Photo: Sarah Chai

How long does sulfur soap take to work?

These often contain sodium sulfacetamide, another type of acne ingredient. Above all else, be patient with your sulfur treatment, and monitor your skin for any changes. It may take up to three months before you begin to see results.

healthline.com - Sulfur for Acne: Cystic, Scars, OTC Products, and More - Healthline

Is broccoli good for diabetics?

Broccoli, spinach, and cabbage are three diabetes-friendly veggies because they are low in starch. Filling up with vegetables is a great way to...

Last updated Jan 6, 2020

Does beet juice interfere with medications?

Beetroot juice may interact with medications causing undesirable reactions during the metabolism process; e.g., bettroot juice interaction may...

Last updated Sep 6, 2018

Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Keep reading to learn more about this acne-fighting ingredient, including the types of acne it can treat and OTC products you can try at home. It’s also easily accessible. Sulfur is widely available in over-the-counter (OTC) acne products, as well as some prescription versions. Hearing the word “sulfur” might conjure memories of science class, but it turns out this abundant element is a staple in natural medicine. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, sulfur has been used for centuries to help treat acne and other skin conditions.

Some products contain sulfur along with other acne-fighting ingredients, such as resorcinol.

Sulfur helps dry out the surface of your skin to help absorb excess oil (sebum) that may contribute to acne breakouts. It also dries out dead skin cells to help unclog your pores. As a topical acne treatment, sulfur works similarly to benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid . But unlike these other acne-fighting ingredients, sulfur tends to be gentler on your skin. Sulfur works best for breakouts that are formed with a combination of dead skin cells and excess sebum. These include milder forms of acne, such as whiteheads and blackheads. Still, it’s important to bear in mind that results can vary between users. It also might work on some breakouts, but not on others. The first step is to determine what type of acne you have. Then you can talk to your dermatologist about whether sulfur is right for you.

Mild: Whiteheads and blackheads

Classified as noninflammatory, whiteheads and blackheads are the mildest forms of acne. They happen when oil and dead skin cells combine and get stuck in your hair follicles. If the clogged pore is open at the top, it’s a blackhead. If the clogged pore has a closed top, it’s a whitehead. Sulfur is one OTC acne treatment that can help with whiteheads and blackheads because it targets the two main elements: dead skin cells and sebum. Salicylic acid can also help this form of acne, but if you have sensitive skin you might try sulfur instead.

Do you tip after every laser session?

Are you receiving a non-invasive cosmetic procedure such as Juvederm or a laser treatment? You do not need to tip, unless you feel so obliged.

Last updated Dec 21, 2018

Can lemon reduce belly fat?

The answer to this is easy: No. Lemons do not have special fat-burning qualities, explains Czerwony. A squeeze of the fruit's pucker-inducing juice...

Last updated Nov 16, 2018

Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Moderate: Papules and pustules

Papules and pustules are a form of moderate inflammatory acne. Both are formed from a breakdown in pore walls, which makes them susceptible to getting clogged. The pores then harden and can become painful. The main difference between the two is that pustules are larger and have more pus. Pustules also usually have a yellow or white head. Sulfur isn’t a strong enough treatment for moderate acne. Overall, it’s less effective than other acne ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide. You might consider another OTC product instead, such as ProActiv Emergency Blemish Relief.

Severe: Nodules and cysts

Severe acne consists of inflammatory nodules and cysts. These develop when your pores become extremely inflamed and irritated. They’re also deeper beneath the skin, which can make them difficult to treat. Severe acne can be painful to the touch, and it can redden and scar over time. Given the severe nature of nodules and cysts, this form of acne isn’t treatable at home. If you’ve tried benzoyl peroxide and haven’t seen results, sulfur likely won’t work either. You’ll need to seek treatment from a dermatologist. They may recommend a prescription such as an antibiotic or a vitamin A derivative called isotretinoin (Accutane). Surgery may be needed to remove stubborn cysts.

Scars

If you have a history of acne breakouts, chances are that you might also have a few acne scars. These can range in color and size, but acne scars have one thing in common: They’re difficult to get rid of. Because sulfur dries up and removes dead skin cells, it could — in theory — reduce the appearance of scars too. However, sulfur shouldn’t be your first line of treatment. For stubborn scars, consider a skin-lightening agent, such as Admire My Skin Ultra-Potent Brightening Serum.

healthline.com - Sulfur for Acne: Cystic, Scars, OTC Products, and More - Healthline

What food kills belly fat?

Foods To Fight and Lose the Stubborn Fat – Reduce Belly Fat Citrus Fruits. Citrus fruits are an effective way to reduce belly fat. ... Dairy–Good...

Last updated Jan 2, 2020

What is the healthiest way to eat carrots?

Carrots provide more antioxidants when boiled or steamed than when eaten raw, according to a January 2008 report in the Journal of Agricultural and...

Last updated Oct 23, 2018

Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

A potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Do eggs help detox?

Eggs, whole grains, broccoli and spinach– all contain B vitamins that are useful to help stage one detoxification. Plus they have that wonderful...

Last updated Nov 27, 2020

7-second natural hack eats through 64lbs of belly flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Which alcohol makes you gain weight?

Too much red wine, or any alcoholic drink, may hinder weight loss and contribute to weight gain. That said, red wine in moderation may provide some...

Last updated Jul 18, 2019