How Long Should I Leave Benzoyl Peroxide on My Face?

How long you should leave benzoyl peroxide on your face depends on the type of product you’re using.

If you’re using a benzoyl peroxide face wash, you generally only need to leave it on for a short period. Wet your face, gently massage the cleanser over your acne-prone areas, then rinse thoroughly according to the product instructions. Leaving a cleanser on for longer does not necessarily make it more effective.

If you’re using a leave-on benzoyl peroxide gel or cream, the instructions are different. These products are designed to remain on the skin, so follow the specific directions on the packaging.

Keeping a wash on your skin for too long can increase the chance of dryness, peeling, redness and irritation. This can be particularly undesirable for Kenyan skin because irritation and inflammation may contribute to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, leaving darker marks after acne heals.

After washing, apply a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturiser. During the day, sunscreen is also useful, particularly if you’re concerned about acne marks.

If you’re new to benzoyl peroxide, introduce it gradually and avoid combining several potentially irritating acne treatments at once.

The goal isn’t to leave benzoyl peroxide on your skin as long as possible. Consistent use according to the product directions is what matters most.