I'm really confused about this, and peoples opinions on it seem mixed. Some sources say that retinoids exfoliate, others say that you really need to exfoliate when using them.

Personally I'm on adapalene benzoyl clindamycin atm and it has really quickly improved my acne. Previous to this I was on tretinoin for many months which I wasn't having much luck with towards the end.

Currently I only use a gentle cleanser and no exfoliant.

I remember I introduced a salicylic acid face wash a couple years back and it was the thing that finally cleared my acne entirely (in combination with benzoyl peroxide).

However on Adapalene my skin is very sensitive and so I find I can't use this face wash with SA in anymore as it just makes my skin even more dry and incredibly irritated.

So instead of chemical exfoliating im just using a Konjac Sponge really gently every day or two and hoping this physical exfoliation is enough?

I'm also wondering is benzoyl peroxide and exfoliant?

Do you need to be exfoliating on Adapalene to stop new acne forming?

If so, what would be the most gentle one I could use? Or is the Konjac Sponge enough?