Understanding Trifarotene (Aklief)

Trifarotene, which was first approved in 2019, is a prescription retinoid cream. This medication is often sold as the brand Aklief! Patients use this one once a day in the evening. Of course, patients must expect side effects when they start applying this medication, including dry, itchy skin and skin irritation. They need to tell their doctor when these are persistent or bothersome.

Trifarotene is a common cystic acne treatment! However, most patients will try an over-the-counter retinol cream or serum first. They are just not as strong! Trifarotene cream is also an excellent acne scar treatment. Of course, patients need to understand how this medication works first to evaluate it as the best acne treatment with their doctor!

How It Works

Trifarotene is a retinoid. Specifically, it is part of the medication class referred to as retinoic acid receptor agonists! Thus, it binds to these receptors in the body. The isoforms of these receptors are RAR-alpha, -beta, and -gamma. Trifarotene is the only retinoid that targets the last one! This is great for its effectiveness, since the gamma isoform is the most common one in the skin! Of course, this medication makes skin cells turn over much faster, thus healing the skin. It also clears acne breakouts and smoothes skin textures because of this effect.

Continue reading to discover the uses for this medication next!