“So, let me start off by saying that I absolutely enjoy most Dr. Sam's products. I use her cleanser and the Brightly serum diligently. I also like (not love) the moisturiser, but find that one a bit too expensive for such a basic formula.
Now, for this serum. I've used the Nightly serum on and off for about two years, and I can now say it will be a forever 'off'. And looking back, I had to stop all actives at a few points in time because my skin just got so irritated and damaged. And I now know it was because of this Nightly serum.
The first time I started using it, my skin was fully acclimated to the Brightly serum and it was doing wonders (finally, no more closed comedones!). So I started adding in the Nightly. Build it up slowly according to their recommendations, but my skin became really angry: a lot of redness, sore, spotty. All things you don't want. So I had to stop all actives and start from scratch again. Strip everything back for a while and then building up the Brightly slowly etc. So a couple months later decided to try the Nightly again. But build it up even more slowly. That went ok. But after a good two or three month I just became unhappier with my skin. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it was constantly tight, dehydrated, I had little bumps on my cheeks and temples (not closed comedones, just tiny bumps that seemed a little irritated), started getting cystic spots again. I even started to develop perioral dermatitis which still hasn't completely subsided.
So again, I had to stop everything and focus on getting my skin's barrier back in check. For me, Nightly is just not a fit. I don't have even haver super sensitive skin, but looking at the formula of Nightly, it just doesn't match up with the brand's ethos. Dr. Sam's Flawless is all about avoiding sensitivity as much as possible, with gentle formules. Nightly isn't a gentle formula. Nightly does have a nice and gentle retinoid (HPR), but has questionable efficacy (the research is not as abundant as for let's say retinol). I've used HPR serums before without any issue. But the 10% niacinamide in Nightly is just too much. I don't understand the high percentage. It's totally unnecessary and potentially very irritating. Applying the Flawless moisturiser on top, which has also 5% niacinamide, is just adding more fuel to the problem. Niacinamide's sweet spot is around 4 - 5%, not 10%. Brightly has 5% niacinamide, which makes much more sense.
Then there is 5% azelaic acid in Nightly: not enough to do anything really. It's not bad that it's in there, but seems kind of like a waste. Make it either 10% or just leave it out all together and just add in some peptides or something.
So for me, it's a no. After a lot of trial and error I just ended up with a lot of error. If your skin is really hardy, it might work for you. But just be aware of the unnecessarily high percentage of niacinamide.”
“I really didn't expect this product to do anything but tried it because it was part of the bundle I purchased. Woweee, I love what it does for my skin. It has faded marks, evened up my skin tone, and left me with a soft, clear face with barely there pores. I am going to purchase the brightly serum next.”
“Let's just say I won't discontinue using this product. My skin is the best it's ever been and I have this product to thank. I am not a skincare guru and don't use a lot of products or make-up, so I know for a fact this is what helped it get better!”
“I really like this serum because it's a all-in-one night serum. The combination is very nice for my skin. On top of that Dr Sam is giving lot of tips to use it correctly. Thanks.”
“Works well to reduce pore size and congestion. Also works well for acne scarring, and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
A little bit irritating - best to increase frequency slowly and use with something very soothing on top/underneath”
“I've always wanted to simplify my nightly routine, and I have now got one serum thanks to this! It has all my needs in one serum! Making my night routine so simple and quick!”
