Targeted Acne Treatment • Sebum Control • Hormonal Acne

Struggling with recurring acne, oily skin or breakouts that seem to return despite using conventional acne products?

WINLEVI® (clascoterone) cream 1% is a prescription topical acne treatment that works differently from many traditional acne medications.

Instead of only targeting clogged pores or exfoliating the skin, WINLEVI® works on androgen receptors in the skin, helping reduce the effect of acne-related hormones on sebum production.

At Sheen Clinic, Subang Jaya, WINLEVI® may be considered as part of a personalised acne treatment plan following medical assessment.

What Is WINLEVI®?

WINLEVI® is a prescription topical cream containing clascoterone 1% for the treatment of acne vulgaris in patients aged 12 years and older.

It is an androgen receptor inhibitor designed to target androgen activity in the skin.

WINLEVI® at a glance

The approved prescribing information states that WINLEVI® is indicated for topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients aged 12 years and older.

How Does WINLEVI® Work?

Acne is influenced by several factors, including:

Sebum + clogged pores + inflammation + hormonal signalling

Androgens can stimulate sebaceous glands to produce sebum.

For some people, increased androgen activity in the skin contributes to excessive oil production and recurring acne.

WINLEVI® contains clascoterone, an androgen receptor inhibitor.

By inhibiting androgen receptors in the skin, WINLEVI® is designed to reduce the effect of acne-related androgen signalling.

The exact mechanism by which WINLEVI® treats acne has not been fully established, although clascoterone is an androgen receptor inhibitor.

In simple terms:

Androgen signalling → increased sebum → acne

WINLEVI® targets the androgen receptor pathway in the skin.

Who May Benefit From WINLEVI®?

WINLEVI® may be considered for patients with acne associated with:

• Excessively oily skin

• Recurring breakouts

• Inflammatory acne

• Comedonal acne

• Acne that repeatedly returns

• Acne with a possible hormonal component

• Acne that has not responded adequately to skincare alone

It can be used by both males and females aged 12 years and older.

However, not every patient with acne needs WINLEVI®.

The right acne treatment depends on the type, severity and underlying factors contributing to your acne.

WINLEVI® for Hormonal Acne

The term "hormonal acne" is commonly used to describe acne that appears to be influenced by hormonal changes.

Examples may include acne that:

• Flares around menstruation

• Appears repeatedly around the jawline or lower face

• Occurs together with increased oil production

• Persists despite a consistent skincare routine

• Recurs after temporary improvement

Hormones are only one part of acne, however.

A proper consultation helps determine whether androgen-related activity is likely to be contributing to your breakouts.

WINLEVI® vs Traditional Acne Treatments

WINLEVI® is different from many commonly used acne ingredients.

This does not mean WINLEVI® is universally better than other acne treatments.

It works through a different pathway and may be useful for selected patients.

How to Use WINLEVI®

According to the prescribing information, WINLEVI® should be applied as a thin, uniform layer to the affected area twice daily — morning and evening — after gently cleansing and drying the skin.

Approximately 1 gram is recommended for the affected area.

Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes. WINLEVI® is intended for topical use only.

Simple routine

Morning

Cleanser → WINLEVI® → Moisturiser → Sunscreen

Evening

Cleanser → WINLEVI® → Moisturiser

Your doctor may adjust your overall acne routine depending on your skin condition and other medications.

When Can You Expect Improvement?

Clinical studies evaluated WINLEVI® when applied twice daily for 12 weeks.

The manufacturer reports that some patients experienced visible improvement as early as Week 4, with further progress by Week 12.

However, acne treatment is not an overnight process.

Your response may depend on:

• Acne severity

• Sebum production

• Hormonal influences

• Skin sensitivity

• Consistency of treatment

• Other acne medications

• Lifestyle and skincare habits

Individual results vary.

WINLEVI® and Oily Skin

Excess sebum is one of the important contributors to acne.

Sebum itself is not bad — it helps protect and moisturise the skin.

The problem occurs when excessive oil production contributes to:

Oiliness → clogged pores → acne breakouts

WINLEVI® is specifically designed to target androgen activity involved in sebum production.

This makes it particularly interesting for patients whose acne is accompanied by persistent oiliness.

Can WINLEVI® Be Combined With Other Acne Treatments?

Potentially, yes.

Acne is rarely caused by one single factor, so some patients may benefit from a combination approach.

Depending on your skin condition, your doctor may consider combining prescription acne treatment with:

• Retinoids

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Azelaic acid

• Salicylic acid

• Medical acne facials

• Chemical peels

• Acne laser treatments

• Acne scar treatments

However, combining multiple active treatments can also increase irritation.

More treatments do not automatically mean better skin.

At Sheen Clinic, we prefer to introduce treatments according to the patient's acne severity, skin tolerance and treatment goals.

WINLEVI® for Acne-Prone Skin at Sheen Clinic

Our approach to acne is not simply:

"Dry the skin → kill bacteria → repeat."

We look at the bigger picture.

Step 1 — Identify the acne pattern

Is it mainly:

• Comedonal?

• Inflammatory?

• Hormonal-pattern?

• Cystic?

• Oil-related?

• Irritation-related?

Step 2 — Identify contributing factors

We consider:

• Sebum production

• Skincare products

• Hormonal patterns

• Previous acne medication

• Skin sensitivity

• Picking or squeezing

• Post-acne pigmentation

• Acne scarring

Step 3 — Build an appropriate treatment plan

This may include prescription medication, medical skincare, procedures or a combination of approaches.

WINLEVI® for Male and Female Acne

WINLEVI® is not exclusively a women's acne treatment.

It is indicated for males and females aged 12 years and older.

Androgen activity affects the skin in both sexes, which is why clascoterone can be considered for appropriate acne patients regardless of gender.

Important Safety Information

WINLEVI® is a prescription medication and should be used according to your doctor's instructions.

Common local skin reactions may include:

• Redness

• Itching

• Scaling

• Dryness

• Stinging

• Burning

The prescribing information also warns that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression may occur, and elevated potassium levels were observed in some clinical-trial participants.

Tell your doctor if you:

• Have eczema, cuts or sunburn

• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy

• Are breastfeeding

• Are using other prescription acne medications

• Have other medical conditions

Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, so medical advice is important before use.

Is WINLEVI® Suitable for You?

WINLEVI® may be worth discussing if you have:

✓ Persistent acne
✓ Oily, acne-prone skin
✓ Recurring breakouts
✓ Possible hormonal-pattern acne
✓ Acne that keeps returning despite skincare

But the best treatment depends on the individual.

You may need something different if your main concern is:

Acne scars → Scar-specific treatment such as Dermapen 4™ or TCA CROSS may be considered.

Severe cystic acne → A doctor may consider systemic medication.

Post-acne pigmentation → Pigmentation-focused treatment may be required.

Very sensitive or irritated skin → Your skin barrier may need to be stabilised first.

Why Choose Sheen Clinic for Acne Treatment?

At Sheen Clinic, we believe acne treatment should address the reason your acne keeps coming back, rather than simply treating individual pimples.

WINLEVI® provides another option for appropriately selected patients by targeting androgen receptor activity in the skin.

But medication is only one part of acne management.

Our goal is to help you move from:

Recurring breakouts → controlled acne → healthier skin → reduced risk of scarring

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WINLEVI® a steroid?

No. WINLEVI® contains clascoterone, an androgen receptor inhibitor. It is not a corticosteroid acne cream.

Is WINLEVI® a retinoid?

No. WINLEVI® is not a retinoid. Its active ingredient, clascoterone, works as an androgen receptor inhibitor.

Is WINLEVI® suitable for men?

Yes. WINLEVI® is indicated for males and females aged 12 years and older with acne vulgaris.

Does WINLEVI® help oily skin?

WINLEVI® targets androgen activity in the skin that influences sebum production, so it may be useful for appropriately selected patients with acne associated with excess oil.

Can I use WINLEVI® with retinol or retinoids?

Potentially, but this should be discussed with your doctor. Combining active acne medications may increase skin irritation, so your routine should be individualised.

How often should WINLEVI® be applied?

The prescribing information recommends applying a thin layer twice daily, morning and evening.

Is WINLEVI® available in Malaysia?

Yes. Malaysia's National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency lists Winlevi (Clascoterone) Cream 1%, registration number MAL25016001ACZ, approved in January 2025.

Does WINLEVI® permanently cure acne?

No acne medication can guarantee permanent freedom from acne. WINLEVI® is a treatment for acne vulgaris and should be used as part of an appropriate ongoing acne-management plan.

WINLEVI® in Subang Jaya

If you have persistent acne, oily skin or recurring breakouts, a medical acne assessment can help determine whether WINLEVI® is appropriate for you.

Sheen Clinic
Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

WhatsApp: +6019-310 8826

Treat the cause. Control the acne. Protect your skin.

WINLEVI® (clascoterone) cream 1% is a prescription medicine. This page is for educational purposes and does not replace a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Treatment suitability, response and side effects vary between individuals.