alternating between retinoid and exfoliants

You can alternate, but go slow until your skin is used to the effects of retinization and you’re not feeling the side effects anymore.

I’m on Adapalene as well...I use it 3x a week I use BHA 1x a week and 2x if my skin can tolerate it...but once is enough...to unclog my pores I avoid AHAs now because with the increased cell turnover of Adapalene, I don’t see the need as there aren’t any dead skin cells to shed off...Adapalene has fresh new cells there already I alternate nights so I don’t use BHA and Adapalene in same routine and I make sure to keep a break day in my routine so my skin gets a rest from all the actives

Yep! You have to alternate them to avoid skin irritation.

Yeah and do it slowly. I do 3x of exfoliating and the other days I use retinol

how long have you been using differin for? I would wait until your skin has well adjusted to the retinoid before adding exfoliants, that can be a huge recipe for disaster if you use AHAs/BHAs too soon (even if you’re alternating).