Using retinol skincare products like A313 can transform your skin. But to get the best results without irritation, you need to use A313 properly. From application tips to layering techniques, here is your complete guide on how to use A313 for flawless skin.
What Is A313 and Why It's So Popular
A313, also known by its full name A313 Vitamin A Pommade, is a topical retinol cream manufactured in France.
Retinol is essentially another name for Vitamin A. It's an extremely popular ingredient in anti-aging skincare because retinol:
- Encourages skin cell turnover and renewal
- Boosts collagen production for firmer skin
- Fades dark spots and discoloration
- Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
- Clears acne and blackheads
So in a nutshell, retinol is like a magic wand for all your skin concerns. No wonder people go crazy over products like A313 that contain high concentrations of retinol!
The reason why A313 stands out from the plethora of retinol creams available today is:
It contains one of the highest concentrations of retinol that your skin can actually tolerate - 0.12%, which converts to 0.025% pure retinoic acid.
Most over-the-counter retinol creams contain only up to 0.1% concentration. While prescription-strength options go higher than 0.12%, they require a doctor's approval.
A313 gives you pharmacy-grade retinol at 0.12% strength that your skin can adjust to without needing a prescription. And the best part is, it works FAST.
Thousands of women swear by A313 for the almost instant glow it delivers. Some notice visible improvement in their fine lines and acne in just a few nights of applying this Vitamin A cream.
Now that you know what the magic in this little orange tube is, let's get into the details of how to use A313 properly.
How to Apply A313 for Best Results
When using any retinol for the first time, it's extremely important to take it slowly. A313 may be an over-the-counter product but it contains potent ingredients.
Applying A313 Vitamin A cream the RIGHT way will let you avoid redness, irritation, peeling and other side effects while still getting all of its anti-aging and acne-clearing benefits.
Follow these simple A313 application instructions:
Step 1: Start With a Clean, Dry Face
It's best to apply A313 at night as part of your PM skincare routine. Start with cleansing your face as normal and pat your skin dry gently with a towel.
Skip any toner, serum, chemical exfoliant etc. For your first few weeks of using A313, the only extra product your face needs is a good moisturizer.
Step 2: Take a Pea-Sized Amount
Squeeze out just a tiny pea-sized bit from the tube - seriously, that's more than enough for your whole face!
Using too much A313 in hopes of better results will only irritate your skin.
Step 3. Dot Around Your Face
Start by gently dabbing the pea-sized bit of A313 all over - dot it on your cheeks, forehead, nose, chin and neck.
Spreading as you dot helps to distribute the tiny amount evenly before it warms up on your skin.
Step 4: Massage Over Entire Face
Once dotted all over, use your ring fingers to massage A313 into your skin. Move in gentle, outward circles.
Make sure to blend it evenly and get it into every nook and cranny - around your eyes, lips and even ears.
Step 5: Let It Sink In
After massaged thoroughly into your skin, allow the A313 cream to fully absorb without washing off.
Sit back and relax for 5-10 minutes while the retinol in A313 works its magic.
Step 6: Finish With Moisturizer
Your final step is to apply your regular moisturizer on top of the A313. A basic hyaluronic acid or ceramide moisturizer works best.
Lock in the hydration and let A313 keep working all night long while you get your beauty sleep!
And that's it - simple A313 application steps for glowing skin without any irritation or dryness!
How Often Should You Apply A313?
When using any potent ingredient like retinol, consistency and moderation is key. How often should you apply A313 Vitamin A cream? Here are some general rules:
If you're new to retinols - Apply A313 just 1 night a week for the first 2 weeks. Check for any redness, peeling or irritation the next morning.
If your skin shows no sensitivity - Bump it up to 2 times a week for the 3rd and 4th weeks. So every 3 days is perfect.
If 2 times a week goes well - Increase to every other night i.e. 3 to 4 times a week. Use A313 for 8 weeks like this before daily use.
Once skin adjusts - Apply A313 nightly as part of your regular PM skincare routine for best anti-aging results!
The idea is to very slowly ease your skin into tolerating the potency of 0.12% retinol. Some people work up to using A313 daily within just 6 weeks. For others with sensitive skin, 12 weeks is a safer timeline.
Pay close attention to how your skin looks and feels before increasing frequency. If you notice any excessive irritation, stinging or peeling, pull back.
You should aim to reach nightly application with zero redness or discomfort. It might sound like a lot of waiting but trust me, that's how A313 gives the gorgeous glow without the nasty side effects!
Can You Use A313 In The Morning?
Strictly avoid applying A313 Vitamin A in the day time and do not step out in sunlight immediately after applying it at night either.
Exposing skin freshly treated with A313 retinol cream to sunlight can cause EXTREME irritation or rashes. It also makes your skin significantly more vulnerable to sun damage.
So using A313 at night is an absolute must. In the morning, wash with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil and apply sunscreen - SPF 30 at minimum - before heading out.
You can apply other non-retinol serums, treatments and moisturizers in the AM as usual. Just keep the Vitamin A cream application strictly at night!
How to Apply A313 With Other Products
Once your skin has gotten comfortable with daily application of A313 on its own, the fun begins - layering it with other skin goodies!
You can safely use A313 with other serums, treatments etc. as long as you follow a few basic rules.
Heaviest To Lightest Formula
Apply skincare products in order of texture - heaviest formulas first. As a general rule for layering with A313:
- Treatment serums and essences
- Retinol cream
- Hydrating serums and ampoules
- Face oil
- Moisturizer
Let Each Layer Sink In
Don't immediately apply the next product. Wait 1-2 mins between each layer from thickest to lightest for proper absorption.
Water-Based Before Oil-Based
As a bonus tip: When using multiple serums/oils etc. apply water-based or gel products before using oil-based treatments.
This rule applies even when using just A313 e.g.:
- Hyaluronic acid serum (water-based)
- A313 retinol cream
- Rosehip oil
Complementary Skincare Ingredients To Use With A313
Want to boost your anti-aging or acne clearing results with A313?
Try pairing it with these complementary skincare ingredients that work beautifully together with Vitamin A:
Vitamin C - Using a potent vitamin C serum along with A313 gives your collagen production an even bigger boost.
Vitamin C is also excellent for fading marks and hyperpigmentation better and faster. The combination is perfect for mature skin needing some major rejuvenation.
Niacinamide - This powerhouse skin nutrient repairs past damage, improves skin barrier function and acts as an anti-inflammatory to soothe A313-related irritation.
Using a niacinamide serum in the morning after applying A313 at night is a fantastic combo.
Hyaluronic Acid - This hydrating ingredient plumps up skin and gives an instant smoothing effect. Look for hyaluronic in serums as well as your moisturizer to prevent any dryness from A313.
Using any of these with the A313 cream takes its effectiveness to the next level. Just make sure to apply the Vitamin A first before layering anything else!
The Retinization Period With A313
Here's a heads up on what to expect in your first 4 weeks using the A313 Vitamin A Pommade cream:
Week 1 - Possible minor irritation, redness or flaking/peeling from the very first application since the 0.12% retinol concentration is strong. BUT many women report zero irritation whatsoever so don't panic!
Weeks 2-4 - The "retinization period" as your skin cells adjust to constant retinol exposure. Most irritation, dry skin or breakouts happen during this stage before fading. Push through without quitting on A313!
Week 8 - Clearer, smoother, brighter skin from enhanced cell turnover plus collagen and elastin regeneration thanks to retinol! Acne and wrinkles visibly reduced.
Week 12 Onwards - Consistent use means even better improvement week after week. Deepening glow, even skin tone and tightened pores thanks to 8+ weeks of retinol reeducation from A313!
As you can see, the first 4 weeks of getting your skin used to stronger retinol requires some patience. But stick with your A313 application schedule because the results are SO worth it!
Now that you know how to integrate A313 into your daily skincare routine properly, are you ready to try this French pharmacy secret? Say bye to dull skin, visible pores, fine lines and blemish woes!
A313 Vitamin A Pommade gives stunning results for all skin types when used correctly. This guide simplifies the process for you with easy application guidelines and tips. Remember to gradually adjust your skin to the 0.12% retinol instead of daily use from day 1. Don't forget to layer hydrating products like hyaluronic acid too!
With consistent and patient A313 usage, you too can flaunt flutter-worthy skin just like French girls. Time to tackle anti-aging concerns, acne problems plus achieve brighter, firmer skin with this little orange tube of magic. Let the compliments roll in on your gorgeous, glowing complexion! Just don't forget the SPF.