How can I best combine my exfoliant, Retin A (tretinoin) and a Clarisonic?

Dr. Irwin
December 2, 2012
Hi Dr. Irwin, this is a really simple, straight-forward question, which could be relevant for many people. So, hopefully I`ll receive a answer. I exfoliate two times a week with a chemical exfoliant (bha gel) while using retin a. I have really thick, oily skin. If I would decide to use the Clarasonic once daily, should I cut down my exfoliation? Thank you very much for answering my question! Kind regards from Germany Marc

Hi Marc – 

Thank you for including your skin type – that really helps!  Usually for thicker, oilier skin it’s fine to use a Clarisonic daily with Retin A at night AND still use the BHA gel (I’m guessing 10-20%??) twice a week.   And, if you do get a little irritated, you could always just stop the BHA, the Retin A is generally effective at keeping your outer layer (the stratum corneum) from building up and helping to control the oi.  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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