A313 retinol/vitamin A

[praepondero]

Have been experimenting with different retinol creams and came across A313 on Amazon. Naturally had to try it and after the first usage fiasco, where I thought my skin will burn off (I am an idiot and don't generally listen to wise ones and trundle ahead to disastrous concequences) as used a good fat dollop instead pea-size as was recommended. Survived with no damage but noticed a visible difference as in smaller pores and less red spider veins in cheeks. Then again, after the frightening experience I had created, something had to happen.
Have been bit gun-shy for obvious reasons but tried it again couple of times over the last week and can see subtle improvement in skin texture.
Now, my question is - has anyone here used it for long-term and what's the verdict? How often and combined with what if results are good?
Many thanks!

It's brilliant. I had to stop using it because I'm currently pregnant, but I will use it again when I've given birth. I found it good for making my pores look smoother, overall tone and also breakouts. Fine lines seemed better too.

If my skin was feeling a bit sensitive or parched I'd use a light moisturiser first, let that sink in then apply. I used it every two or three nights.

Some quick tips you probably know

Don't apply it to damp skin.
Always use sunscreen as it can make you more sensitive - if you don't you're undoing your good work.
You need less than you think. I noticed with A313 it worked better if I applied it sparingly than if I lathered it on.

Just bought ...

@TomatoSoup69
Thank you for posting! So glad it's not my imagination (well, that and a furious magnifying mirror that can bring joy or despair depending on a day and/or lighting). I know people here swear by some prescription-strength stuff one could get online from Spanish chemists, but .... too much faff for me. Shall continue every other day and report back in a month or so

@halfthesun
For the love of all that's holy, do not use too much and make sure your skin is very dry, wait after shower a good 10min. It will hurt/tingle like a devil otherwise [sob]

Hi Praepondero, I can't comment on long term use but I bought this in France this summer so was using it once or twice a week for a few months and was fine. I stopped them to donate blood (can't donate within 30 days of vitamin A use here in Ireland) and didn't restart.

Also, same as you, I've been chopping and changing a few retionals to see what works.

Anyway, I used The Ordinary 2% thingy twice in a row this week, then decided to use A313 twice in a row.. OMG!! Never again, I actually couldn't sleep for the last 2 nights due to the burning! I didn't really think any of them actually did anything but having had to get up at 2am last night and put on loads of Sudo-creme to calm the pain down, I now know why they put the warnings on the bottles! Lesson learned here.

It does work though I think and definitely more immediate than other products. The Ordinary doesn't seem to do too much for me. I think I'll use nothing for a week, then back to A313 every three days max.

Also, be careful ordering, apparently there's loads of fakes online.

@TinyHouseFan

The pain, the PAIN of over-doing it [wails]. I managed to make it worse the day after when I applied VitC serum to my decollete, where some of the A313 had remained. I ended up with a burning rash.
However, onwards & upwards and all that and I must say, using it AS IT'S PRESCRIBED (note to self), it works faster and better than any other I've tried.