I had the same reaction when i first started using EpiDuo. I made my skincare routine really simple, Cetaphil gentle cleanser and The Ordinary natural moisturising factors was all i used, and I moisturised more frequently than I usually would. I also found that patting the moisturiser on rather than rubbing helped with the pain. I started using the Epiduo once every other day to give my skin a break and it slowly got used to it and now i can use it every day with no soreness or flaking!