WINLEVI HORMONAL ACNE TREATMENT 🤔 DERMATOLOGIST

[@TK-dt4nk]

I’ve only been on Winlevi for two weeks, but I noticed immediate results. This cream is an absolute life saver for me. Nothing else has worked, and I don’t want to take Accutane or Spironolactone. I’m in my 40’s, and hormonal acne is worse now than when I was 13. I used a special pharmacy and it cost me $20 and I got it two days after I saw my dermatologist.

[@kyradray4938]

Same here 40 and breaking out just on chin/ jaw area. So fed up. May I ask what is special pharmacy?

[@TK-dt4nk]

@@kyradray4938 my dermatologist sent my prescription to a pharmacy in a different city (but same state). I go through an app called Nimble and they ship the cream directly to me in two days. Very convenient. I would ask your doctor or PA. If they prescribe Winlevi, they should also be aware of the price and how to help you. It’s a total lifesaver for me and I’m still amazed at how well it’s worked for me so far.

[@shraddhadahal878]

Are you using this in combination with anything else or winlevi alone? Thank you :)

[@yeti1835]

@@shraddhadahal878 also want to know this! My derm didn't tell me to stop my current routine (bp cleanser) so idk if I'm supposed to cut it out..

[@yeti1835]

Also how did you get it for $20 at a pharmacy?

[@jh7504]

Just wanted to put a one month update! After using Winlevi (and tretinoin 0.25% gel) for about one month, I have already noticed a huge improvement in my acne. My skin is much less oily, much less inflamed and starting to become smooth. This medication is very promising!

[@tsikinite]

What is your routine like if you use it alongside tretinoin?

[@Melody36785]

@21407ldermatologist has to prescribe it

[@plinkvevo]

@21407lIt’s a prescription drug, you need to have it ordered by a dermatologist.

[@EnvyBlu]

This is so wonderful for the millions of people who have suffered from painful hormonal acne cystic breakouts. I take oral Spironolactone, and I highly highly recommend it for any woman who suffers from hormonal acne. It has completely cleared my face, in just one month. I can’t wait to see the long term results of my skin with me taking Spironolactone and using topical Tretinoin. 🙏🏼 This new androgen blocker cream is amazing! All the new medical inventions we have in this modern day is so exciting. Go science! 🙏🏼

[@crystalmata887]

What is your dosage of oral spironolactone?

[@universe25.x]

Lucky you! Spironolactone started to work on me only in 6 months after the first pill

[@bianca-eu9sd]

Do i need prescription or i can get otc

[@achromatic03]

@@bianca-eu9sd i did when I was on it

[@kier3576]

I agree, I’ve been taking spironolactone for the cystic acne, about 1.5 months now and my acne is 98% gone. I just had some flair ups, but it’s almost gone. It’s nothing compared to how it used to be I cried.

[@TennisObsessed]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been using Winlevi for a little over a month. I apply it to my chin, jawline and upper neck where I get inflammatory, painful breakouts that scar. While I still have a few small pimples, the painful cysts disappeared almost immediately and have not come back! The anti-inflammatory effect has been amazing for me. Winlevi has not dried out my skin or caused irritation. The vehicle is quite greasy but I love it. I could not tolerate spironolactone's side effects. This is the only acne treatment that has worked for me. My scars are finally healing and I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin. I'm almost 43 and have been struggling with acne since my teen years.

[@realtalks9472]

Follow intermittent fasting ...use brown bread and also drink more water

[@mickeymickey1]

I really appreciate the in-depth explanation of the drug's mechanism of action as well as the supporting data from the studies. As someone with a science background I have much more confidence in products that I know the chemistry behind.

[@Kata_Rin]

Well-said! Same here.

[@alyssabarajasyourrealtor]

I'm SO GLAD you did a video on this, there are Almost none on this new topical treatment! I started back in February rx from my derm. I wanted to research before I started but literally found nothing on this. Thank you this will help many 🙏😊

[@cam1259]

I hope it's working well! Today is my 1st day!

[@paolagomez3175]

How's it working for you? Were you on tretin-A before this?

[@itsgonnabeanaurfromme]

That's why you're using it. For research. How do you think companies get data?

[@mbod2gigi]

@@itsgonnabeanaurfromme Acne is a scourge, it's very hard to treat. Having had adult acne it devastated my self esteem. If I still suffered from it I would be more than happy to trial a topical treatment. It's a win, win.

[@melaries1823]

I have one! Its a really great product overall. Its non irritating and suitable for sensitive and hormonal acne

[@BrennaDarazs]

I have trouble with hormonal acne on my chin, sometimes cystic. I am post-menopausal and was prescribed this to add with my tretinoin. Tretinoin every other day, Winlevi daily. Game changer! My skin cleared up so fast, it's smoother and looks better than it ever has! I'm fortunate that my insurance covers it at $10 a tube (they don't cover so many other things). My acne actually got worse post-menopause, even with tretinoin, so I am so grateful for Winlevi! It was really starting to wear on my self-confidence, and it would get so bad that I couldn't cover it with any kind of makeup and didn't want to see anybody. I think this will help a lot of people. Thank you as always, Dr. Dray!

[@deedee2218]

So glad it is working for you. I’m on the same boat. How long before you started to see results?

[@BrennaDarazs]

@@deedee2218 Not that long at all. I would say at max it was 2 weeks. It's that good!

[@aemilyb]

Do you use winlevi on the nights you use tret? Or switch off?

[@TheMsharrypotter12]

Can you please explain how you used it, did you follow it with moisturizer???

[@BrennaDarazs]

@@TheMsharrypotter12 I put the Winlevi on after washing my face. Give it a moment to absorb. Sometimes I put a hyaluronic serum on top, and yes, alway follow it up with a moisturizer because I have dry, post-menopausal skin. But I suppose if your skin is oily you might not want to do that. Then after that I apply facial sunscreen. Hope that helps!

[@leepypaudel6308]

You're skin is getting healthier by the day. From the time you started youtube in 2016 to now, your skin looks healthier now. Your skincare really works we can see it. You're absolutely beautiful. And i also feel that you're really humble and you advice budget skincare and not too expensive ones so that everyone can do it.

[@GigglingKathy]

I started it in May! It has changed my skin for the better! My skin basically flipped out after I had surgery for cancer and I had bad reactions from other medications for acne before trying this!!! Luckily my dermatologist was able to send it to a pharmacy that brought the cost only $35 since my insurance currently doesn’t cover it!!

[@mikelu1304]

do you know sharing which pharmacy is it?

[@Karly9725]

@@mikelu1304 clear choice pharmacy had a coupon last week and I also paid 35

[@GigglingKathy]

@@mikelu1304 It is Well RX, I actually just called today for a refill and their coupon just changed last week and is now $75!

[@cashleydavenport]

I think all coupons went up. I first paid $25 out of pocket back in May. Fast forward to September and the coupon changed and now it’s $90 out of pocket. 😩 Price went 🆙 because they realized this was a super drug. 😂

[@ColeConte]

I'm allergic to spironolactone, and developed a blood clot with birth control--- but with PCOS my hormonal acne is still all over the place even with the introduction of tretinoin; I'm so EXCITED about this cream!!!

[@universe25.x]

How do you know you’re allergic to spironolactone? What happens when you take it?

[@ghc26]

@@universe25.x I was wondering that too.

[@shamoon4912]

@@universe25.x anaphylaxis, hives/rashes, other side effects???? lol

[@proQuran]

I have PCOS & have been breaking out for 3 straight years. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, tretinoin… all have helped to a degree. But topical clindamycin (antibiotic) has done wonders in just 2 weeks… check it out my fellow cyster

[@Kata_Rin]

@@proQuran yes topical clindamycin helped me a lot!

[@alxndria1]

SOOO glad more is coming out for hormonal acne. I’ve had cystic acne pretty much consistently since age 23. I just quit taking Spiro after giving it a good four months. My acne never went away, and I suspect the hormonal change made my hair fall out. I had awful side effects from mood swings to exhaustion. Just didn’t work for me at all.

[@abbey3188]

It did nothing for me until 7 full months...after that I didn't have a single pimple for years...but I had such low blood pressure & got really dizzy whenever I stood up...they said they were worried about my potassium levels & had to stop

[@thecaamano14]

I had this same issue. Eventually got so tired of antibiotics (bad for your gi tract) and did a course of accutane. Life changing!!

[@abbey3188]

Glad that worked for you! I did Accutane in high school & it completely changed my life as well! It's a great option, except I remember when I tried to stop taking the birth control pills I had to take along with it, my skin started breaking out again. My skin breaks out whenever I attempt to stop birth control though, I take generic Yaz now for my acne. It's not as effective as Spiro but it has some Spiro in it & it's kept me mostly clear after like a whole year...I'll take that over the dizzy spells and tingly extremities.

[@christinajaime2716]

Omg sighs I can understand that so sad. I am taking oral contraceptive and now I'm wondering if that's why my hair is falling out too and other things. Using since 20 I'm 26 now never had acne on neck before but months now been bad hormonal acne in neck is embarrassing

[@thecutestocean3780]

I stopped spirolactin after completely using my sex drive and feeling very depressed and tired. And began suffering from panic attacks. Spiro completely ruined my life

[@marydavidson4816]

I started taking this in March after having terrible breakouts that I never have had in my life. I am 63 and have been on Tretinoin for probably 5 years now. Anyway, it is doing a great job. I go for check in this week with derm to talk about progress.

[@GenXfrom75]

Yay! I'm 47 and I've only used tretinoin. But I'm still breaking out on my chin.

[@charlie398]

wow that's so rough to have it at 63! hope it gets better soon. im annoyed to have it at 30 still as all my family and friends only had it in their teens... honestly had no idea it could exist throughout adulthood too

[@TheRuthyc]

@ Mary Davidson, Hey Mary, I am 64 and have started cystic acne breakouts a year ago after suffering throughout my teens and twenties before finally going on accurate at age 26. So scarred from before, and now every time I get even a small pimple I get an indented scar since I have older skin. I don’t know what to do, I’m on disability for chronic pain so can’t afford a dermatologist. Only accutane took it away so many years ago. What can be causing it at our age? The tretinoin has not prevented it for you, oh my. I feel like stopping the tretinoin now. Have you been under severe stress lately? That can also cause it.

[@niharika4497]

I’m 43 and just started using Winlevi with tretinoin. Are you applying Winlevi first or tretinoin? Derm said to apply Winlevi first but it’s thick.

[@rachelallison5840]

You look great at 63!

[@ceceliamaryn]

Ive been using Winlevi since April and it's AMAZING. Works better for me than Spironolactone did without the horrible side effects!

[@universe25.x]

Is it a prescription?

[@ceceliamaryn]

@@universe25.x Yeah

[@TheMsharrypotter12]

Can you explain how you use it? are you putting moisturizer after or before?

[@ceceliamaryn]

@@TheMsharrypotter12 It's pretty thick and can be a bit hard to spread, so I do before moisturizer. It's not drying or an exfoliant like tretinoin or other acids so you don't need to put a moisturizer first.

[@livh2290]

I'm 23 and I have been on Winlevi for about 4 months or so. It has helped greatly in my hormonal, cystic acne that I would get on my chin during certain times of the month. My cysts aren't completely gone, but this cream helps dramatically. I don't see much of a difference when I use it on whiteheads, but cysts definitely. Thanks for covering this!

[@violetviolet888]

liv h: use Salicylic acid to manage whiteheads

[@mudita3126]

I just got winlevi but it’s instructions say that once opened the tube is good only for a month. So do you discard it after a month?

[@TK-dt4nk]

@@mudita3126 I use it and I do not throw it out after a month. My first tube lasted over 2 months and I didn’t refrigerate or anything, still worked!

[@mudita3126]

@@TK-dt4nk I’m on my second month too now. So far I’d say 30% difference but I still break out around my cycle.

[@TK-dt4nk]

@@mudita3126 I’d agree with that. My first month on it I did have breakouts around my cycle, but it was much less than I normally get. The following month, way more clear, a few on my cycle but I noticed that they didn’t last long at all. Third month, super clear skin. I’m getting ready to start my period, so right now (knock on wood) I only have two very small bumps. Not even noticeable at all.

[@lui1673]

This is good news for us males suffering from adult hormonal acne. I’m currently using tretinoin but from time to time my hormones go berserk and a horde of cystic acne lessions will pop out on my jawline and neck. This happens maybe twice a year and lasts for about a couple of months.

[@JulieSevelson-nb9nj]

It's enlightening to find out that MEN can have hormonal acne, because I know now that my father had this, as he had adrenal hyperplasia. But he didn't know this while he was alive. He passed on this problem, that's for sure ! Please look into going to an endocrinologist for this hormonal acne,even when using products like Winlevi that calms it down. Hormone diseases can cause life threatening symptoms later down the road. We never knew about my mother's father,as far as medical background goes- he had skin cancer genes- as my poor mother found out,the hard way ! Genes matter.

[@CallieRoseStark7]

Thank you for making this video! I've been on spironolactone since November 2021, was using Differin as well but caused too much irriation only using it 3 times a week (for more than 5ish months). February I was finally prescribed Winlevi and it was a game changer for me! I still am on spironolactone 50mg and use Winlevi only once a day. I did add a retinal (the Avene one) at night to help stop fine lines and the Winlevi is used in the morning before sunscreen. I do have dry skin and never found this to irritate me, maybe because I use it once a day. Hope this helps others!

[@JenniGrimsley]

This has been THE thing to get rid of my acne!! I have no idea why more people don’t talk about it.

[@bm4822]

I’ve been on winlevi for two months and I still get cysts, how long did it take for it to work on you? My dermatologist told me it was a 3 month treatment, but read that it can be used safely for up to a year…?

[@tip959]

Due to having PCOS and ongoing breakouts due to my hormonal imbalance, my Dermatologist prescribed Winlevi. It's going on 2 1/2months and this has been the only thing to help. I have not experienced anymore breakouts/oily skin/ or red patches. So far so good and I'm happy with what I see thus far🤗🌻💖!! Now, what is tearing me up is the cost for it lol.

[@double_cheese_burger572]

I am a junior doctor and I always follow your videos. This is very in-depth video and it definitely benefits the medical community too not only for patient consume. Thankyou Dr Dray for creating such a fast update on this new drug and for the comprehensive and high-quality explanation, deciphering the results of the papers! Always a big fan of you, hope you have a blessed day

[@sebumpostmortem]

Whaaaaaat????? Topical approach for hormonal acne??!!!!🤯😍 Antiandrogenics in a tube wich cis and trans males could use? Never clicked so fast. (Actually, I use a progesterone gel to compensate the unbalance of swollen painful breasts on my evil PMS). My acne was 100% genetics but I suffered horrible side effects from unsuccessful treatments with oral hormones. SO GLAD FOR THE NEW GENERATIONS! IN SCIENCE WE TRUST!!! Best info on the entire YT! 🧛🏻‍♀️🖤🖤🖤👩🏻‍🔬🧑🏼‍🦳🐕

[@jastownes]

Thank you for making this video!! I have been on Winlevi since March and I was initially prescribed to apply it once per day in the morning, and use Tretinoin at night. I did that for three months and saw minimal improvement with my hormonal acne. My dermatologist then told me to increase my application to twice per day. As you said, within a matter of two weeks I saw a MAJOR improvement in my hormonal acne! I love that it’s in a cream vehicle as well, since my skin tends to run on the drier side due to Tretinoin use. This has been a game changer for me, and I hope it continues to run on the more affordable side!

[@chococrazd]

Are you still able to fit in Tretinoin with your new routine?

[@jastownes]

@@chococrazd yes! I use Tretinoin every other night. On the nights that I use Tret, I apply Tret first, then apply the Winlevi on top. My dermatologist recommended this method and told me I could use them together in the same routine at night. 👍🏽

[@anitathompson326]

I think this has been around for a hot minute. I’ve been using it since the beginning of this year and it has been phenomenal for my skin. Definitely worth a try. It gives you baby smooth skin and it’s the only thing keeping my acne at bay.

[@iloveredvelvetcupcakes]

i'm going to start today! i hope it's been working well for you

[@anitathompson326]

@@iloveredvelvetcupcakes Hi, it really did work great, I haven’t been super consistent with it lately and I have had a few breakouts. But besides my retinol this is the only other product I would give a 9 out of ten for results. Definitely worth a try!

[@iloveredvelvetcupcakes]

@@anitathompson326 thank you! i started last night :) did you experience any purging and did it take a few months for your results?

[@anitathompson326]

@@iloveredvelvetcupcakes I honestly can’t recall any purging, so I’m going to say I really didn’t have any. I just noticed that it started getting better over time. I started taking in early April and by the end of June I was going out wearing no makeup to cover up!

[@addicted2beauty26]

Question can you use this and tretinoid or do I have to stop the tretinoid?

[@nadeen1111]

I would love to hear about winlevi vs topical spironolactone! Can they be used together? How different are they? Effectiveness?

[@allisongroening9865]

My derm put me on Winlevi instead of pill form of spiro. I think they both do something similar, so I don't think you'd want to use both.

[@alexaproffitt4640]

You actually can use both oral spiro and Winlevi in conjunction :)

[@seanm777]

Perfect Timing Dr. Dray! I just went to the dermatologist yesterday and she prescribed me Wenlevi. Thank you so much for another thorough explanation! It was my first time seeing a dermatologist and she was very impressed with my skincare routine and you definitely deserve all the credit! 😂❤️

[@patriciasamo3364]

How is that drug working for you 1 month in?

[@yeti1835]

How's it working for you? What else do you use in your routine?

[@samanthamacdonald6361]

Hows it working? It's costly so I want to know if it's worth it for me

[@melissasawa7382]

I’m so glad you made this video. My dermatologist put me on this a little over a month ago and I couldn’t find much info about it. My dermatologist was excited about it though. She only put me on it once a day (morning) along side a retinol at night. After suffering most of my adulthood with hormonal acne, my skin is doing so great! The best it has in years honestly. Thanks for all the information. I appreciate your in depth explanation!

[@heatherlange3096]

Same here and this is so exciting to hear! Looking forward to clearer skin days as well 😊

[@maureengatehouse3145]

Does insurance cover this cream?

[@Kata_Rin]

@@maureengatehouse3145 I think it depends on your insurance but my brother has really good health insurance yet still it costs quite a bit. Not complete coverage. I think it has something to do with it being quite new and since that is the case, there is also no generic cheaper alternative. You might have to ask your insurance provider to know your cost for sure.

[@Clo95]

I tried winlevi for 8 months but unfortunately it did not work for me. My derm now has me on a tretinoin and sulfacetamide regime with monthly laser treatment. I had high hopes for winlevi as I know it has helped many with hormonal acne. Treating acne feels like a full time job!

[@hiannahgus574]

OTC DHT inhibitors have been as effective for me as spironolactone was, but without the alteration in potassium/electrolyte balance. I have been using a few grams of the OTC supplement Mega Beta Sitosterol in divided doses for a few years and it keeps the hormonal hair loss and acne under control without any negative effects. It also has helped my cholesterol levels and immune system positively.

[@hellohello3938]

I tried that supplement but stopped because my hair started shedding at an alarming rate.

[@hiannahgus574]

@@hellohello3938 Sorry that happened to you. I wonder if you have a comorbid telogen effuvium condition ? Have they done a biopsy yet at your dermatologist? For me, all of the copious hair loss and acne halted when I started that supplement.

[@scarcat2469]

If this competes with DHT I wonder if this could also end up being an effective option in treating male pattern hair loss Edit: Welp turns out it’s already being looked at

[@paytonzambito8579]

Yes I was thinking the same thing. Bind up the androgen receptors on your head with this and no more dht causing havoc on my follicles

[@flygyro8]

it works better than Finasteride as it also blocks Testosterone which also causes hair loss that's why FIn sin't very effective at the hairline..and yes..no side effects on your d..k

[@TheMeghanleigh]

Interesting thought- I was wondering if it might inhibit facial hair for women.

[@andjelabacic5186]

Except you get big boobs as a male, and it pushes you into estrogen dominance, as spironolactone is one of the treatments used for transgenders in transition.

[@kirboshib9471]

The company has been developing Breezula for years, they are in phase 3 of clinical trials. It's essentially this cream at a higher concentration for MPB.

[@tamarawilson6372]

I started this 3 months ago. I haven’t had any issues so far. Just had blood work and it’s all normal. I was able to get mine through a mail in pharmacy that was participating with my derm to help patients access the meds at little to no cost. I’m so thankful there is finally something I can tolerate that helps my hormonal acne.

[@jillballard8615]

What was your cost?

[@iloveredvelvetcupcakes]

has it worked for you?

[@wendyn3256]

I have been using this for 2 weeks now prescribed by my dermatologist. It costs me $25 through a speciality pharmacy. So far so good, I will keep you posted.

[@vrcp765]

Any updates?

[@tami2093]

Hi Dr Dray I wanted to ask if you could do a video on HYPOpigmentation and vitiligo. There is next to no content/awareness of it on online. It would be great if you could go over how it arises and treatments available. I have some hypopigmentation but I’m not too fussed about it but I know this not true for others with it.

[@jenniferwray3329]

Look up Dr Davin Lim. Derm in Australia. He treats hypopigmentation alot.

[@jessicatapia7204]

I used this for six months and am so sad to say my skin HATED it. Tretinoin has saved me.

[@suzanneclark125]

Thank you so much!! My daughter that is 20 has really struggled with hormonal acne this past year! You are truly a lifesaver for individuals with this issue!! ❤️

[@carolinex29]

I used winlevi for about 6 months and it really helped to improve my cystic hormonal acne. I phased it out for a few reasons, I really hate the vehicle (such a thick paste, takes forever to rub in and does not bode well for my ultra dry skin), the price (I paid $35/mo, not terrible but certainly worth questioning), no aid in hyperpigmentation or non-inflammatory acne, and a struggle on my part to comply with both the twice a day application and the 30 day expiration. I credit it 100% for getting my moderate to severe acne under control, and fortunately I’ve been able to maintain this control and improve my skin further with my current routine of azelaic acid gel 15% and the cerave acne control gel. I’m also considering pregnancy so I didn’t want to be reliant on a drug I will soon need to quit.

[@mikelu1304]

hey, do you mind me asking which pharmacy did you get it at 35/m

[@raulponce6660]

Dr.Dray, Do you think that this would make as a good treatment for pattern hair loss in the future?

[@grandmalaura]

Happy Monday Dr Dray! I just wanted to mention how much I enjoyed your Las Vegas blogs. That suite you had was amazing 🤩! You totally deserve the red carpet treatment. I have seen all of the cirque du Soleil shows. And they have never disappointed my Expectations. Houston is privileged to have you as part of their health care community. This might be a weird statement, I really enjoy listening to your advanced vocabulary. As a medical doctor you have spent plenty of time in medical school and money… I’m sure. Ps the high ponytail and short set is very becoming on you.

[@vickysookdeosingh561]

Agreed- my vocabulary is much more expansive .Thanks to Dr Dray

[@allisongroening9865]

Thank you for doing a video on this! I started Winlevi in May, so I'm on my second month of this. I was tired of getting migraines from dehydration that was brought on by taking spironolactone. My derm took me off the spiro as well as my BC and put me on this. I was previously using benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin gel as a spot treatment but I think that isn't meant to be used long-term. I was also on Tretinoin. For the first month, Winlevi was seemingly working wonders, but I think some of that was due to the lasting effects of the spiro. At the end of June, I started breaking out a lot of small almost-like blackheads, but not actually blackheads. It felt similar to a time when my skin was reacting to mistreated water that I accidentally swam in. I stopped taking the winlevi for a couple of weeks while I was pretty much out of it due to COVID. Derm said to give it another couple of weeks. So it's been a little over a week that I have been consistently back on it. I'm also adding in a benzoyl peroxide face wash once a day or every other day. Starting tonight I plan to get back to tretinoin. Derm said to continue using tret while on Winlevi, but since it was a new treatment, I stopped to see how my skin would react to the winlevi alone (then the whole COVID break, so finally getting back to it now). I'm hoping that the massive breakout was due to something else and consistently using BP wash and tret again on top of the Winlevi will work out for me. Also, FYI for anyone looking to try Winlevi, my derm warned me about the price, but also said to check out their website for a cheap program. I found it here: mprsetrial.mckesson.com/8026/, which will allow me to get the cream for $50 each time at the pharmacy. I believe it will only work for a year, so I'm hoping if it works out, I can have my derm write a letter to my insurance to get them to cover it, since we tried a lot of other options, and it will show that it works too after a year of use. Read the directions, it says to throw out the tube after 30 days of use after opening. I've been sticking to this in case it loses efficacy. The pharmacy is currently refilling my third tube as we speak.

[@Helen-lj4xw]

Winlevi has transformed my skin in a matter of weeks!!! I have been struggling with cyclical breakouts during my mensural cycle, especially after ovulation. I have been using a prescribed Tretinoin in combination with a prescription azelic acid for about a year and a half and was still struggling with cyclical hormonal breakouts, but i included Winlevi in my routine and my cyclical breakouts have diminished significantly, if not vanished completely. If you do not want to go on hormonal birth control (as the side effects of hormonal bc outweigh the benefits from a personal standpoint) definitely consider this if your insurance can cover it! My insurance covered a great deal of it, and I ended up paying around $60 but that is wayyy better than $500-600 for a tube. I am interested in physiological downstream mechanism associated with Winlevi can’t wait for more research to come out!!

[@niharika4497]

Which order are you applying the products at night? I’m on the same combo as you.😊

[@lyd17]

Spiro gave me really long and heavy continuous periods and made me really ill which led to severe anemia! It was really bad for me. So glad we’re seeing new stuff for hormone acne! Thank you!!

[@stephaniedoster1194]

Spiro actually took away my periods completely. I was on it for 2 years with no other oral medications and as soon as I got of it three months ago I got my period back and it was worse than its ever been.

[@abhimac27]

This is a gamechanger! When I was on regular birth control, my skin looked amazing for the first time in my life. Now I have to take the progestin only pill, my breakouts are back along with the dreaded hyperpigmentation.

[@yeti1835]

Has it worked for you?

[@Rosiematerialgurl]

Hi Dr.Dray,,,,my skin getting a lot of improvement using tretinoin almost 3 mos now...Watching from Dubai....always use sunblock and already subscribe.. 🥰

[@Amanda-el9dx]

I’ve used it since the fall. My Dr. refers to it as topical Spironolactone. I appreciate your video with the information. For me, it’s not that great. I still use other treatments too.

[@RM-ud9tf]

You are so correct when you say Acne is, and can be, very phycological. Knock on wood, I have been lucky in regards to Acne, but can really be empathetic to those who do suffer :( Thanks for such a descriptive video on this topic. Big Hugs from Asheville. See ya tomorrow! P.S. I just noticed your little microphone, never seen that before. The quality is really clear.

[@alyssapalladino9994]

I love winlevi! I have been using it for 4 months and I've seen great results! A little back story, I was using Trevino in 1% for about 2 years, while it helped my skin it did not get rid of the acne, I was still getting major cystic acne and hormonal acne. I went on accutane for 8 months, my acne cleared completely, about three months after stopping the medication my acne around my jaw and cheeks came back. My dermatologist prescribed winlevi, I apply it twice a day, and wow, my skin texture feels smooth and has kept the hormonal acne at bay!

[@Leonhart_93]

I used to have really bad acne. Took me far too long to finally figure it out, but by cutting out most sugars, all fast food and not eating so damn often I was able to get rid of most of it. Now I have a new pimple just once a week or so. Even if others don't have the exact same problem as me, I guarantee that the body's overall metabolic health is an aggravating factor for sure.

[@TheMsharrypotter12]

its soooo hard for me to cut out sugars 😭😭

[@geinyrey1448]

I'm very thankful for this video. I took Accutane twice, and after 8 months each time my acne came back. This was years ago. I also took different antibiotics but none worked. Early this year a new dermatologist recommend Winlevi without much hope. Three days after using it my face started to change. I haven't stopped using it since then, love it! My skin is no perfect at all, but don't have the huge painful pimples anymore. 😄 I also tried spironolactone and it did nothing for me. Should I take Accutane again while using Winlevi, and continue using Winlevi after the Accutane treatment is over?

[@M_K_M_K_M_K]

Why would you go back on Accutane?? You already know it’s going to be a temporary fix. Also, Accutane addresses oil production from the inside out, I think you found something now that addresses it from the skin, and hopefully something you can keep using safely! I went on Accutane 3 different times years ago as well (16-19) and now at 34 I still am dealing with my hormonal acne and oily skin. I would love to try this cream out! Accutane? Never again.

[@dev4short]

Esthetician here! Finding a great regimen on top of taking Winlevi will help.

[@zahraaalz9621]

I been using this for 2 weeks now, twice a day plus tertinon at night time. The results have been AMMAZINGGGG!!!! Also, you might have some purging but I didn't. So far. I think the sunscreen and moisturizer helped alot too. But so far it's been amazing!! Thank you for covering it!! ♡♡

[@zahraaalz9621]

Oh also, my insurance covered most of it and I only paid 40! :)

[@Luvanmusiq]

Thank you for sharing! Happy to hear that for you. Do you use it with vitamin c in the morning? Do you use Tret with it nightly?

[@zahraaalz9621]

@@Luvanmusiq yes so in the morning my routine is wash my face with water only, not cleaner (over cleansing will strip the skin barrier). Then, vit C, winlevi, sunscreen. For night time, I wash with a gentle cleanser, then tretinoin, wait a few min, then winlevi, then a gentle PM moisturizer.

[@zahraaalz9621]

@@Luvanmusiq meant to say *cleanser, not cleaner! Lol 🙈

[@fpsVu]

How would you incorporate sunscreen into this, I’ve been doing cleanser in the morning then winlevi and wait a 4-5minutes then moisturizer and then 2-3 minutes then sunscreen and at night I just cleanse winlevi and moisturizer

[@Doc11Mac7]

I am using Winlevi right now in conjunction with tretinoin to maintain clear skin after Accutane. I really like it! I wish the vehicle had more humectants in it so I could use it as a stand alone moisturizer! I wish there were more research about long term use, though; I am a little worried about that.

[@jro819]

I have been on winlevi for about 6 months now. I was on spironolactone for 2 years. So far it’s been great. I was so scared to come off the pill but I trusted my derm and I am very very happy. My hormonal acne is non existent and I have had no side effects.

[@lolgeselle]

I’m now getting off Spironolactone from being on it with doxycycline! I’ve had lots of side effects from the spiro which sucks because it was working for me, my hormonal acne did get better after 1 month but I felt dizzy, lightheaded, chest pain, and more. So now my doctor has prescribed winlevi! I gained a lot of weight on spiro and so I hope winlevi will work for me!

[@stephaniedoster1194]

Me too!! I was on it for 2 years and it took my period away completely and I had chest pain and gained a good 100lbs because of it. Been off it and everything getting back to normal. My periods are 3xs as bad as they were unfortunately since before I started Spiro. It worked really well for me after 3 months of using it but the side affects were not worth it for me.

[@TranceDivine]

I just got this cream today..and I was lucky enough my dermatologist found a pharmacy that I can pay 20 dollars for it...finally a medication that will help with hormonal acne..I am post menopause and have suffered for 0ver 10 years in my 40's with adult acne, and pray this works...thanks so much for the information.

[@marylawman8603]

Looks like a lot of your followers are using this and are happy with it. I really appreciate the explanation of how this works and who this might be a good choice for. Thanks, Dr Dray! Happy Monday!! I hope you have a relaxing evening. 💜

[@KevkevDisG]

Been on this for months, along with tretinoin, and it really helped me. I would have never thought I had hormonal acne because, for some reason, I only thought women got hormonal acne. I've had cystic acne in the past to which I went on accutane for. So grateful this has been a successful treatment for me

[@chococrazd]

Hi there! So how do you use Winlevi along with Tretinoin? Since Winlevi needs to be applied twice daily, where do you fit Tretinoin in your routine?

[@KevkevDisG]

@@chococrazd hi! For the day I do: winlevi, moisturizer, sunscreen For the night: winlevi, moisturizer, tretinoin

[@mymy123020]

given the statement you made about this being good for both men and women i have to wonder if this could work for people doing HRT. i am not trans myself but i have a lot of trans friends. being the resident skincare nerd friend, i spend a lot of time researching conditions i don’t have so i can help guide my friends. usually it works out pretty well, but the skin issues caused by HRT seem to be a huge road block. of anyone has resources related to this i’d love to see them :)

[@kelseylangley7907]

I am a woman and I’m on HRT ( pellet) it’s been fantastic for my cystic acne that is a direct result of the HRT

[@MrTmenzo]

So is this similar to topical spironolactone? I currently use Apostrophe's

[@blinkur09mom]

How has it been working out for you? I’m currently taking the oral spironolactone but would much rather use a topical form of it

[@nadeen1111]

I want to know this too - my apostrophe shipment is just about to arrive and am wondering a comparison !

[@christya.9329]

I've been using it for BACNE. LOVE IT!

[@eemys6839]

I would love to get my hands on this cream but I live overseas and this is way too expensive for me. I don't understand why it's so expensive.

[@elizabethfosson3074]

I've been using Winlevi since Feb. 24th. I do feel like it's helping, but not as much as I was hoping at this point (just over 6 weeks). While on this, I do feel like my break outs go away faster but I've still got some good sized cysts that are showing up. My before and after pictures look pretty much the same, maybe even slightly worse. I've been perfect at the 2x a day application. I've been washing my face before using it (I use Cetaphil in the morning and Cerave acne face wash at night). I'm going to keep going and hope that I'll see a jump in healing during the 8-12 week mark, but I am feeling discouraged. In your video, you mentioned that Winlevi isn't a stand alone option, that it primarily targets the hormonal cause. You called it an "add on." What are some other things I need to be doing to increase my chances of success? Great video! You explained it much better than my dermatologist did.

[@CS-vq7wv]

I had a similar experience. Winlevi did not work for me. My skin became constantly red, even after backing off a little and applied only once a day as opposed to 2x a day. It made me peel/flake and then acne started to settle just above the line where I was applying it... I started to get more pimples on my upper cheeks, on my neck and around my ears, as opposed to my chin and jaw. It was like the acne was going to the perimeter of the area where it was being applied. The chin/jaw area, the improvement was marginal at best. Not enough for it to be worth the hot, stinging, lobster red state it left my skin in. I stuck it out for 12 whole weeks before stopping. I'm back to using retinol and while I still break out, I can treat with retinol for faster healing and reduced scarring.

[@wendyalban]

I was looking up Winlevi because I was prescribed it today and saw you made a video. I was prescribed Winlevi along with Tretinoin to be applied together.

[@bbsail]

Good information Dr. Dray. It's hard to acknowledge it is a condition and to search for professional help.

[@brandonnelliebaldwin1792]

Question. Can you still use a vitamin c and niacinamide plus Winlevi? I normally use vit c and niacinamide every AM

[@TaylorRaine]

Seems like this could have benefits for people suffering from androgenetic alopecia! Any thoughts on that?

[@DrDrayzday]

Perhaps, yes…I believe the company is working on a scalp solution

[@davidschonfeldwichers8981]

This video was a pleasure to watch, so clean, professional and informative!

[@mslizette]

I’ve been using Winlevi for about 4 months now and my acne has subsided. I am now coupling it with Tretinoin.05% (prescribed by my derm) my skin is handling it well (I’m very diligent with application instructions). Thank you for this video, I too researched Winlevi & secretly hoped you make a video about it! & you did ☺️✨

[@lolgeselle]

Which do you put on first? Tret or winlevi?

[@mslizette]

@@lolgeselle so my derm said it didn’t matter which one goes on first but I tend to do Winlevi first (am & pm) and Tretinoin (every other night). 😊

[@andreaduque5489]

Hello! would this be available to some country like Philippines? Thank you

[@vickysookdeosingh561]

Thanks for this in-depth video Dr Dray.

[@MrSynchrotron]

Great! Thanks for your always very informative videos. In your opinion, would clascoterone also be a beneficial drug to treat hair loss/hair thinning?

[@sandypolsky5683]

Happy Monday, Dr. Dray! Thanks for your videos; sure enjoy and learn so much. Have a lovely day!

[@young57734]

Can admire my skin be used with Winlevi? If not what can be used for hyperpigmentation?

[@taranadada]

I was prescribed this and stayed on it for a few months before requesting my derm to switch. My main concern was that the shelf life was only 30 days so i ended up throwing away half used tubes and order new ones every month. Felt expensive and also a significant waste of product

[@aleenadababneh4239]

Thank you for covering this!! I was prescribed winlevi, along with tretinoin, and spironolactone in early February for my acne. I purged quite a bit from it, but obviously it could have been any one of the medications that caused the purge. My acne has improved a lot, but still a journey. Recently, I have experienced irritation and sensitivity from the winlevi because it is a little grainy, although the grains smooth out when rubbing it in. I started to do the sandwich method you recommend and my skin is no longer sensitive to it. I also wanted to add that if you have a tube of the winlevi and have not opened it yet that it should be stored in the refrigerator. Thanks a lot for all the great advice and helping me on my skincare journey!

[@TheMsharrypotter12]

what is the sandwich method please?? 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@aleenadababneh4239]

@@TheMsharrypotter12 after washing apply your moisturizer and then apply the winlevi on top of the moisturizer!

[@mudita3126]

Thank you for this info. The tube also mentions that once opened, it’s only good for a month. So do you replace with a new winlevi tube after a month?

[@aleenadababneh4239]

@@mudita3126 I actually asked my dermatologist about this and she said that it’s still good after one month. It’s a huge tube so it seems like such a waste to throw it out after one month. I think mine lasts me two or three months

[@shinmina1188]

Hi dr dray. What do you think of topical spironolactone ?

[@BriseisMusic]

What what? I was just talking about my hormonal acne this morning. I'm buckling in for this talk! Also, I'm really loving the updated background, Dr. Dray!

[@ashleyliebrich77]

I got got prescribed this today! I am so excited to try it. I've been off birth control for 5 months and suddenly my hair is falling out in globs and globs and my face has been a wreck. I also use tretinoin and hydroquinone on and off. I know its safe with tret, but is this safe to use this with hydroquinone?

[@yeti1835]

How's it working for you? Hope your hair situation has improved also!

[@eac305]

Tried winlevi for a few months as directed, no affect on my skin whatsoever. I'm trying spironolactone again, but this time starting at the minimal dose 25 mg and working my way up to a higher dose. Last time I tried taking 50mg right away and had horrible side effects. This time easing into it is fine. Can't wait to see the results of this especially for my hair loss. Although my acne is auto-immune related, not hormonal, I'm hopeful spironolactone is the answer since I've tried literally everything under the sun!

[@susanbhavsar2745]

Can a facewash with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid be used with Winvlevi?

[@maricelg777]

Hello & Happy Monday, Dr. Dray 🤍☀️🌸

[@DrDrayzday]

Happy Monday

[@nadab4750]

👱‍♀️❤

[@maricelg777]

@@nadab4750 hello 👋 🤍😊

[@jackiemarsh2470]

Happy Monday!! Have a Great Day, and Week!!🌹

[@anastasiakharkina2217]

Im so excited for this!!! Ive been taking spironolactone for so long

[@ritarhoades1473]

I love your channel! Will you do a video on how to get rid of sunspots (brown spots) on the face and hands. Thank you. 😊

[@kchiang4]

Loving the education! My pharmacy dispenses so many dermatologicals!

[@kevinwyllie9364]

If it's an androgen receptor antagonist, does that mean it could theoretically also work topically for hair loss?

[@marksilver6027]

Yes, trade name is Breezula, but I suspect FDA approval is years off.

[@silkspectre7979]

actually, hair loss treatment came first!

[@410mirby]

Dr. Dray, can you apply this with a retinoid at the same time, allowing for absorption time in between?

[@adrianagurd]

My doctor has me using both! First Winlevi and then retinoids on top

[@jennaluck6257]

thank you so much for this video! I was just prescribed this, and I've only been using it for like a day. One drawback is that it takes quite a while to rub in the product-- I used the amount that my dermatologist recommended, which is "almond" sized rather than pea-sized. It took a solid 8 minutes as I rubbed in bit-by-bit over my cheeks / jawline where I experience the most hormonal acne. I think I will scale back to pea-sized and see if that's effective, and if not I will go back to the almond amount.

[@mariannewm26]

I was so excited about this until I heard the price! I would love to know if it's the same price in Canada! Tretinoin is $22 here, so I also don't know how that compares to the US.

[@sebsfilmclub]

Can you use Winlevi cream along with tretinoin? And how would you use it? Thank you for this video!

[@marshellewilson4377]

I really appreciate this video. I have suffered with acne since a teenager and now at 51 still suffers from now adult acne. I finally went to dermatology last week was prescribed Plexion Cleanser, Winlevi-2x day Am and evening and Tretinoin only at night. So far can’t really tell any difference as of yet. With my insurance I paid a total of $65.

[@christopherx8283]

Can you use winlevi in the morning in trentinoin at night?

[@gloryfajardo157]

my dermatologist prescribed me winlevi in the morning with azelaic acid moisturizer and then sunscreen in the morning and for the night winlevi,tretinoin and moustorizer. I do it in that order, hope this works for you,i know how frustrating acne is

[@alejandroplataquintero6855]

doc. I really appreciate your effort to share your knowledge, it helps me to understand with a wider range my treatments that I follow with my dermatologist. ily

[@silkspectre7979]

Could you please explain how to combine with other actives?

[@morespf]

Could the mechanisms that make Winlevi effective for hormonal acne also make it effective for male/female pattern hair loss?

[@DrReedB0928]

Happy Monday Dr Dray and peeps 🙊🙉🙈... Reference to yesterday's vlog!

[@nadab4750]

👱‍♀️❤

[@jackiemarsh2470]

Thank You!! Happy Monday!! Have a Fabulous Day!!🥰

[@jennsan8018]

Could this be used on the scalp to help improve hair loss?

[@patricegunter2063]

I have been using Winlevi for 7 days now and my face looks like glass skin, SUPER smooth, acne free, and BEAUTIFUL 😍. Honestly, I had gotten results after the first day I applied it. I paid $75 using a manufacturer coupon since my insurance won’t cover it. I use it twice a day faithfully by itself with no other medication or moisturizer. I have oily skin so no need to add anything else. I am waiting to see how it will reduce my oil production issue as I have not noticed a huge change with that. Overall, I think it was made just for me! Amazing product. 😍❤

[@lucyi1202]

That’s amazing! My dermatologist gave me a few free samples. My skin was doing great on Differin but I’ve suddenly been getting these weird deep cyst lic pimples by my nose area. Very weird. It’s my oily area, everywhere else I’m normal.

[@lanaroberts9929]

I’d love to try this . Wonder if it’ll make itself to the UK 😄

[@jimgrogan7652]

Hi, what is the recommended treatment or routine plan? In other words, when do you apply Winlevi in conjunction with trentinoin, facial skin cleansers - panoxal, nutrogena etc (benzoyl peroxide) etc?

[@ambitiousunicorn57]

CeraVe is coming /just came out with a 'makeup melting' Cleansing Balm!!! (I saw on their website) It seems as if it's only available at Ulta atm, but I'd love for you to review it once you can get your hands on it!

[@cam1259]

I literally just received Winlevi today for the 1st time!

[@rebecastevens8892]

I got prescribed Winlevi for my extremely oily skin, and blemishes on the chin and forehead. I also have perioral dermatitis so I use Soolantra and Tretinoin. Winlevi is super thick and if used with Soolantra makes my skin feel super greasy. I stopped the Soolantra and was using the Winlevi only but my derm didn’t like that lol. I think she said the “vehicle” (not sure if that’s the right word) is very thick. She said the dermatologist community was very excited for this product but that it needs work. She put me on Dapsone after the Winlevi but that’s too grainy and possibly triggers my dermatitis. Would really love something that helps my extremely oily hormonal skin.

[@EnvyBlu]

I’ve suffered from really really bad hormonal acne, and excess sebum production for decades. I now take oral Spironolactone and I’m loving it. It has greatly reduced the sebum production in my skin. It’s even started to clear my seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp, because of the lower oil production. I’m sure this has probably been offered to you by your dermatologist, but just in case you were curious about it, or worried about it, I haven’t had any side effects from the medicine at all. I have been highly recommending it to anyone I read who could benefit from the medicine.

[@M_K_M_K_M_K]

Rebeca, did you ever try a dietary approach? Like low sugar, or no dairy, low glycemic, hormonal balancing etc? I have the same problem (adult hormonal acne, well.. “forever acne” I should call it.. and super oily skin.)

[@rebecastevens8892]

@Nicole, thank you for the recommendation! I’ll definitely ask about it. 🙏🏻

[@rebecastevens8892]

@M K, yeah I eat very clean. Lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, nothing processed and no dairy, and lots of water. It’s wild! Not sure why I make so much oil. On the upside, not a wrinkle in sight at almost 40.

[@thepicklegambit]

Have you ever tried any birth control before? I know it was mentioned in this video, but thought I’d mention my experience. I used to have pretty oily skin and have dealt with cystic acne on and off for the last decade (currently have very mild acne and am using Adapalene). I’ve tried a few different oral contraceptives, and they have all helped significantly with oily skin. I’m on Yaz right now and it’s done a great job with way less oil production along with less acne. I definitely don’t have really oily skin anymore, it’s normal now. I also have PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and it’s been a complete lifesaver to help with the symptoms. I rarely experience horrible mood swings before my cycle now.

[@christinasch84]

Thank you for this in depth review!! My derm just rxed me winlevi and im hesitant taking it, but just used it sparingly in one area. I have hormonal acne, hirsutism, uneven skin and also wrinkles. The hirsutism is my biggest concern. I'm wondering if taking spironolactone and trentinoin would be more effective for my needs? Are you able to take both simultaneously?

[@amritagill1680]

Thanks! You seem super energetic and happy!