One of my personal favorite ways to use short exposure therapy to target acne is with benzoyl peroxide. This incredibly powerful ingredient kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and unclogs clogged pores, but it can also leave skin dry and flaky. Instead of applying it in serum or treatment form, I use a cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide, leave it on for 3–5 minutes (think of it like a mask), then rinse.
Perry also recommends trying this technique over your face wash. “I usually use a salicylic acid cleanser for a few minutes when a client is having breakouts to reduce inflammation or even as a way to minimize breakouts at certain points during the hormonal cycle,” she says. . Alternatively, you can also try serum short exposure therapy. Again, think of it like a mask — apply it to clean skin, rinse with water, then continue with the moisturizing steps of your routine.
