How to use the Zero Therapy Method
Cleanse
Use the 3% Sulfur Cleanser (no other skincare products) until the flare area dries/flakes off, typically 2-4 weeks.
3% Sulfur Cleanser
Soothe
The BRB Mist can be used as needed to help soothe irritation.
Barrier Reset Boost
Hydrate
Once the flare has resolved, introduce the Soothing Microbiome Gel Crème. It can be used on the rest of the face during Zero Therapy. Avoid flare area until it’s healed.
Soothing Microbiome Gel Creme
Maintain
Once your skin has recovered, continue using the complete 3-step routine to help support your skin barrier and maintain a simple, consistent skincare routine.
The Complete System
“Michelle’s advice, guidance, and skincare products absolutely saved my face! I had a horrible case of Perioral Dermatitis and I tried everything, including prescriptions, for more than a year to try and heal my skin. After talking with Michelle and using her guide and products, my skin cleared in a few weeks. I am forever grateful for her help!”
Caroline
The Results Speak for Themselves!
BEFORE
BEFORE
DURING
DURING ZERO THERAPY + SULFUR CLEANSER
AFTER
AFTER 4 WEEKS
The Only Products You'll Need
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- $151.30
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FAQs
How long does zero therapy take?
Zero Therapy simplifies your routine by giving irritated, flaring skin a break from potential triggers. Most people should expect the process to take around 2–4 weeks, although every person and every flare is different.
During this time, the affected area will likely become dry and flaky as the flare begins to settle. Bumps and pustules may gradually dry up, and lingering redness can take longer to fade.
Rather than focusing on a specific number of days, watch your skin. Signs you're nearing the end of Zero Therapy include no new inflamed bumps or pustules, active redness has significantly improved, and the flaking has stopped.
Why Do You Recommend Sulfur During Zero Therapy?
Sulfur is an important part of our Zero Therapy approach because it helps gently target the bumps, pustules, excess oil, and inflammation associated with perioral dermatitis-prone skin while you remove other potential triggers from your routine.
Our 3% Sulfur Cleanser was specifically formulated to make sulfur easier to use during this process. Unlike stronger or leave-on sulfur treatments that can be overly drying, it rinses away while still giving your skin the benefits of sulfur.
During an active flare, the 3% Sulfur Cleanser is the one product we recommend continuing consistently while simplifying the rest of your routine.
Can I Wear Makeup/SPF During Zero Therapy?
For the best results, we recommend avoiding makeup and SPF on the actively flaring area during Zero Therapy. Makeup and repeated application and removal can introduce additional potential triggers while the skin is already irritated. Of course, use sun protection when in direct sun, e.g., wear a wide hat.
If makeup is absolutely necessary, minimize its use and cleanse the area thoroughly afterward.
Can I moisturize the other areas of my face while doing zero therapy?
Yes. However, for some people with multiple affected areas on the face, full-face Zero Therapy may be beneficial.
You can use the Soothing Microbiome Gel Crème on areas that are not actively flaring, as long as your skin is tolerating it well. During an active flare, we recommend keeping the affected area simple with the 3% Sulfur Cleanser and using the BRB Mist as needed.
Once the active flaking has stopped and the flare area has calmed, you can begin reintroducing the Microbiome Gel Crème to that area.
When can I reintroduce products back into my routine?
Let your skin guide you. You're generally ready to begin reintroducing products when there are no new inflamed bumps or pustules, active redness has significantly improved, and the dryness and flaking have stopped.
Start slowly and introduce one product at a time. We recommend beginning with the Soothing Microbiome Gel Crème, followed by a lightweight SPF and makeup as tolerated.
Some lingering pink discoloration can remain for several weeks even after the active flare has settled, so you don't necessarily need to wait for every trace of redness to disappear.
Once your skin is clear, continue your gentle routine for maintenance and be cautious about bringing strong actives such as retinoids, vitamin C, exfoliating acids, or other potentially irritating products back onto areas that tend to flare.
What should I do for maintenance after my flare clears?
Once your flare has cleared, the goal shifts from Zero Therapy to keeping your routine simple, gentle, and consistent.
Continue using the 3% Sulfur Cleanser daily (or every other day for dry skin) to help maintain clear, calm-looking skin. You can use the BRB Mist morning and evening or as needed and the Soothing Microbiome Gel Crème morning and evening for hydration and barrier support.
You can gradually reintroduce SPF and makeup as tolerated. If you choose to bring other skincare products back into your routine, introduce them one at a time so it's easier to identify anything that may trigger irritation.
Because perioral dermatitis can recur, maintaining a simple routine and avoiding known personal triggers can help reduce unnecessary irritation. Switch to an SLS-free toothpaste, try removing gel nails, and reduce fragrance wherever possible.
And if a small flare pops up again? You usually don't need to start Zero Therapy on your entire face. Simplify your routine just in the affected area until it settles, then return to your regular maintenance routine.
If you're dealing with Perioral Dermatitis or Rosacea, we understand what you’re going through!
After her own struggle with Perioral Dermatitis and Rosacea, Michelle Elam, Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, created Saving Face Co. to help others use the same simple, safe, and effective skincare that saved her skin.