Benefits of Winlevi Cream for Your Skin

Acne affects more than 640 million people across the globe with women being the fastest growing population. A focus on the hormonal component of acne has recently dominated new treatment options. Winlevi Cream (clascoterone cream 1%) is the newest all-star for the treatment of hormonal acne!

Winlevi Cream is the first FDA-approved (2020) topical acne medication specifically targeted for hormonal acne (androgen receptor inhibitor). Up until now the only way to combat hormonal acne was through oral anti-androgen medications (e.g. spironolactone and birth control) which limited treatment to females.

This article will explore the specifics of hormonal acne and treatment options.

IMPACT OF ACNE

Acne affects up to 50 million people annually. Although most patients are between the ages of 12 to 24, acne continues to increase in adults...especially women. One JAMA study found that 54% of women and 40% of men over the age of 25 still experience some amount of acne. Acne doesn’t just affect younger people. A study found that just over a quarter of women aged 40-49 reported struggling with acne while only slightly decreasing to 15% of those aged 50 and older.

LIFE CYCLE OF ACNE

The formation of acne is complex, but research suggests four main contributors to acne: cell overgrowth, oil (sebum) production, Cutibacterium acne (C. acne is a type of bacteria), and inflammation. Let’s review this process:

1. The hair follicle cells shed too quickly and clog up the pores.
2. Oil (sebum) gets trapped in these cells and further clogs the pores.
3. Unfortunately, C acne bacteria loves sebum and grows very well in that environment and starts to multiply. 
4. The body’s immune system attacks the bacteria and inflammation forms leading to inflamed acne (papules, pustules, cysts, and/or nodules).  

ACNE TRIGGER: HORMONES

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition, meaning many factors contribute to its cause, from genetics and hormones to lifestyle and skincare products. Let’s explore the hormonal component of acne further. 

Hormonal acne commonly affects women from puberty through menopause. It often presents with acne along the jawline, chin, and cheeks which may worsen during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. These hormones are the leading players when it comes to acne:

• Estrogen tends to help acne and reduces breakouts.
• Progesterone can increase oil (sebum) production and worsen breakouts
• Testosterone (an androgen) and DHT (an off-shoot of testosterone) can increase oil (sebum) production plus alter the skin cells that line hair follicles, making them sticky and more likely to clog pores. 

To see more about this process go to: https://www.winlevi-hcp.com/androgen-sebum-pathway

ORAL TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR HORMONAL ACNE

Up until recently, oral medications were the only option for controlling the hormonal component of acne. These are birth control pills and spironolactone.

Birth Control

Birth control pills have long been used for decades to treat acne, but only a few are approved by the FDA. 

• Ortho Tri-Cyclen (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) 
• Estrostep FE (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol/ferrous fumarate) 
• YAZ (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol) 
• Beyaz(drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol/levomefolate) is the newest birth control to be approved for acne. It’s similar to YAZ.

Birth control can help reduce the amount of testosterone in the body. This lowers the production of oil (sebum) thus decreasing the chance of blocked pores forming. It’s important to note that it can take up to 2-3 months to start to see the effects on your skin so give it time. Also, you may need to try a few brands before finding the one that works best for you. This medication can be used long-term unlike oral antibiotics. This medication is limited to cisgender females. 

Spironolactone

Spironolactone was approved by the FDA in the 1960s, but dermatologists didn’t start using it to treat acne until the 1980s. Spironolactone effectively lowers androgen levels (testosterone and DHT), which in turn helps decrease oil (sebum) production. It can take up to 3-6 months to start to see the effects on acne, so patience is key. Unlike oral antibiotics, this medication can be used long-term. This medication is limited to cisgender females. 

TOPICAL TREATMENT OPTION FOR HORMONAL ACNE

Up until recently oral medication was the only option to address the hormonal component of acne and was limited to women. Winlevi (clascoterone cream 1%) is a game changer for men and women acne-sufferers everywhere.

Winlevi (clascoterone cream 1%) is approved for acne patients 12 years and older with moderate to severe acne. Clinical trials have shown efficacy in treating both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. It is applied to the skin twice a day. 

Research shows that more patients achieved a reduction in acne after 12 weeks of treatment with Winlevi compared to those who received a placebo. The most common side effects (should they occur) were mild and presented as localized redness, itching,  irritation, and skin dryness. These side effects are relatively typical of most topical medications that treat acne and are manageable. 

GOOD TO KNOW

• Winlevi Cream is approved for acne patients 12 years and older. 
• It’s suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
• Patience is key: it may take 1-3 months to start to see the effects on your skin.
• It should be stored at room temperature, between 68° F and 77° F. Storing it in your bathroom can help remind you to use it.
• Winlevi contains mineral oil (protective barrier) and vitamin E (moisturizer) which help moisturize the skin.
• The base ingredients do not appear to contain pore-clogging ingredients. 
• It can be used in conjunction with other acne treatments.

SKINCARE ROUTINE 

Consistent treatment is key. Most acne medications must be taken/applied 1-2 times daily. Sporadic use tends to produce suboptimal results. It's important to follow your medical provider's advice. Doing so helps manage your health effectively and prevent potential complications.

Winlevi recommends the following application routine…

• Gently cleanse and dry the affected area.
• Apply a fingertip amount (approximately one gram) of WINLEVI in a thin, even layer to the affected area twice daily- once in the morning and once in the evening.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS OF WINLEVI CREAM

While Winlevi Cream is generally safe and well-tolerated, it is for external use only and should not be ingested or applied to areas other than the face. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and broken skin. If you experience any irritation or allergic reactions, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

WINLEVI “SAVINGS” PROGRAMS

Brand name (-vs- generic) prescription medications are usually expensive…especially when they are new to the market! Wlinlevi is currently offering two ways to help patients save. 

“PhilRX Program  Sun Pharma has partnered with PHIL to provide commercially insured patients with the lowest possible price options available for their WINLEVI prescription.”

AS LOW AS

$0

“Co-Pay Program For commercially insured patients, you can still prescribe WINLEVI to their local retail pharmacy.”

AS LOW AS

$20

Go to https://www.winlevi-hcp.com/savings to learn more! 

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YOUR SKIN NEEDS ARE UNIQUE!

Remember, acne treatments are tailored for the individual and what works for one person may not work for another. If you're considering incorporating Winlevi Cream into your skincare routine, it's always a good idea to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Don't let hormonal acne hold you back – start your journey to better skin now with Piction Health’s online dermatology platform. 

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FAQs

Q. What is the most common skin condition in the United States?
A. Acne. It affects up to 50 million persons annually.

Q. Can acne be cured?
A. No, acne cannot be cured only controlled with topical and oral treatments. 

Q. How does a pimple form?
A. There are 4 steps: cell overgrowth, oil (sebum) production, C. acnes, and inflammation.

Q. True or False: Approximately 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience at least some acne.
A. True.

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PICTION HEALTH VIRTUAL DERMATOLOGY

For convenient access to professional dermatology care, visit Piction Health's online dermatology platform. Our board-certified dermatologists are ready to provide personalized guidance for acne concerns. Take the first step towards healthier, happier skin by scheduling an online dermatology consultation today.

RESOURCES

• Dagnelie MA, Poinas A, Dréno B. What is new in adult acne for the last 2 years: focus on acne pathophysiology and treatments. Int J Dermatol. 2022;61(10):1205-1212. doi:10.1111/ijd.16220
• Bickers DR, Lim HW, Margolis D, Weinstock MA, Goodman C, Faulkner E et al. The burden of skin diseases: 2004 a joint project of the American Academy of Dermatology Association and the Society for Investigative Dermatology. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2006;55:490-500.
• American Academy of Dermatology Association. Skin Conditions by the Numbers. Date Accessed August 23, 2022.
• Collier CN, Harper JC, Cafardi JA, et al. The prevalence of acne in adults 20 years and older. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;58:56–59. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2007.06.045
• Holzmann R , Shakery K. Postadolescent acne in females. Skin pharmacology and physiology 2014;27 Suppl 1:3-8.
• Khunger N , Kumar C. A clinico-epidemiological study of adult acne: is it different from adolescent acne? Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology 2012;78:335-41.
• Tanghetti EA, Kawata AK, Daniels SR, Yeomans K, Burk CT , Callender VD. Understanding the Burden of Adult Female Acne. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 2014;7:22-30.
• Piszczatoski CR, Powell J. Topical clascoterone: the first novel agent for acne vulgaris in 40 years. Clin Ther. 2021;43(10):1638-1644. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2021.08.007
• NIH Acne: Research summaries – Which birth control pills can help reduce acne? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279209/

DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this medical blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy, medical knowledge constantly evolves, and individual health situations vary. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. The authors and publishers of this blog are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from using any suggestions, products, or procedures discussed in this blog.

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