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Get a CLEAR understanding of acne

Acne is more than just breakouts. Learn how it forms and its potential long-term effects1

Understanding acne

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the US.5 It can affect people of all ages, skin types, and backgrounds2. Understanding the causes and impact of acne can help you better navigate your skin journey3.

Acne can affect anyone

Acne affects people of all ages, genders, skin tones, and skin types3. Although it is often thought of as a teenage condition, acne frequently persists into adulthood, and can even develop for the first time later in life3.

It’s not your fault 

Acne is a complex medical condition. It isn't caused by poor hygiene or anything you did wrong. Many factors work together to trigger breakouts, including hormones, genetics, excess oil production, inflammation, and the way skin cells shed and clog pores4.

Acne can leave a lasting mark

Even after breakouts clear, some people may experience lasting effects such as acne scars and dark marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH)*.1, 5

Acne can affect more than your skin

Beyond the visible effects, acne and its after effects can impact self-esteem, confidence, social interactions, and overall quality of life. For this reason, treating acne early and effectively may help reduce the risk of long-term skin changes and emotional burden.6

What causes acne?

Acne starts when excess oil and dead skin cells clog pores. Bacteria can then grow inside these clogged pores, leading to inflammation and the formation of pimples, blackheads, and other acne lesions.4 Acne can range from a few occasional breakouts to more persistent or widespread blemishes. The severity of acne varies from person to person and can affect different areas of the skin. 3,7,8

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Acne may not end when breakouts clear1

For many people, acne is more than just pimples. Even after breakouts improve, visible reminders such as acne scars and PIH can remain. The more severe or persistent the inflammation, the greater the risk of developing long-lasting marks or scars.1,5

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After effects of acne 

When acne causes significant inflammation, it can damage the skin and lead to permanent scars as it heals. Acne can also leave behind dark spots that remain after the active lesions clear1,5

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Acne scarring 

Acne scars form when inflammation from a breakout damages the skin. As the skin heals, it may not produce the right amount of collagen, leaving either a depression (indented scar) or a raised scar. Any severity of acne can lead to acne scarring. 1,5

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Post acne dark marks

After a pimple heals, the inflammation can trigger the skin to produce extra pigment. This can leave a dark mark behind, even though the acne itself is gone. This is known as Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and may persist for months after a blemish has gone away, especially in people with darker skin tones.2,5

Acne management

Managing acne may involve daily habits and lifestyle changes along with medical treatment. Regardless of acne severity, retinoids are considered a standard part of acne care.4,7

It is important to choose an approach that treats active breakouts while also helping reduce the risk of long-term marks and texture changes, including acne scars and PIH. Addressing both at the same time can support better long-term outcomes.1,4,7

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Managing acne with AKLIEF® (triferotene) Cream, 0.005%  

AKLIEF Cream is a topical prescription retinoid option to discuss with your doctor as part of an acne treatment plan. AKLIEF Cream addresses active acne and supports clear including concerns about marks left behind from acne.4,7,8abcd

Download Doctor Discussion Guide Why Aklief Cream
Why AKLIEF Cream

*PIH, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

a. Studied in acne patients from 9 to 58 years of age with diverse skin types and moderate-to-severe acne. Nodulocystic acne was excluded from the trials.

b. Significant improvement seen as early as Week 1 in the pivotal clinical trials.

c. Secondary to clearing acne.

d. The primary endpoint was the overall disease severity score (ODS). No statistical significance between AKLIEF Cream and vehicle at Week 24 was seen.

References

  1. Layton AM, Henderson CA, Cunliffe WJ. A clinical evaluation of acne scarring and its incidence. Clin Exp Dermatol. 1994;19(4):303-308. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.1994.tb01200.x.

  2. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Skin conditions by the numbers. Accessed March 14, 2022. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-numbers

  3. Tan J, Tang J, Fung K, et al. Prevalence and severity of facial and truncal acne in a referral cohort. J Drugs Dermatol. 2008;7(6):551-556.

  4. Tan J, Thiboutot D, Popp G, et al. Randomized phase 3 evaluation of trifarotene 50 µg/g cream treatment of moderate facial and truncal acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;80(6):1691-1699.

  5. Mandy SH. Chest and back acne: A retrospective review. Adv Ther. 1995;12(6):321-332.

  6. Wakefield Research. Wakefieldresearch.com. July 2019.

  7. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Back acne: how to see clearer skin. Accessed July 27, 2021. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/diy/back-acne

  8. Tan J, Thiboutot D, Popp G, et al. Randomized phase 3 evaluation of trifarotene 50 μg/g cream treatment of moderate facial and truncal acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;80(6):1691-1699. 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Indication: AKLIEF® (trifarotene) Cream, 0.005% is a retinoid indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. Adverse Events: The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) in patients treated with AKLIEF Cream were application site irritation, application site pruritus (itching), and sunburn. Warnings/Precautions: Patients using AKLIEF Cream may experience erythema, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning. Use a moisturizer from the initiation of treatment, and, if appropriate, depending upon the severity of these adverse reactions, reduce the frequency of application of AKLIEF Cream, suspend or discontinue use. Avoid application of AKLIEF Cream to cuts, abrasions or eczematous or sunburned skin. Use of “waxing” as a depilatory method should be avoided on skin treated with AKLIEF Cream. Minimize exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and protective clothing over treated areas when exposure cannot be avoided.