I'll let others chime in, but I don't use anything before or after application until the next morning.
I flaked, reddened, and burned, a lot when I first started at .5%. Used it every 3 or so days because it was too much. Now using 1% every other day or two and still flake.
I wonder if the reason you are not flaking is because you are using facial creams before and too soon after application. It may not be able to soak in.