Can I use retinol with your skin whitening products?

by Janay
(Canada)

Hi, my name is Janay and I am black, 21 and interested in skin lightening (for my whole body especially my face, dark elbows and knees). I am currently seeing a dermatologist who has been prescribing retinol 0.025% cream to me for acne which I am actively using.

How would this interact with the Glutathione ingredient in your soaps? Would I be able to use any of your skin lightening products while using my retinol prescription cream? Thanks in advance!

PS. I have also heard that the "Mela*edited*" is supposed to be one of the best products in the market right now for skin lightening. How does your brand and products compare to Mela*edited*?

Janay

Answer:

Hi Janay, retinol and other acid-based or exfoliating products are not generally recommended to be used with skin lightening soaps or creams, simply because the skin whitener is also an exfoliating product that induces mild skin peeling. This is to avoid any negative interaction between different formulations that may cause soreness and irritation on skin.

If the skin whitening products work well for you, these can actually control acne as well. So what you can do is skip your retinol for at least 2 weeks, then start the skin lightening regimen. See how this works for you.

Skin products, whether for skin lightening or not, are a trial and error process. Results depend on your skin sensitivity to its formulation and ingredients. Though some products offer higher quality ingredients like ours, the reality of "what's best" from a seller's point of view, is totally different from "what's best" for your skin type, if you get my drift. :)

Maria