When I had a facial at the Codage Spa at SO/Paris, the esthetician, Michaella, praised my skin. She noticed my smooth, radiant complexion even before she started the treatment. This was high praise coming from a French esthetician. I immediately thought about my skincare routine to figure out which product was giving me that glow. When I mentioned A313, the French pharmacy retinol I had bought in Paris, Michaella had an epiphany. It seemed like A313 was truly working wonders for my skin.
I have always been a fan of French beauty, so I was excited to try Codage, a French skincare brand, during my visit. Whenever I go to Paris for work, I make sure to stop by a local pharmacy to pick up some skincare gems. I first heard about A313 on TikTok, where a French woman was raving about it. This led me to explore Reddit, where many people were also singing the product’s praises. Comments like “This retinol never leaves my skin dry or raw” convinced me to try it. On my next trip to Paris, I bought three tubes – two for myself and one for my mom. I couldn’t wait to start using it as soon as I got home.
After using A313 for almost a year, it has become a staple in my skincare routine. Want to know more about this French pharmacy treasure and why it has earned me more compliments on my skin than ever before? Keep reading to find out.
What is A313?
A313 is known as the French girl’s secret to great skin. It may look like a regular ointment in a white and blue tube, but it packs a powerful punch. Celebrities like Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung are fans of this product. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is known for increasing cell turnover and collagen production. This helps with acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin texture improvement. While over-the-counter retinol products in the US are less effective than prescription versions like Tretinoin, A313 offers similar benefits without needing a prescription. In France, it is considered a medication. The formula is praised for its texture, which acts as both a retinol and an occlusive to lock in moisture.
How does A313 compare to other retinol products?
Not all retinols are the same. A313 contains retinyl palmitate, an ester of retinol. This form of retinol has collagen-boosting and rejuvenating effects, though they may be less potent than other retinol or retinal formulas. The conversion process of retinyl palmitate to retinoic acid, the active form of retinol, happens three times, making it gentler on the skin. However, it can also increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, so it is recommended for nighttime use. A313 is known to help smooth skin imperfections and is considered one of France’s best beauty secrets.
How effective is A313?
Once converted, A313 contains 0.006 percent retinol, which is lower than many over-the-counter retinol products in the US. For best results, a minimum of 0.3 percent retinol is recommended. Despite the lower concentration, A313 offers various benefits such as increased cell turnover, collagen production, and improved skin texture. It takes time to see results with retinol, unlike instant results from vitamin C or hyaluronic acid.
How do you use A313?
As someone who has used prescription tretinoin in the past, I didn’t have to ease into using A313. However, beginners are advised to start with once a week and gradually increase to two or three times per week. I found that I could even use it on consecutive nights without irritation. I apply a pea-sized amount of the product on clean skin, warming it up between my fingers for easy application. A313 doesn’t require additional serums or moisturizers, thanks to its balmy texture that hydrates the skin.
One of the best features of A313 is its elegant feel on the skin. Beauty experts appreciate its texture that leaves the skin soft and hydrated. While there are stronger retinol products available, A313’s allure lies in its French charm and gentle formula. It can be used more frequently without causing irritation, making consistency essential for optimal results.
If you’re interested in trying A313, you don’t have to travel to France. Authorized websites like frenchpharmacy.com sell this sought-after product. Additionally, there is an A313 body formula available, perfect for those looking to enhance their skincare routine further.
