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:

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September 30, 2007

Pros:

It worked really well when I first started using it.

Cons:

Smell. Does cause skin to dry out some. May have allergic reaction to it?

I bought Bye, Bye Blemish because after years of having clear skin by using BP Skin care systems that have stopped working for me. Bye Bye Blemish worked well when I first started using it. I could actually blend it into my skin and cover my red acne spots and where under make-up or a bear face around my house. Then I noticed that I seem to get a weird dizzy feeling, head spinning, racing heartbeat when I used the product. I also got the same reaction from using the ProActiv sulfur mask, so I'm wondering if anyone else has had a reaction to acne products containing sulfur? This could be totally unrelated though, and I do believe if you have mild to moderate acne it is worth trying!
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August 19, 2007

Pros:

dont know yet il see in the morning!

Cons:

smells, stings (not realy bad just for a second on open spots), messy bottle! weird aplication technique! dont shake it now!! or youll be sorry! can some one explain y i cant shake it lol???

i just purchased the product today and i got all these pink marks all over my face now so i dont know how it will turn out but my skin is discustingly spotty never used to be like that till i started shoveling on the makeup :( i hope it works because i hate having bad skin! iv tryed everything i use aspirin crushed now as a home remidy as it contains silicic acid and when i was reading these reviews i was amazed this contained it to! woo! ill right back to say how my first time went! im a bye bye blemish virgin you know!
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July 15, 2017
Pass
This product is intended for pimples that come to a white head. I did notice it helped in drying out my pimples, however, after using it for a while I noticed it doesn't do an excellent job. It would take 2-3 nights of using this product in order to see my pimples dry out-- not quick enough for me. It's not a terrible product, but it isn't the best either. Benzoyl peroxide does a better job.
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October 5, 2016
Use a moisturizer afterwards
I use this in the mornings and apply Almond oil afterwards since the soap can be drying. The combination has worked perfectly and the acne along with hyperpigmentation has reduced significantly.
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July 7, 2016
Disappointed...
While Mario Badescu is a big name in skincare, I had personally never heard of this line until I saw this Drying Lotion on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (British model) and Kylie Jenner's snapchat. Once I saw this, I researched Mario Badescu products and I had high expectations for this product. Unfortunately, I did not love this at all...I honestly don't even like it. This product did nothing for me. I would apply it to my pimples before bed, wait for it to dry, and then go to sleep. In the morning, if the product was still on my face, I would wipe it off with a wet cotton ball and my pimple would look exactly the same. The only reason I'm giving this product two stars (and not one) is because it did not irritate my skin or make my acne any worse.
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June 23, 2016
Good for whiteheads, and non cyst-like acne
I've tried this on multiple types of acne, and it never works on any mark very large, but if you have a regular size mark or whitehead it works miracles. Be prepared for dryness and DO NOT PICK, let this work its magic and you'll be thankful you did. It takes a few days for a pimple to be almost gone, but it changed my life. Avoid using this on dermatitis or areas with multiple small breakouts.
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January 4, 2015
I will never touch this stuff again.
Back in March, I quit my birth control, and my skin exploded like none other. I guess I had mild acne as a teen, but for the most part, I had clear skin. Anyway, I was mortified by how bad my skin was, and nothing seemed to be working. My sister's friend is an esthetician, but I don't think she's a very good one; the one time I had a bad breakout my senior year, the stuff she recommended gave me a rash and didn't help at all, and then she told me to use this kit, which, let me tell you, made my skin 100x worse. Fast forward to May. My skin was still pretty bad, so I was desperate to try anything. I initially started with the Murad anti-aging time release wash, which didn't do so much. My friend told me that my skin was actually looking worse. Then for my birthday, my sister got me this kit. At first, it didn't seem to be hindering or helping, but then all hell broke loose. My skin was very dry, red, and the cleanser and toner just seemed to make my skin even more inflamed. My skin was so, so dry, and the moisturizer didn't seem to be helping at all. I was literally peeling. I got huge, bumpy blackheads on my cheeks, and I broke out all over my cheeks, too. I've never gotten acne on my cheeks before. I tried the spot treatment too, but it just made things so worse. My face had gotten so agitated, that I pitched the kit. Best choice I ever made. I say crap to the 'purging' period. Apparently that's a myth too- just look it up. If ANY product is reacting badly to your skin, I would never advise to 'stick through it'. Yeah eventually your skin's equilibrium will go back to normal, but to me, it's not worth the suffering. How long the reaction lasts depends on the person. The way my skin looked was so awful, it was embarrassing. No person should have to go through that. I went back on birth control, and am using Mary Kay's Velocity facial wash. After 6 months, my face is finally almost completely clear. My skin had no adverse or negative reaction to this wash when I first started it. It only made my skin better, which I know is an excellent sign. Seriously, if you've got sensitive skin, stay away from this.
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May 25, 2015
I agree.... Went to a aesthitian , did a facial, went in with mild acne. After trying this product, which was highly recommended by them my face went Cray Cray ! Rash , pimples, horrible. I curse them everyday for screwing up my face. Now had to see a dermatologist.
September 30, 2013
Can't live without it

Pros:

Shrinks pimples.
Reduces redness.
Cheap compared to dept store brands.

Cons:

Drying if used over entire face.

This is an amazing spot treatment. The instructions say to leave it on for 10 minutes. If I apply it to my entire face (I very rarely do) then I use it for about 20-30 minutes. This will help clear acne but it is very drying and usually results in a flaky face the next day. If I use it as a spot treatment, as I usually do, I will leave it on overnight and typically wake to a reduced pimple size and less redness. So, no, your blemish will not evaporate overnight, but it will be less noticeable. This is my must-have--I hate all other Proactiv products, but this one is a keeper.
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January 1, 2013

Pros:

- Its really effective!
- It reduces zits or pimples.
- Good for sensitive skin.

Cons:

- It takes a couple of days for it to be effective though but its worth it.
- also it has a funny odor but nothing bad.
- a bit pricey

i was about 13 when I noticed I was starting to break out, my acne is somewhat irregular I have it bad somedays then somedays calm and very little. When I breakout sadly my pimples are big and throughout my chin I have tiny red zits. I started proactive when I was 14 since then it really was effective. The refining mask is the only thing that i use because the rest of the case was not useful. The refining mask does not permanently disappear your acne BUT it will reduce your specific pimple and or zit you want to get rid of. Its expensive for a little bottle but its worth it. It takes a few applications for it to be effective but overall good.
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November 9, 2012

Pros:

-works fast
-makes skin soft
-reduces zit size
-reduces redness

Cons:

-weird smell
-can be pricey
-doesnt go a long way for me
-dries skin out

I've had a problem with acne since i was 11 n i am now 18. I'd do anything to have clear skin. I've tried many products and my skin just didn't mix with it. I tried the refining mask and instantly loved it. I automatically noticed results. It reduced my pimple size greatly and continues to each day. When i run my fingers across my face, i can't really feel bumps because they are now skin deep. Although, you can still see redness. I hope to continue with such great results. About the cons, it smells weird but who cares? It works. I sleep with it on anyways. I'd rather deal with a weird scent that i know is GOING to work. It can be pricey but amazon and ebay can fix that. It can dry your skin, but i use lotion or a moisturizer anyways. I also tend to get too happy with it and use too much at a time. You really do not need a lot i am just paranoid. Lol. Also, i use it overnight. I dont see how leaving it on for 10 minutes can help, weird. I suggest overnight. Another thing, is i never have trouble getting it off. I shower in the morning mostly, but even when i don't i just use a washcloth and gently wipe it off then wash my face and body. Then i use the proactiv wash. But, anyways i cannot see why someone wouldn't try this. Don't just use it for a day, use it for a week and see if you notice results. I couldn't imagine life without it now. My skin is the best it's been. I someday hope to not need cover up. That is my goal. I'm gonna keep it up! Please use it! It's amazing!
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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.