Aklief Cream is a prescription-only topical treatment that contains 0.005% trifarotene. It’s designed to help your skin shed old cells more quickly so fresh cells can come through. This gentle exfoliation clears out clogged pores and helps prevent new pimples from appearing. At the same time, Aklief soothes the redness and swelling that often accompany inflamed acne, leading to fewer breakouts and less irritation.

Primary use: Treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years and older 

Generic available: No

How to order: Requires a valid prescription

Common side effects: Skin irritation, itchiness, and sunburn

• Cleanse: Wash the area you plan to treat with a mild cleanser. Pat your skin dry.

• Pump and apply: In the evening, apply a thin layer to the affected areas, avoiding the eyes, lips, and mucus membranes.

• 1 pump covers your entire face (forehead, cheeks, nose, chin).

• 2 pumps cover the upper trunk (shoulders, reachable upper back, chest).

• Optional 3rd pump for the middle and lower back if needed.

• Moisturize right away: From day one, follow up with a gentle moisturizer to help manage any dryness or flakiness.

Stay consistent. Use Aklief every evening. If your skin reacts with excessive redness or peeling, your doctor may suggest using it less frequently or pausing until the irritation eases.

Some people may experience side effects when using Aklief Cream. These can include:

• Irritation: During the first four weeks, many users notice mild to moderate redness, peeling, or dryness. These reactions usually ease up as your skin gets used to the treatment.

• Sun sensitivity: Aklief Cream can make your skin more sensitive to light, leading to skin irritation and sunburn. To protect yourself, limit time in direct sun and avoid using tanning beds, sunlamps, and ultraviolet light. Additionally, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more and wear hats or long sleeves to protect treated areas.

If irritation becomes severe or does not settle down, let your provider know. They may lower your application frequency or pause treatment altogether. Rarely, people may develop painful or extensive skin reactions that require stopping the cream.

When you’re using Aklief Cream, steer clear of:

• Applying it to broken or irritated skin, such as cuts, scrapes, eczema patches, or sunburnt skin.

• Waxing the treated areas; wait at least three days after you have stopped using the cream.

• Harsh or drying skincare products, including abrasive scrubs, products with high alcohol content, or other exfoliants.

Is there a generic version of Aklief Cream available?

No. Aklief Cream is still fairly new and is sold only under its brand name. A generic trifarotene cream has not been approved or released.

Can I buy Aklief Cream from Canada?

Yes. You can purchase Aklief Cream through reputable online Canadian pharmacies, such as RxConnected, with a valid prescription. Many of these pharmacies offer lower prices than U.S. stores and will ship the cream directly to your home. To make sure you’re dealing with a trustworthy source, choose pharmacies certified by third-party organizations such as CIPA or IPABC.

How long does Aklief Cream take to start working?

Most people notice improvements in their facial acne in about two weeks of nightly use. When treating breakouts on the chest, shoulders, and back, significant clearing usually shows up by week four. Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different: some users may see results a little sooner, while others might need more time before they notice a clear difference.

Do I need a prescription to get Aklief Cream?

Yes. Aklief Cream is only available with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider, whether you buy it in the U.S. or from an online Canadian pharmacy like RxConnected.

Does Aklief Cream reduce acne scars?

Yes. Aklief not only clears active pimples but also helps smooth out indented acne scars. In a 24-week split-face study, participants applied Aklief to one side of their face and a non-medicated cream to the other. Visible improvements in scar depth were noted by week two and continued through week 24. By the end of the study, the Aklief-treated areas showed about a 31% decrease in scar count compared with an 8% decrease on the untreated side.