For a long time, I used duac for acne and the Alpha Hydrox souffle (12% AHA). The AHA evened out my skin, cleared up the post-acne marks really well, and generally gave my skin a very "fresh", healthy appearance. It stung when I first applied, but the next morning, I never had lingering irritation from it, my skin felt healthier. I used both almost every night, sometimes skipping a night to give my skin a break.

I started using Differin for acne because I know retinoids can also be anti-aging, and can decrease the need for benzoyl peroxide to treat acne. I've been on the Differin about a month and am also using Duac still, using each every other night. I'm also using Paula's Choice BHA liquid every night, which I've found to be anti-inflammatory and calming used under the Differin. When I use it under the differin, when I wake up my skin is smoother and less irritated.

I don't want to discontinue the retinoid + BHA, because of the long-term benefits of retinoids and because my pores are much tighter from the combination (I have used gentler Avene retinoids but I want to stick with differin, because it is free for me and Avene's are $30+). But I'm having some flakes from the differin still, and I miss the fresh, healthy, even look I got from the AHA. Would it be absolutely too harsh for me to add in the AHA as well? Maybe using it instead of BHA on the nights I use duac (every other night)? It sounds like so many harsh ingredients, but the only one I've really had a lot of irritation from is the differin, and much of that has subsided. I only have dry, very sensitive skin on differin -- my "natural" skin is slightly oily and slightly sensitive. My bottom line question is, can I incorporate the AHA again, and if so, how often? Should I start off every other night or every 3rd-4th, or should I just do short contact therapy and use it as a mask at first while I get used to it?