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It’s no secret at all that we love French Pharmacy skincare products at Volumes of Beauty. We’ve been writing posts for years about our favorite products and will never miss a trip to City Pharma every time we’re in Paris. If, like us, you are deep in the world of French Pharmacy hauls on TikTok, you may have seen one aluminum tube getting quite a lot of attention.
The tube in question is the A313 Vitamin A Pommade. Hailed as a game-changer in the realm of retinol treatments, this French gem has been garnering attention for its potent formula and transformative effects. Join me as we explore the ins and outs of the A313 Retinol and why it has become a must-have in many beauty routines. We’ve been putting this retinol cream to the test and are here today to discuss whether it really is worth all the buzz it’s currently getting online. Keep on reading to find out our final thoughts.
The French Approach to Skincare
French skincare is renowned for its minimalist yet effective approach to beauty, focusing on quality ingredients that deliver visible results rather than going for eye-catching products that capitalize on the latest beauty trends in attempts to win people over. No matter what French pharmacies you go to in the major cities of France, you’re going to see similar products presented in the same way. From creams for the treatment of skin irritations to pharmaceutical-grade vitamin C serums and a mild retinoic acid to pair with your favorite night serums, you’ve got everything you could need for the ultimate skin care routine in one place.
The A313 Retinol is a prime example of this philosophy, offering a concentrated Vitamin A pommade that caters to a variety of skincare concerns. Known as one of the country’s best beauty secrets, it’s supposed to work wonders for the skin.
What’s so good about Vitamin A?
Vitamin A, a skincare powerhouse, offers a range of pretty impressive benefits for the skin, making it a key ingredient in various beauty formulations — especially those that are targeting aging skin.
Known for its ability to promote skin cell turnover, vitamin A helps rejuvenate the skin by shedding old, damaged cells and encouraging the growth of new, healthy ones. This process leads to improved texture, reduced fine lines, and a more youthful appearance. Synthetic vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol and retinoids, are celebrated for being of the best anti-aging remedy ingredients, but that’s not all they are good for. Retinol esters are effective at battling acne by regulating oil production and preventing clogged pores, which is important for people with oily skin.
Mainly, using a retinyl ester in your skincare routine plays a vital role in the synthesis of collagen, contributing to increased skin firmness and elasticity. As a potent antioxidant, vitamin A also shields the skin from free radicals, and environmental damage, and supports an overall radiant and resilient complexion. Incorporating vitamin A into your skincare routine is a transformative step towards achieving healthier, glowing skin. Whether you’re worried about anti aging or just want to minimize the appearance of dark spots, it’s a great ingredient to incorporate.
A313 Ingredients Breakdown
The star of the show with this product is retinol, specifically a retinol ester; a form of Vitamin A that is known for being one of the most gentle options. With regular use, you can enjoy an improvement in the overall appearance of skin tone and texture — that’s because retinoids are one of the most science-backed ingredients that are proven to promote cell turnover, boost collagen production, and diminish the signs of aging.
For a lot of people, retinoids can be a bit harsh on their skin — particularly if you have sensitive skin. This can hold people back from wanting to try any type of retinol for fear of the dreaded ‘purging’ stage. This product is the best way to get started with retinol as it has very few side effects, works even with dry skin, and is a well-tolerated product for first time users of retinol.
Texture and Application
One of the unique aspects of the A313 Retinol is its pommade texture. Unlike traditional creams or serums, this product has a thicker, ointment-like consistency. The most similar product on the market today to this product in terms of consistency is probably toothpaste or hair gel, it’s not a texture that you see a lot in a skin care product.
While it may seem unconventional at first, the pommade melts into the skin upon application, creating a nourishing and protective barrier. The product comes in the form of a tube, which makes it easy to dispense the product and also keeps all the ingredients stable on the inside.
When incorporating A313 into your routine, a little goes a long way so you only need a very small amount. Start with a pea-sized amount and gently massage a thin layer into your skin after cleansing. The pommade is best applied at night, allowing the powerful ingredients to work their magic while you sleep so you wake up with great skin the next morning and throughout the next day.
The first mistake you could make when using this product is applying it incorrectly. To avoid irritation and get the maximum result, apply it to completely dry skin and put nothing on before or after. Unlike other vitamin a retinols, this really works best by itself and could cause irritation if you start using it in combination with your other skin care products because of the active ingredients it contains.
Like any new product you introduce into your skincare routine, it’s best to start using retinol once a week and keeping an eye on how your skin reacts to it. If everything is going well, you can use it a bit more frequently, but we’d recommend only using it a maximum of three times per week. It’s also important to remember to wear an SPF 50 in the days after using a retinol treatment as retinol can often make your skin even more sensitive to the sun’s powerful rays.
Results and Benefits
Users of the A313 Retinol rave about its transformative effects on their skin, and we’ve noticed very similar results when we’ve been putting it to the test. With consistent use, we’ve noticed a visible reduction in fine lines, improved skin texture, and a more even complexion that makes us reach for the foundation tubes a lot less than we normally would. The pommade’s hydrating properties also contribute to plumper and healthier-looking skin, so overall we couldn’t be happier with the results we’ve seen.
What sets the A313 Retinol apart from other products on the market is not only its efficacy but also its affordability. Often dubbed as the “French pharmacy secret,” this pommade provides results comparable to high-end retinol treatments at a fraction of the cost. Its cult status is attributed to its accessibility, making it a staple for skincare enthusiasts who seek quality without breaking the bank.
In the digital world where new skincare products go viral every day, finding a product that lives up to its promises can be a thrilling discovery. The A313 Retinol, with its French charm and powerful formulation, has earned its place as a skincare essential. Whether you’re targeting fine lines, uneven texture, or simply seeking a radiant complexion, this retinol product may just be the missing piece in your routine.
