Does Winlevi Cause Skin Thinning?
Winlevi is a prescription cream used to treat acne. It contains clascoterone, a medicine that blocks androgen receptors in the skin to cut down oil production and calm inflammation.[1] People often worry about side effects from acne treatments, especially skin thinning. This happens with strong steroid creams that break down collagen over time. But Winlevi is not a steroid. It works differently by targeting hormones right in the skin.
Common side effects of Winlevi are mild and stay on the skin’s surface. These include redness, warmth, stinging, burning, dryness, flaking, or itching. Most of these go away on their own.[1] Studies on clascoterone show that skin irritation levels match those seen with a plain cream base, not the active drug itself.[2] There is no mention of skin thinning in reports from its use for acne.[1][2]
Winlevi stays mostly local with little absorption into the body. This means low risk of deeper changes like thinning.[4] In trials for acne, no one reported thinning skin. Even when tested for other uses like hair growth at higher strengths, side effects stayed mild and focused on the application spot.[2][3][4] Doctors note it is gentle compared to older acne options.[1]
If you notice any skin changes while using Winlevi, talk to your doctor. They can check if it fits your skin type. Always follow the instructions: apply a thin layer twice a day to clean, dry skin.[1]
Sources
https://www.thefamilychemist.co.uk/product/winlevi-cream-clascoterone/
https://hairgrowthdoctor.com/clascoterone-cure-hair-loss/
https://theprint.in/opinion/clascoterone-new-drug-root-cause-pattern-baldness/2813671/
https://www.ndtv.com/health/how-clascoterone-works-acne-drug-repurposed-for-male-pattern-baldness-explained-9770844
https://www.oanahealth.com/post/topical-vs-oral-androgen-blockers-what-to-know
