One of the known causes for the development and continued re-occurrence of acne is blocked skin pores from a build up of dead skin cells.
This build up combined with a naturally oily skin results in conditions that bacteria find perfect for taking up residence.
An effective way of clearing the skin of those dead skin cells is one that has been in use for centuries, sulfur.
Sulfur spas were used in ancient times as a treatment for all kinds of skin conditions including acne and today there are numerous products that either use sulfur as the main ingredient or as an active ingredient in conjunction with others.
The reason that sulfur works well to treat acne is that, when it is used consistently over a period of time, it dries out the top layer of skin causing it to peel.
This effectively removes that build up of dead skin cells that can cause acne-forming blockages.
Sulfur acne treatments are available in a variety of different products such as soaps, lotions, creams and face washes.
But it is also one of the key ingredients in some of the better known acne medications, used with Benzoyl Peroxide or with Resorcinol.
Because it is part of over the counter or prescription treatments some care should be taken before using it on its own.
If you inadvertently use too much over a short space of time the skin will become overly dry with painful cracking a possibility.
You should also be aware that the main aim of sulfur can also be one of its dangers, too.
The skin that has been treated can become red, irritated and sore until the dead skin has completely peeled away, something to consider if you're thinking about using it before an important event.