Winlevi: The Biggest Breakthrough in Acne Treatment in 40 Years

Written by Dr Amit Goyal

22/01/2026

For decades, treating acne has felt like a choice between two paths: topical creams that kill bacteria and peel the skin, or oral medications that balance hormones but come with systemic side effects.

At MySkinDoc, we are thrilled to introduce a third, revolutionary path. Winlevi (clascoterone 1%) is the first-ever topical androgen receptor inhibitor. It is the first acne treatment with a completely new "mechanism of action" to be approved by regulators in nearly 40 years.

If you’ve struggled with stubborn, hormonal, or oily acne and want a targeted solution without the need for oral pills, Winlevi could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.

Ready to see if Winlevi is right for you? Book a Private Consultation with our Dermatologists today

What is Winlevi?

Winlevi is a prescription-only cream containing the active ingredient clascoterone 1%. While it may look like a standard skin cream, what’s inside represents a "first-in-class" medical innovation.

Most topical treatments you might know—like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids—focus on clearing away dead skin cells or killing C. acnes bacteria. Winlevi is different. It is the first cream that targets the hormonal triggers of acne directly in the skin.

Why is this "Brand New"?

Before Winlevi, the only way to tackle the hormonal side of acne (excess sebum caused by androgens) was through oral medications like the contraceptive pill or spironolactone. These work by changing hormone levels throughout your entire body. Winlevi brings that same hormonal-blocking power directly to the site of the problem—your skin—without affecting the rest of your body.

How Does Winlevi Work?

To understand Winlevi, you have to understand the "Androgen Receptor."

Both men and women have androgens (like testosterone) in their bodies. When these hormones bind to receptors in your sebaceous (oil) glands, they send a loud signal: "Produce more oil!" This excess oil (sebum) clogs pores, feeds bacteria, and leads to the painful, inflammatory breakouts we call acne.

Winlevi works by:

1. Competing for Space: Clascoterone "sits" on the androgen receptors in your skin, effectively blocking your body’s hormones from reaching them.

2. Silencing the Signal: By blocking the receptor, Winlevi stops the signal that triggers excess oil production.

3. Reducing Inflammation: Less oil means less fuel for bacteria and a significant reduction in the redness and swelling associated with inflammatory acne.

Because it is applied topically, it is rapidly broken down into an inactive form once it enters the skin, ensuring it doesn't cause the systemic hormonal imbalances often associated with oral treatments.

Who is Winlevi for?

One of the most exciting aspects of Winlevi is its versatility. It is licensed for use in adults and adolescents (aged 12 and older) and is effective for:

• Hormonal Acne: Particularly the deep, cystic breakouts along the jawline and chin.

• Oily Skin: It is the only topical treatment that specifically addresses the root cause of sebum overproduction.

• Male and Female Patients: Unlike oral spironolactone, which is generally only prescribed to women, Winlevi is safe and effective for men because it works locally on the skin.

Stop the cycle of breakouts at the source. Speak to a specialist at MySkinDoc about Winlevi

What to Expect: Efficacy and Side Effects

In clinical trials, Winlevi showed a significant reduction in both inflammatory (red bumps) and non-inflammatory (blackheads/whiteheads) lesions.

Results Timeline

Acne treatment is a marathon, not a sprint. While some patients notice an improvement in skin oiliness within the first month, the best results are typically seen after 12 weeks of twice-daily application.

Safety Profile

Because Winlevi targets the skin specifically, it is remarkably well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and localized, including:

• Mild redness (erythema)

• Itching or dryness

• Scaling or peeling

Unlike many retinoids, Winlevi has moisturizing properties, making it much gentler on the skin barrier.

How to Get Winlevi in the UK through MySkinDoc

As a brand-new, prescription-only medication, Winlevi is not available over the counter and is currently difficult to access on the NHS. At MySkinDoc, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of dermatological care, offering our patients the latest evidence-based treatments before they hit the mainstream.

This article was written by Dr Goyal at mySkinDoc