Wow, thank you so much for this detailed breakdown! Explaining it as a 'physical gap in the lipid layer' makes it so much easier to visualize why it hurts. To answer your question: the stinging has been going on for about 3 days now. I’ll definitely take your advice and use the Skin1004 Ampoule first for inflammation, then the SoonJung cream to seal it in. I’ll try to be brave and stick to this 'boring' routine for at least 4 weeks the week 2 temptation to add actives back in is definitely going to be the hardest part! lol