About Sulfur-Based Acne Products
There are a number of over-the-counter acne medications, washes and creams that are effective for the treatment of mild acne conditions. These products utilize a few key ingredients that have been known to kill bacteria and dry up acne. One of these ingredients is sulfur.
-
Combinations
-
Sulfur is often combined with other ingredients such as alcohol and salicylic acid. In Clearasil's over-the-counter adult acne cream, sulfur is combined with resorcinol to dry up acne. See Resources for more information.
Smell
-
Sulfur has a bit of an odor, and is therefore bothersome to some individuals. The odor is similar to that of a rotten egg, although most products containing sulfur have other added ingredients that may mask the unpleasant odor.
-
Products
-
Sulfur products used to treat acne include soaps, creams and face masks. The Mint Julep Masque made by Queen Helene is an inexpensive product that uses sulfur to dry acne, while other ingredients refresh the skin with a cool mint tingle.
Acne Lotion
-
Another sulfur-based formula for the treatment of acne is a lotion called Joesoef. This lotion should be applied at night and is said to treat acne, blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores by killing harmful bacteria and fungi, unclogging pores and regulating oil production. See Resources for more information.
Unknown Action
-
Scientists are unsure as to the exact reasons for the effectiveness of sulfur, though it has been used for many years. It is thought that sulfur acts as a mild antifungal and antibacterial agent.
-
