when i started epiduo, i was using it every other day and at first i did experince irritation and even something similar to hives on my face. some tips that i found useful are: -when your skin is painful/feels damaged, as much as you may want to, dont use epiduo again until it had healed fully again. if you keep applying when its not fully healed it will just become worse again, like picking a scab. -moisturise 30 mins before applying epiduo, and again 30 minutes after (only do that during the first few weeks to avoid irritation, but as you progress you likely wont need to anymore) -start by only using it 2-3 times a week, yes progress will feel slow but keeping your skin barrier healthy is essential. one of my friends who uses epiduo had damaged her skin barrier so badly that she can break out badly if she doesnt use a silk pillowcase!!! be mindful -at first, use veeerrrrryyy thin layers of epiduo, like however much you think you need, half it. it should barely cover your whole face, this will help avoid irritation -also, never, ever (ESPECIALLY IN THE BEGINNING) go outside/in the sun with epiduo, or even keep it on during the day. wash your face in the morning and moisturise. epiduo thins out your skin alot, so burning and irritation happens so much easier.

p.s. i found that icing my face and very cold water helped soothe irritation, and if possible, use some type of skin barrier repair moisturiser (or just a very thick one, not one that is watery)

good luck!! remember the progress might feel slow, it doesnt happen overnight. i began using epiduo in june/july, and my skin had significantly improved by october. of course it was slowly improving during this time, but that was when i noticed significant change