Can I use a Retin-A chemical peel on bikini line from using skin bleaching?

Question

I am a 19 year old African American girl. I noticed ingrown hairs and dark scarring all over my bikini line so I started using a skin lightening cream for a couple of weeks and it made my skin even darker. I’ve been doing research and I was wondering if I could use a Retin-A chemical peel or a lactic acid peel to reverse the effects? I have tried everything from oils to aloe vera.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Leslie Pickens, MD · Answer

Resourceful8739,You are evidently aptly named but it is time to seek medical attention from a professional.  I would not suggest a chemical peel.  A thorough history to find out what method you have been using for hair removal and how often, etc. and an in -person examination will direct your doctor to the correct way to help you.  You have folliculitis, which is inflammation of the hair follicles, which should be addressed. Discoloration can then be treated.

Can I use a Retin-A chemical peel on bikini line from using skin bleaching?

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Can I use a Retin-A chemical peel on bikini line from using skin bleaching?

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.