I used Retinol (A313) everyday for a month - here’s what happened
You probably know by now that retinol is great for anti-aging. But what actually is it? And why does it work? I love to try new serums and potions and this is one I couldn’t wait to get my hands on since it’s known as a French pharmacy secret. Thankfully you don’t have to travel to France, you can order it on Amazon.
In this post you’ll learn what retinol is, what A313 is, and what using this cream for 30 consecutive days can do for you. Let’s jump in!
This post covers:
What is retinol
What is A313
Can it be used with acne prone skin
How to use A313
What happened when I used A313 everyday for a month
What is retinol
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A, known as a retinoid. Technically retinol is considered a chemical because it undergoes formulation to ensure stability and effectiveness for topical use. Vitamin A is naturally occurring, you can get it from eating fish, eggs, and dairy. Retinoid is derived from animal products but made specifically for topical skincare use. It was actually discovered by researchers in the 70s as a treatment for acne that would prevent clogged pores and smooth skin texture. Over time, scientists noticed that retinoids also reduced wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and improved skin texture. When used topically, retinol works at a cellular level, interacting with skin cells to promote cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and help repair damaged skin. Vitamin A itself is also known to have antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radical damage, which can contribute to premature aging.
What is A313
A313 is a popular French pharmaceutical-grade skincare product that contains a high concentration of Vitamin A in the form of retinyl palmitate, which is a gentler derivative of retinol. You can buy it at any French pharmacy, but it’s not easily found other places. It comes in an ointment form in a little tube that lasts forever. All you need is a tiny pea size amount. It’s particularly known for being a stronger but gentler option. It gained popularity as the “french secret” to always having glowing beautiful skin and looking younger. Anywhere you hear about this product everyone says that it actually delivers visible anti-aging results - so I had to try it for myself.
Can it be used with acne prone skin
Yes! But proceed with caution. As mentioned above, this product was originally discovered for treating acne but it is very strong. The reason you can’t buy A313 in US stores is because of the high concentration of retinol. With any chemical type product, it can cause initial irritation, dryness, or peeling especially for people with sensitive, acne prone skin. The recommendations out there are to start super gradually, even mixing it with a moisturizer for a while before putting it on the bare skin alone. It’s also advised to never put retinol on wet skin. The water does something to the chemicals and intensifies the burn in a bad way. When starting to use this product on sensitive skin, remember to moisturize well and use sunscreen during the day.
How to use A313
Using A313 is simple and straightforward, but applying it in a certain order can help minimize irritation and maximize the anti-aging benefits you’ll see. It’s recommended to follow 6 easy steps when you first start using A313.
Start Slowly: Since A313 contains potent retinoids, begin by using it 2-3 times a week, especially if you're new to retinol or have sensitive skin. Gradually increase the frequency as your skin builds tolerance.
Cleanse and Dry: Before applying A313, cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and impurities. Pat your skin dry completely, as applying retinoids to damp skin can increase the risk of irritation.
Apply a Small Amount: Squeeze a pea-sized amount of A313 onto your fingertips. Gently massage it into your skin, focusing on areas where you want to target fine lines, wrinkles, or acne. Avoid the delicate areas around your eyes and mouth.
Moisturize: After allowing A313 to absorb for a few minutes, follow up with a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture and reduce potential dryness or irritation.
Use at Night: A313 should be used in the evening, as retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Always apply sunscreen the next morning, even if you're indoors.
Patience is Key: It may take several weeks to see noticeable results, so be patient and consistent with your routine. If you experience irritation, reduce the frequency of use.
What happened when I used A313 everyday for a month
I was so excited to lather this up on my face, I put it on the first night I got it in the mail! A couple things I noticed was that the consistency is THICC. Like you almost need a technique to get it all over your face evenly. Second, it changes temperature. When I rubbed it between my fingers before applying it warmed up which is something I’ve never experienced from a product before.
First night: Ouch! I woke up in the middle of the night and my face was stinging and burning. I had to wipe it off and even with makeup remover and face wash my skin was still tingling :/. Beware this stuff is strong. I even noticed the next day my skin was mildly burning. Given, I definitely went ham too soon so follow the advice of easing into it.
First week: I read somewhere that you can ease into it by adding to your typical moisturizer. So I went from pea size on the whole face alone to half a pea size mixed in with moisturizer. I know the effects are lessened when you mix it with something, but I needed my skin to adapt and not burn off. The burning stopped and seemed fine. I definitely noticed when I woke up after a few days my skin was more dewy.
Second week: I attempted to put it on solo again, but just in the areas where I have fine lines (no logic there just decided). Again woke up in the middle of the night and had to take it off from burning. This stuff is no joke. So I went back to mixing with moisturizer. No major benefits noted besides glowy and dewy skin.
Third week: I really wanted to do the A313 by itself again so I applied it to the whole face, pea size for an hour then washed it off before bed. My skin could handle this! I know still not getting the full full benefits but I was working my skin up to it. By the end of the third week I noticed that my skin was… thicker? Is that possible? Fine lines were definitely reduced, always glowy in the morning. I noticed my skin was glowing under the makeup. What?!
Fourth week: Still kind of scared to put it on for the whole night alone, I went back to the moisturizer A313 concentration but this time a full pea size amount. No pain, benefits were all the same. I started to notice that my pores seemed smaller. By week 4 I was SOLD on this stuff. The tube looked unused and my skin was definitely adopting.
I now use it every night!! What I’ve noticed after a year.
This stuff is gold. My skin has never been so thick! I don’t know how else to put it but if you use you will understand. I think that’s how it reduces wrinkles because it thickens your skin up and irons out the lines. I put a full pea size amount every night and no pain or burning at all. I’ve been using for about a year now and I noticed a few things:
If you stop, the benefits go away: I forgot to bring it with me for a 2 week trip and I totally noticed more fine lines at the end of the trip!! Also my skin was more dull. I think you really have to be consistent with it to notice the benefits.
Great spot treatment for acne: I also noticed whenever I used it on a pimple, like a blind pimple that’s just starting, I would wake up with a white head the next morning! It helps the pimple heal super fast. I started using it as spot treatment if I get acne on my back or chest. And I keep putting it on for the whole healing process and they go away so fast with no marks. Also as spot treatment for non sensitive spots (shoulders, back) it doesn’t burn.
Try it for yourself!
Now that you know what retinol is, how it actually works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and regenerate your skin. Go try it! Order on amazon, it comes in a few days and you can start the process. I really think it works and I’m going to keep using it! The French swear by it and I have to say for the price, it is honestly amazing. I haven’t tried any prescription retinoids so I cannot compare to that but this is so cheap and easy I think everyone should use it. Just remember to be careful when you are starting out and trust the process.
If you’re frustrated with your skin and want to figure out what’s causing your acne, take our quiz below and find out!
