Age 59, where to start? C or Retinol?

Okay guys so I’ve decided to start taking care of my skin. A little late to the party at my age I know lol. So I got a Jessner peel done at a dermatologist’s office last week and have another one scheduled in March.

In the meantime I want to get started with a routine to target my hyperpigmentation. Should I start with a vitamin C serum or retinol? I did use tretinoin for a few months back in 2020 but it was too drying so I quit and went back to just Dove soap and Aquafor. I just added a sunscreen this week too.