{"id":12199,"date":"2026-03-11T17:11:54","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T08:11:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/aklief\/"},"modified":"2026-07-10T21:23:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T12:23:37","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-a7c9d84906edddaaa65d240c711daaa3 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-d7c8346352fc3e9610f3ab6aace53582\">Aklief | A cream that tackles both the skin barrier and sebum<\/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\">For dermatitis patients with acne, it is prescribed not only to treat acne but also to make it possible to use richer moisturizers.<\/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-d009c9884635d00a666447e706ce7427\" 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-2\">2. Why Aklief is used for dermatitis patients<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-3\">3. How acne develops<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-4\">4. Less irritating than previous generations<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-5\">5. Why oral retinoids are used first<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-6\">6. How to use<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-7\">7. Pregnancy \u00b7 breastfeeding<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sec-8\">8. Conclusion<\/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). Its active ingredient is <strong>trifarotene (Trifarotene)<\/strong>, which <strong>selectively binds to the RAR-\u03b3 receptor, the most widely distributed in the skin<\/strong>.<sup><a style=\"color:inherit\" href=\"#&#xCC38;&#xACE0;&#xBB38;&#xD5CC;\">1<\/a><\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Retinoids are medications that inhibit excessive keratin and sebum from clogging pores. They have also been reported to <strong>strengthen the skin barrier<\/strong> with long-term use.<sup><a style=\"color:inherit\" href=\"#&#xCC38;&#xACE0;&#xBB38;&#xD5CC;\">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-2\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Why Aklief is used for dermatitis patients<\/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\">The core of atopic dermatitis, rosacea dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis is <strong>skin barrier damage<\/strong>. When the barrier is weak, the skin is vulnerable to external irritation, so protecting the skin with a rich cream is the foundation of treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, rich moisturizers can clog pores and worsen acne, and this medication can be a solution. In addition, with long-term use, it helps strengthen the skin barrier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oral retinoids can have similar effects, but they may cause side effects such as dryness of the lips and eyes throughout the body, so for long-term use, topical retinoids are more suitable.<sup><a style=\"color: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29974453\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sec-3\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. How acne develops<\/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\">Acne occurs when keratin and sebum clog pores, and Aklief suppresses excessive keratin and sebum production (for details, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/acne\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"7210\">Acne<\/a> page).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, even while using rich moisturizers, it can help reduce acne worsening due to clogged pores. Whether it is needed is determined by assessing the degree of pore blockage with a <a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/woods-lamp-examination\/\">Wood\u2019s lamp exam<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/wood-lamp-sebum-fluorescence-1.webp\" alt=\"A clinical photo showing sebum fluorescence around the cheeks and nose as pink dots under a Wood&#x2019;s lamp exam&#x2014;used to determine whether to use Aklief\" class=\"wp-image-6578\" title=\"Wood&#x2019;s lamp exam &#x2014; sebum fluorescence reaction\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sec-4\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Less irritating than previous generations<\/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\">Retinoids extend the lifespan of keratinocytes. As cells live longer, there are fewer dead cells to make up the stratum corneum, and the adhesion between dead cells also weakens.<sup><a style=\"color:inherit\" href=\"#&#xCC38;&#xACE0;&#xBB38;&#xD5CC;\">3<\/a><\/sup> As a result, <strong>the skin barrier may weaken early in use.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/retinoid-skin-layer-stratum-corneum-comparison.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration comparing the epidermal layer of normal skin vs. after Aklief application&#x2014;showing how the stratum corneum thins initially as keratinocyte lifespan increases, and the skin barrier may temporarily weaken\" class=\"wp-image-7071\" title=\"Changes in the stratum corneum after retinoid use\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, in our experience, Aklief tends to cause less of this irritation than previous-generation retinoids. This is presumed to be because earlier retinoids stimulate RAR-\u03b1 \u00b7 \u03b2 \u00b7 \u03b3 simultaneously, whereas this medication <strong>selectively binds only to RAR-\u03b3<\/strong>.<sup><a style=\"color:inherit\" href=\"#&#xCC38;&#xACE0;&#xBB38;&#xD5CC;\">4<\/a><\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sec-5\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Why oral retinoids are used 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 many cases, using an oral retinoid first and then Aklief is more effective than starting Aklief right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is thought to be because using an oral retinoid to <strong>open the pores<\/strong> allows the medication to reach deeper inside 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-6\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. 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<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even though it is less irritating than previous generations, Aklief is still a retinoid, so you should start conservatively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list has-custom-color-5-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e7902cfb4c7d24e727ae5ecdbd2f38a0\">\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 eye area. If you do not mix it with a moisturizer, you should start with an amount so small that you would not be able to apply it to the entire face. <\/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 your skin becomes red after use or dermatitis flares up again, reduce the amount and frequency, or stop completely if needed. Conversely, if there are no side effects, gradually increase the amount or frequency. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sec-7\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. 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.  <\/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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sec-8\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Conclusion<\/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\">For dermatitis patients, rich moisturizers are very helpful for protecting the barrier, but they can clog pores and trigger acne. Aklief can help resolve this dilemma by preventing pore blockage while also strengthening the skin barrier over the long term. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your pores are significantly clogged, it may be effective to start after first clearing the pores with <a href=\"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/isotretinoin\/\">Isotynoin<\/a>.<\/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-50df961f5905fa7121302881ff50d7a6\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29706423\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Thoreau E, Arellano C, Jourdan F, et al. Structure-based design of Trifarotene (CD5789), a potent and selective RAR\u03b3 agonist for the treatment of acne. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2018;28(10):1736-1741.   <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29974453\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Aubert J, Piwnica D, Bertino B, et al. Nonclinical and human pharmacology of the potent and selective topical retinoic acid receptor-\u03b3 agonist trifarotene. Br J Dermatol. 2018;179(2):442-456.   <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22148010\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Yoon J, Bhatt LR, Yoo HJ, et al. Retinoid Induces the Degradation of Corneodesmosomes and Downregulation of Corneodesmosomal Cadherins: Implications on the Mechanism of Retinoid-induced Desquamation. Korean J Invest Dermatol. 2011;18(3):112-118.   <\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34354358\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Sadeghian A, Markowski T, Engstrom KG, et al. Assessing the Safety and Efficacy of Trifarotene in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2021;17:741-756.   <\/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. However, if the pores are already significantly clogged, it can be difficult for the medication to reach its target sufficiently. Whether to use Isotynoin first is determined based on the condition of the pores.  <\/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-6422-004\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How is it different from Differin?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Differin (adapalene) is a 3rd-generation retinoid, while Aklief (trifarotene) is a 4th-generation retinoid. Clinically, Aklief tends to cause less skin irritation, and because systemic absorption is low, it can be applied to larger areas. <\/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>Apply Aklief in the evening. During use, the stratum corneum may become thinner, making the skin more vulnerable to UV exposure, so it is best to minimize unnecessary sun exposure. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Medications Aklief | A cream that tackles both the skin barrier and sebum Aklief is a topical retinoid used to treat acne. For dermatitis patients with acne, it is prescribed not only to treat acne but also to make it possible to use richer moisturizers. 1. What is Aklief? Aklief is a 4th-generation retinoid ointment [&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":7,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12199\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13010,"href":"https:\/\/miragen.clinic\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12199\/revisions\/13010"}],"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}]}}