September 21, 2007

Pros:

NOTHING

Cons:

Made my skin Red, inflamed, Infected, Broken out, caused Itching, Burning, enlarged pores, HUGE cystic acne all over my face!! I wish i could rate this product a ZERO. this product GAVE me acne, breakouts, whiteheads and CYSTS!

I used this product for 6 wks. My skin was "okay" when i began, I had used proactiv in high school and college but my skin was alright & like many took a break from the routine, I started breaking out a bit & saw the infamous infomercial on TV. I ordered Murad. August 22nd was the worst day of my skin's life. The day that Murad Acne Complex came in the mail and i used it for the first time. Everyday of using this product made my skin progressively worse. HOWEVER i knew there would be a purging process & decided no matter what i saw on my skin i would simply stick with it. Even after reading reviews here at week 3 I kept going. long story short my dematologist was HORRIFIED when i came to her office after almost 2 months of using murad. I have puffy swollen skin and 10 HUGE deep cysts around my mouth, cheeks, chin, etc. HONESTLY, LISTEN, STAY AWAY if you are thinking of using it! in 6 weeks my skin is now RUINED!!! embarrassing and painful cysts and acne i've never had before.
September 21, 2007

Pros:

It's the only good Proactiv product! Your skin feels so nice after using it, and it really diminishes the size of cystic acne when used as a spot treatment

Cons:

Smelly...but it IS sulfur, and it's not that big of a deal!

The only item worth getting from the ProActiv line. It works really well. Make sure you only use a small amount when you use it as a mask- that's all you need, and it will last you a lot longer
September 17, 2007

Cons:

Sucks that I fall in the 10% unsuccessful rate.

I switched from Proactive to Murad cause I felt like Proactive stopped working. First couple of days, my skin seemed like it adjusted well, then the nightmare began the following 2 1/2 weeks. I haven't broken out since the pre Proactive days; started on the jaw lines, then cheeks, forehead, and now around my chin. Sent Murad an email, and then wrote back saying that it has a 90% success rate and that I should use the gel only at night, for the next 2 weeks cause I am still purging. Today is Sunday, Friday was about 5 weeks and it was still bad. I simply ran out of patience, went back to my left over Proactive that night and it's starting to get better again, I felt like the 2 years of hard work I spent to get it pretty clear went down the drain so fast.
September 9, 2007

Pros:

A good overnight spot treatment.

Cons:

It doesnt wash off that well. I like to be very gentle with my skin and it seems i have to really wash to get it off.

It's good to have, but I wouldnt recomend using it as a mask but its far to expensive and like I said, it can be somewhat rough on your skin. Its sulfur treatment, so if you know how your skin reacts to that you can base that way.

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.