I just posted a question about signs to look for that indicate one's moisture barrier is improving, and I'm grateful for all the replies I've gotten so far. This sub is so responsive and I love it <3 I believe that my skin is slowly but surely recovering!

I would like some help regarding AHA/BHA usage.

I'm currently using clindamycin + BP nightly except every third night when I use tret. I'm planning on bumping it to every other night soon. I feel like I should start incorporating CosRX AHA or BHA again. My misuse of them is what caused my huge breakout to begin with, so I want to be cautious, and would love some AB wisdom to help shed light on what and how I should start using again.

Skin Type: oily/combo (has been less oily lately.. progress!) | Top Skin Concern: PIH, cc's, replenishing moisture barrier

AM * exfoliate with konjac sponge/hands * hyaluronic acid serum * Mizon Black Snail AIO * Olay or Neutrogena SPF 15

PM * pumpkin seed oil * SebaMed foam cleanser * clindamycin + La Roche Posay 5.5% BP or 0.05% tretinoin * hyaluronic acid serum * Mizon Black Snail AIO * placenta cream under eyes if I remember * pumpkin seed oil pressed in all over face if I feel like it

I would like to reintroduce AHA/BHA back into my routine slowly. I have some cc's on my forehead, chin, and around my mouth, as well as some lurkers that may very likely come to blossom into a painful head once I start using chemical exfoliators. I've heard some say that it depends on your skin type on which you should use (AHA for dry types, BHA for oily) but then I also hear some people say one is better for surface exfoliation and the other will bring all your deepest darkest gunk up to the surface and purge like crazy, so needless to say I'm feeling a bit lost. Any help would be appreciated (:

PIH is definitely the most obvious skin issue I'm dealing with right now, but since I want to start reintroducing acids, which will help somewhat with the pigmentation, I'm actually looking to add more hydrating steps into my routine so that my skin won't start flaking like crazy. I would love any recommendations (heard great things about Hada Labo, but not sure which of the 5 or 6 I should get). Also, if you've used a product that both helped fade spots WHILE plumping up your skin, please tell me secrets!