Is the use of exfoliating creams to treat acne and unify skin tone considered an imitation of women and altering God's creation?
Using creams to peel off acne is permissible because it is not considered changing Allah's creation, which is forbidden and pertains to permanent alterations. Mechanical peeling, laser treatment, or chemical treatment for cosmetic purposes and skin tone uniformity are forbidden because they involve changing Allah's creation.
Evidence for the permissibility of removing acne is what Al-Ayni mentioned in his commentary on al-Bukhari: "And it does not prevent the use of medicines that remove melasma and improve the face for the husband." 'Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, was asked about peeling the face, and she said: "If it was something she was born with, then it is not permissible for her to remove it. But if it was something that occurred later, then there is no harm in peeling it."
Treating acne is not considered imitating women because it is a condition that affects both genders, and it is permissible for both to remove it. Furthermore, the basic principle is that it is permissible for a man to anoint himself with women's oils and perfume himself with their fragrances.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/104898
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 104898
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy