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%

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September 4, 2010

Pros:

it works quickly and effectively

Cons:

acne scars :(

I bought this product yesterday (seriously) and used it for the first time last night. I didn't see a difference as soon as I washed the mask off, but when I woke up my skin looked a lot better. Yes, the same zits were still there, but so much smaller and less noticeable. I feel like if I keep using this product my skin will be completely clear.
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December 8, 2009

Pros:

I notices clearer skin within the first week, it didnt dry out my face and the face moisturizer feels very light. Acne spot treatment dries pimples out quick.

Cons:

Exfoliator does burn a bit but its killing the bacteria so i dont mind it! kill it!!!

I never really had a major break out until now and nothing seemed to help my face, tried all kinds of thinks like Acne free and some other home remedies, they all irritated my face and dried out my skin... even the prescription meds! I just started using this 2 weeks ago and it doesnt dry out my skin... i can see a difference and now. I say try the 30 day kit and see how your skin feels with it... not every product works the same on everyone!
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November 24, 2009

Pros:

The complex kit has a good consistency and it doesn't smell bad.

Cons:

Kit made my face red, and dry.

I do not care for this product very much. The face wash made my cheeks and my t-zone quite red, the spot treatment dried out my skin and also made it red, the lotion is greasy and doesn't work well, and I don't really care for it at all.
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November 7, 2009

Pros:

Immediately effective, as promised. I rarely have acne flare-ups, but live in a polluted city which caused my skin to break out. Nothing worked -- I saw the Murad promo on TV. Was skeptical. But saw the sampler pack at Sephora and tried. It worked!!

Cons:

The serum has an unpleasant odor, but the soothing lotion is nice.

It's the only product I have 100% confidence in to clear up flare-ups.
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October 13, 2009

Pros:

smells okay, feels like it's working. The first week I think it DID make my skin better, but it didn't last for long.

Cons:

After a week I had more zits than I ever have before and now I have scars from them. It doesn't get better after 3 weeks of "purging", it gets bad and I saw no improvement.

My friend told me she was using this and to give it a try. Like I said it got bad quickly, but I stayed on it because she would ask about it and kept telling me to push through, it'll get better, but after about 5 weeks with no improvement, I sent it back and got my money back, minus the $15 shipping!! >:| Anyways, I see her often and she still gets acne, even though she likes the product she still has it and she's been on it for a year, at least. don't waste your time, get on Accutane or some other pill. To get rid of your acne you need something working from the inside as well as the outside. BEST OF LUCK! :)
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October 8, 2009

Pros:

I love this, it totally takes the redness out of the blemishes on my face and i wake up every day feeling great

Cons:

cost

Honestly i swear by this mask, if i go one night without using it i worry that ill break out. This helps to dry out acne and also keeps the redness away.
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October 3, 2009

Pros:

The pro I would say is the smell

Cons:

Made your face break out

The bottom line is that I gave this thing a chance.. I used it as recomended.. I used it for about 4 weeks thinking ok.. The purging is going to stop.. EVERYDAY something new formed.. Then in week 4 I would have about 3 to 4 pimples form and they were huge... By the mid of week 4 I wanted to crawl under a rock it made my face so bad.. I mean I really gave this thing a chance.. I guess it really didn't work for me.. So I would say if you want to try it, try it for the length of time recommended to see if it's really right for you..
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August 18, 2009

Pros:

I like that it's available at Ulta and Sephora--no worries about monthly shipments. Didn't dry out my skin.

Cons:

PURGING! Pimples where I never in my life had had them, and even big cystic-y type ones; I can't believe I stuck it out the recommended usage time. But, after three weeks I began to see great results!

I've used this product for over a month, and while the first few weeks were pure torture, I am very pleased with the results. Is my skin 100% clear? No, but the two or three miniscule zits on my chin now and then is a very welcome change!!! I will continue to use it for as long as I need to.
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August 17, 2009
Product used: KAVI (Coral KAVI)

Pros:

Help cure some acne, makes acne "core" come to surface, fast/easy to use, makes skin a bit smoother although dry, can use all over body and not just face (not head/hair though)

Cons:

Drys out skin, takes awhile to actually "work" and may not work for everyone, not a miracle cure, can make non oily skin... kinda oily (not too much, probably side effect of dry skin), doesn't make any redness go away (like on neck and cheeks) much

I've been using sheseido & moisturizing soap for years. It helped (less acne, no more oily skin). Decided to give this a try. I thought this would be a miracle cure with it's high rating (one of few still manufactured). Well, it wasn't. First 3 weeks, had 3-4 big red cysts formed on my cheeks. I stopped using it with sheseido & mositurizer after I learn I shouldn't. After 2 more weeks, the cysts on my cheek started to be better. I have less acne on my neck,etc. and the "cores" come to the surface for me to pop (I pop cores out, it helps). My skin is kinda dry now, and kinda oily... which it wasn't before. This product seems to work, but doesn't seem to work alone. I checked the site, and this is only step one. I'm gonna buy the toner and moisturizer to see if it works more and post later. Overall, helped neck, top lip, and most areas, not all. Stopped white heads/etc. for most part. Overall, helped quite a lot. Only cyst forming/dry-oily skin/no redness curing part was bad about it.
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July 30, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Everything

This product dryed my skin and made my acne 10x worse!! I WOULD DO ANYTHING TO MAKE SURE NO ONE BUYS THIS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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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.