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
August 14, 2009

Pros:

Smells great, the moisturizer is smooth on your skin, the cleanser makes your skin FEEL better.

Cons:

Makes you break out, the 2nd step stings, didn't see any improvement.

After the first couple days it was a disaster!!! From having acne only on one part of my face it spreaded all over my lower, and the sides of my face! I hate it, it took my acne from mild to moderately severe. The bottles are SUPER small! you will run by the 3rd week. In the long run it made my skin 20 times worse and I now have dark scars. My skin is clearing up now, But's that's because I used the nutrogena advanced solutions for like 20 bucks.
August 12, 2009

Pros:

I bought MURAD from Sephora on July 27, 2009. I've had it for less than 3 weeks and I don't even wear makeup anymore! I had used Proactiv for about 3 years, and wouldn't go back to it if you paid me (and I used to love it!) I love Murad!

Cons:

Nothing. Sure it's $45.00 but you barely use any. Proactiv (and most other acne facewashes) are comparable in price, and don't last as long.

I am a huge lover of makeup. I am very girly and love having fun with it, but I have struggled with mild acne (a few blemishes here and there) for about 10 years, I'm 23 years old and often times even non-comedogenic makeup made me break out. Since using Murad I now only wear MAC Powder (more to mask a few freckles on my nose :)) and some blush. I am thrilled with the product in every way. Thank you Sephora, you're amazing for showing me this product! I am the happiest with my skin, I've ever been!
August 2, 2009

Pros:

Spread easily over skin and had a good consistency.

Cons:

Irritated skin EXTREMELY. Didn't see any change in acne, except for the fact that it enflamed pre-existing acne. Smelled AWEFUL.

Murad's acne complex is just an expensive bar of soap, that was harsh on the skin.
June 20, 2009

Pros:

The people in their infomercial are CONVINCING. But hindsight, wouldn't really consider this a pro, not for me at least. A pro for the profitability of their company maybe

Cons:

1) smells FUNKY 2) lotion made my face EXTREMELY shiny (& oily) like a new bowling ball 3) treatment gel kind of burns and the stickiness never went away 4) caused excess oil production 5) oh! and did I forget to mention the so-called "purging"?

There's nothing else I can really say that the others haven't already said. Nonetheless, I just have to say THIS: put on your sneakers and RUN (that's right!) AWAY from this product. I understand that we're all unique + different in our own little ways & that the responsiveness of our skin to this product's no exception. So there're prbly ppl out there that ACTUALLY benefitted from it. But personally, I would NEVER recommend this product to anyone. Not even to my own worse enemy (if I had one =p) b/c NO ONE should have to feel what I feel right now, as a result from using Murad. And what else? When I called to cancel my membership, the "skin care specialist," who thought & said herself that I had an allergic reaction (which I didn't! I just kept it convoluted b/c I didn't want to hear her preaching about the product anymore), encouraged me to keep using ALL of the product since they have a bottom-of-the-bottle refund. Now why would I do that when I'm supposedly "allergic" to it? hmm?
May 5, 2009

Pros:

none!!!

Cons:

didn't work!!!

it made my face way worse than when i started using the product. i used it twice daily for 4 months and it made my face a mess. i have moderate acne and i would say when i quit using murad my acne was severe. i wouldn't recomend this product to anyone!!!
May 4, 2009

Pros:

It works excellent! The stench is from the sayticlic acid which smells like eggs :(. i leave on for 15 min and it works better

Cons:

Overnight treatment wipes on my bed, since I roll around alot and it has little result.

Overal it is very good best ive ever tried that hasent burnt my skin, it has just enough benzoil peroxide in the whole kit and excellent satilic acid content in the mask
May 2, 2009

Pros:

does dry out pimples. pretty good for spot treatment

Cons:

one thing i noticed after using proactiv for so many years which i am now thankfully off it! if i leave it on to long like accidently falling asleep with it on it seems to irritate my acne and cause white heads.

for me...its okay. i just cant leave it on to long or it does irritate my acne and cause some flare ups. as far as the proactiv system im so thankful i got off it. My skin was addicted to it for years and now i found kate somervilles 911 acne treatment kit and i absolutely love it. I dont recommend the proactiv but im sure using the mask as a spot treatment every now and then is fine. but as far as the whole system i highly reccomend you find something else. proactiv is TERRIBLE for your skin. causes premature aging and after using for some time your skin will become addicted and the withdrawls are bad break outs! i do not reccomend. but using the refining mask as spot treatment from time to time is fine. just dont leave it on to long! or at least i cant.
April 7, 2009

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

it doesnt work

makes your skin worse. 4 weeks is an absolute lie; its been 3 monthes and no improvement has been made.
April 6, 2009

Pros:

it works the first few times, then your skin gets accustomed to it

Cons:

after awhile it doesnt work

after awhile it doesnt work :l bummer....
March 27, 2009

Pros:

everything

Cons:

small bottles

it worked great for me. i had TERRIBLE skin, and sensitive too. the stuff the dermatologist gave me dried my skin out like crazy, and then using the murad. it all went away. i still get a pimple or 2 but they are nothing compared to what it used to be. i love it i will use it as long as i can afford it. clear skin is wayy better and totally worth the price. next stop, getting rid of the scars. =]

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.