Sulphur

Sulfur is also used in many over-the-counter acne medications. Sulphur is one of the oldest acne treatments, and reacts with the skin in such a way that it makes it dry and peel. This works on acne by drying out the sebum, and thereby stopping the bacterial growth (acne bacteria multiply by feeding on sebum).

Sulphur is effective in getting rid of whiteheads and blackheads, though it doesn’t work as well against the more inflamed cystic acne. Because sulphur has a strong drying effect, it is really only suitable for regular use by very oily skin types. To treat acne without the excessive redness and peeling, it is best used as a gentle exfoliating cleanser or bar soap.