{"id":12199,"date":"2026-03-11T17:11:54","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T08:11:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/aklief\/"},"modified":"2026-08-11T12:15:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T03:15:54","slug":"aklief","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/aklief\/","title":{"rendered":"Aklief"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-custom-color-4-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e96bc7c8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:240px;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small);padding-bottom:240px;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small)\">\n<p class=\"has-custom-color-6-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\">Medications<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-custom-color-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2\">Aklief | 4th-generation retinoid ointment<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-custom-color-2-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1b17c90e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xlarge);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xlarge);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aklief is a topical retinoid used to treat acne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since it can easily trigger dermatitis, the key is finding the right dosage and frequency to control acne with minimal irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block has-custom-color-5-color has-custom-color-11-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-3\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);padding-left:0\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-1\">1. What is Aklief?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-3\">2. Precautions for dermatitis<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-4\">3. Oral retinoids are recommended first<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-5\">4. How to use<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-6\">5. Pregnancy \u00b7 breastfeeding<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sec-1\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. What is Aklief?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-color-5-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-color-5-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aklief is a <strong>4th-generation retinoid ointment<\/strong> that follows Stieva-A and T&amp;T Cream (1st generation) and Differin (3rd generation).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its active ingredient is <strong>trifarotene<\/strong>, which <strong>selectively binds to the RAR-\u03b3 receptor<\/strong>\u2014the most widely distributed in the skin\u2014to regulate gene activity involved in skin cell differentiation and inflammation.<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32100454\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1<\/a>,<a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/health.kr\/searchDrug\/result_drug.asp?drug_cd=2021042800005\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"572\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/aklief-cream-product-photo.png\" alt=\"A real product photo of Aklief (Aklief) 0.005% cream in a pump container containing trifarotene, a 4th-generation retinoid ingredient&#x2014; a prescription medication manufactured by Galderma\" class=\"wp-image-8660\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sec-3\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Precautions for dermatitis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-color-5-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-color-5-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Topical retinoids weaken the bonds between keratinocytes and cause changes in intercellular lipids, thereby weakening the skin barrier.<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22148010\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3<\/a>,<a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30816426\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">4<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And signals that trigger inflammation increase, which can lead to redness, flaking, dryness, and stinging.<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/14615068\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">5<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sec-4\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Oral retinoids are recommended first<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-color-5-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-color-5-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In clinical experience, starting Aklief after reducing pore blockage with an oral retinoid like Isotinoin tends to allow acne to be controlled with a smaller amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is presumed to be because Aklief reaches the inside of the pores more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can learn more about oral retinoids on the <a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/isotretinoin\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"6421\">Isotynoin<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sec-5\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. How to use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-color-5-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-color-5-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list has-custom-color-5-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4\">\n<li>Mix an amount of Aklief about <strong>half a fingernail<\/strong> with a moisturizer, then spread a thin layer over the entire face, avoiding the mouth and eye areas. The reason for mixing it with a moisturizer is to start with an amount so small that you would not be able to apply it to the entire face without mixing. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For the first 2 weeks, apply it only <strong>once every 3 days<\/strong> and check your skin\u2019s response.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the skin becomes red, stings, or itches after use, reduce the amount or frequency of use. If acne is not sufficiently controlled, increase the amount or frequency of use. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sec-6\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Pregnancy \u00b7 breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-color-5-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-color-5-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because Aklief is a retinoid medication, <strong>it cannot be used during pregnancy<\/strong>. Systemic absorption is very low with topical application, but it is still contraindicated during pregnancy. If you learn you are pregnant while using it, you must stop immediately.<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/health.kr\/searchDrug\/result_drug.asp?drug_cd=2021042800005\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color: inherit;\">2<\/a><\/sup>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caution is also needed while breastfeeding.<\/strong> It has not been confirmed whether a topically applied medication transfers into breast milk. If use is necessary while breastfeeding, use it for a short period on the smallest area possible, and do not apply it to the nipple or areola.<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/health.kr\/searchDrug\/result_drug.asp?drug_cd=2021042800005\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color: inherit;\">2<\/a><\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"&#xCC38;&#xACE0;&#xBB38;&#xD5CC;\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list has-custom-color-5-color has-text-color has-link-color has-superbfont-xxsmall-font-size wp-elements-5\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32100454\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Kassir M, Karagaiah P, Sonthalia S, et al. Selective RAR agonists for acne vulgaris: A narrative review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(6):1278-1283.   <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/health.kr\/searchDrug\/result_drug.asp?drug_cd=2021042800005\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Korea Pharmaceutical Information Center. Aklief Cream 0.005% Drug Information. <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22148010\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Kim MY, Lee SE, Chang JY, Kim SC. Retinoid Induces the Degradation of Corneodesmosomes and Downregulation of Corneodesmosomal Cadherins: Implications on the Mechanism of Retinoid-induced Desquamation. Ann Dermatol. 2011;23(4):439-447.   <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30816426\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Li J, Li Q, Geng S. All-trans retinoic acid alters the expression of the tight junction proteins Claudin-1 and -4 and epidermal barrier function-associated genes in the epidermis. Int J Mol Med. 2019;43(4):1789-1805. <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/14615068\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Kim BH, Lee YS, Kang KS. The mechanism of retinol-induced irritation and its application to anti-irritant development. Toxicol Lett. 2003;146(1):65-73.   <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-custom-color-6-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4c3b03bf wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xlarge);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xlarge);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-small)\">\n<h2 id=\"sec-faq\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-color-5-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-color-5-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--superbspacing-xsmall)\"\/>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-6422-001\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I use Aklief without Isotynoin?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, it is possible. However, in clinical experience, when pores are severely blocked, starting Aklief after first reducing pore blockage with Isotinoin may allow control with a smaller amount. The order of use is determined based on pore condition.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-6422-002\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I apply only Aklief without a moisturizer?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>We do not recommend it. Because Aklief is used in a very small amount (half a fingernail), it should be mixed with a moisturizer to apply it evenly over the entire face. Since a moisturizer also reduces irritation caused by retinoids, it is best to use them together.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-6422-003\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">After applying it, my face turned red and my dermatitis flared up again.<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You should reduce the amount and frequency, or stop completely if necessary. Once your skin stabilizes, you can try again with a smaller amount. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-6422-005\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I apply it during the day?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Aklief is applied in the evening. During use, you may become more sensitive to sunlight, so minimize unnecessary sun exposure and use sunscreen. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-6422-006\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Does using it for a long time improve the skin barrier even more?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The irritation that occurred early on may lessen, but it\u2019s hard to say that this means the skin barrier has improved further. We don\u2019t increase the dose or frequency for barrier improvement, and we maintain the minimum dose and frequency that controls acne. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Medications Aklief | 4th-generation retinoid ointment Aklief is a topical retinoid used to treat acne. Since it can easily trigger dermatitis, the key is finding the right dosage and frequency to control acne with minimal irritation. 1. What is Aklief? Aklief is a 4th-generation retinoid ointment that follows Stieva-A and T&amp;T Cream (1st generation) and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12200,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-full-width","meta":{"_miragen_jsonld":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-12199","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12199","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12199"}],"version-history":[{"count":68,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12199\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14924,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12199\/revisions\/14924"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12200"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12199"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}