Long before trendy health influencers started promoting obscure skincare secrets, a potent, slightly stinky tool in the fight against acne was already hanging around: sulfur. Yes, that same flammable stuff capping your matchsticks. Despite its off-putting smell, the likes of Julius Caesar probably treated their spots with this formative forerunner of beauty balms.

Brimstone, sulfur's edgier historic name, has been addressing a repertoire of skin catastrophes from time immemorial. Its hitlist includes curing dandruff, undermining dermatitis, resisting rosacea, and crushing cruelly conspicuous warts. Today, sulfur continues to be a star player in skincare, available in prescription meds and over-the-counter potions alike.

When smeared on your face, sulfur pulls a bit of an Edward Scissorhands and makes your skin dry and peel off. Don't panic, this is no horror flick. This drying out launches a perfect strike against skin slicker than an oil spill and aids in skin cell exfoliation before pore blockages plan a breakout party. Besides, sulfur has a bounty on the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and ensures they aren't invited.

Suitable for milder blemishes or primitive acne, sulfur doesn't roll its effectiveness into severe acne or cystic breakouts. That said, it's a knight in stinking armor for inflammatory acne and comedonal acne. If you identify with the 'red pimples and blackheads' gang, sulfur might be the hero your skin needs.

Sulfur is a regular feature in skincare products planet-wide, featuring in soaps, lotions, masks, and spot treatments. Not to mention, it's an esteemed guest at numerous spas and salons, proposing spotless, acne-free skin.

Sulfur's crime-fighting duo often includes either resorcinol or sodium sulfacetamide. These sidekicks bring inflammation soothing and moisturizing properties to the table, upgrading sulfur's stand-alone potential. A sulfur-based product can work solo or in combination with other acne-busting regimens, accelerating your journey to clearer skin.

Your skin could be hypersensitive to benzoyl peroxide, turning scarlet at the sight of Retin-A. Cue sulfur, the gentler, albeit similarly potent, alternative that is an impressive contender against acne, whether on its own or paired with other treatments. Sufferers of both acne and rosacea might find their new best friend in sulfur.

There's something to be said about sulfur's unforgettable aroma. While it might not be your next favorite perfume, most brands have managed to figure ways to mellow the smell. If you're nose deep in disdain for the scent, go for a different band. The strength of the stench varies between products.

So, if other treatments wreak more havoc than help on your skin, turn your sights to sulfur. You might just match (pun intended) with your new skincare savior. Remember, start slow and increase doses to tolerate any initial dryness or peeling.