Made by Dr. Syed
Stratum Nightly Active
NanoActive Retinaldehyde 0.1% Cream (30g)
Price: $38.00
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We took the strongest over the counter retinoid (retinal) and combined it with moisturizing and soothing ingredients to reduce irritation. Formulated, tested and approved by dermatologist Dr. Usama Syed.
How does it help your skin?
Improves the appearance of acne
Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Reduces the apperance of sun damage
Reduces the appearance of pigmentation
Ingredients
Water, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Polysorbate 60, Squalane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Fruit Oil, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Isododecane, Cetearyl Glucoside, Panthenol, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Carbomer, Retinaldehyde, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phospholipids, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Disodium EDTA.
Directions for Use
Apply a pea sized amount to the face each night. Avoid the immediate under-eye area.
How long before I see results?
At Stratum, we believe in truth before marketing. The best studies into topical retinoids have shown improvement in acne within 4-6 weeks, and improvement in fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation within 6-10 weeks. Use these as your general guide. And if any product promises results in a week... they're probably lying to you.
Warnings
Topical retinoids are not considered safe in those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always discuss new creams with your OBGYN or Pediatrician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The Nightly Active is also not suitable for those with sensitive skin, as this has a high concentration of retinal at 0.1%.
Night Cream Comparisons
Strongest OTC Retinoid
Reduces the appearance of acne
Reduces the appearance of fine lins & wrinkles
Reduces the appearance of dark spots
Moisturizing, soothing ingredients to stop irritation
Costs less than $50
Differin Gel
The Ordinary Retinol
Avene Retrinal
How to use Nightly Active in your routine
1. Cleanse your face
Ideally, you start your night time routine with a round of cleansing. This can be a hydrating or foaming cleanser depending on your skin type.
2. Apply a moisturizer (optional)
Usually with retinoids, this step isn't optional. With Nightly Active, we already pack in moisturizing ingredients, so it's up to you if you need extra.
3. Apply Nightly Active
Take a pea-sized amount and apply it across your face. Avoid the area immediately beneath the eyes (retinal can cause dry eyes).
The Science
Why retinal, not retinol?
Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from vitamin A. They include ingredients like retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid (prescription only). The form that interacts with our skin cells and gives the awesome benefits is retinoic acid. This form is prescription-only worldwide. Most skincare companies use retinol to try to get the same benefits, but this ingredient requires 2 steps of conversion to become the active form, meaning it's much weaker. Retinal only needs 1 step of conversion, and studies have shown that it has similar efficacy to retinoic acid, with less irritation.
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Featured reviews
Real results from people like you
These customers’ results have not been independently verified. Individual results will vary.
94%
Over 94% of users of retinal based skincare products noticed improvement in their skin appearance after 8 weeks.*
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* Results vary. Data taken from peer-reviewed scientific literature.
Still not sure?
Email the founder.
Stratum's Nightly Active was formulated, tested, and approved by Dr. Usama Syed, a board-certified dermatologist from New York. If you have any follow up questions about the product before purchase, you can message him directly using drsyed@heystratum.com.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Nightly Active with other skincare products?
Yes, but avoid combining it with other potent actives like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and other retinoids to prevent irritation.
What should I expect when I first start using Nightly Active?
You might experience mild redness, dryness, or peeling initially as your skin adjusts to retinoids. These side effects are normal and typically subside as your skin builds tolerance within 1-2 weeks. You're less likely to experience this with Nightly Active compared to others retinoids, as our formulations includes intensive moisturizing ingredients in the cream. If irritation persists, reduce the frequency of use or discontinue and consult a dermatologist.
Does retinal make me more sensitive to the sun?
Retinal can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, especially in the first few weeks, making it more susceptible to UV damage. It is crucial to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day to protect your skin and enhance the benefits of Nightly Active.
Can I use this product for my undereyes?
Retinal can be too potent for the delicate skin around the eyes. It's best to avoid applying Nightly Active directly to the eye area. Using retinal near the eyes can also cause dry eyes.
Is it normal to experience peeling with Nightly Active?
Mild peeling can be a normal part of the adjustment period as your skin acclimates to the increased cell turnover. This usually subsides within a few weeks. If peeling is severe, reduce the frequency of use.
Is Nightly Active fragrance-free?
No, Nightly Active contains one fragrance ingredient called eucalyptus oil and therefore is not fragrance-free. Eucalyptus oil is an especially gentle fragrance ingredient, which very few people have a negative reaction to. It was included to ensure that using Nightly Active is an enjoyable part of a night routine, something that hugely improves adherence.
Can I use Nightly Active on my neck?
Yes, Nightly Active can be applied to the neck and décolletage to address signs of aging in these areas. Start with a small amount and monitor for any irritation.
How do I know if Nightly Active is working for me?
Signs that Nightly Active is working include improved skin texture, reduced fine lines, fewer breakouts, and more even skin tone. These benefits can take 2-3 months to notice with consistent use, so keep that in mind. Retinoids are a marathon, not a sprint.
Will I get purging from Nightly Active?
Purging is a common initial reaction when starting a potent retinoid. This occurs because retinal accelerates cell turnover, bringing underlying congestion to the surface more quickly. You may experience an increase in breakouts, dryness, or peeling during the first few weeks of use. This phase is temporary and typically lasts 4-6 weeks as your skin adjusts to the new regimen. To minimize purging, start using Nightly Active every other night and gradually increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance. If purging persists or becomes severe, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.
This page has been medically reviewed by Dr. Usama Syed, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Formulated and filled in USA. Distributed by Stratum Global, LLC Brooklyn, NY 11201
