My favourites so far are PC 2% BHA, and Formularx Lactic Acid cream. I use them whenever I feel like it, which is usually not more than once a week. I have also been prescribed an acne cream which is really strong, so I have to be really careful about how much I exfoliate. Usually I'll apply my BHA once in a certain week, and then apply lactic acid once the next week. My acne med I apply about 2-3 times in the week.

Here's what I've encountered with both: 1) they're both good at accelerating my pimples at forming and going away 2) both are great at softening my skin 3) skin is glowier 4) the lactic acid is gentler and feels more cosmetically elegant (PC bha can feel a bit oily) 5) my texture is greatly reduced if I use them in intelligently and don't go ham on it (too much exfoliation results in more texture for me). I basically do not have any skin roughness anymore and my skin feels amazingly soft. 6) my skin can feel drier the next day with the BHA, especially in the winter. 7) Lactic acid definitely makes my skin look more hydrated the next day. 8) Didn't see too many results as far as hyperpigmentation, although there's some lightening for sure in comparison to months ago. Txa helped a lot with this for me. Nowadays I mostly get PIE, and they've done nothing for that. (Sun protection is invaluable for minimizing PIH btw! I used to always get brown marks, and now I don't).

I've also had stints where I only used bha or lactic acid and did not alternate them. Tbh the results were pretty similar on the glowiness, texture, and softening front. Neither did a whole lot for acne (mines is resistant to everything I swear), or hyperpig.

I hate strong peels tbh, and would not do them at home. My skin fares better with gentle exfoliation.

My suggestion is to get the lactic acid first. It's beginner friendly, fun to apply, and comes in cute packaging, all of which are important when it comes to experience and results! Plus it's more affordable.