(BPT) - Acne, one of the most common skin conditions, is often uncomfortable and can negatively impact a person's self-esteem. As with any chronic medical condition, it's a good idea to see a medical practitioner if you're concerned about acne. But if you haven't yet seen a dermatology professional, you are not alone.

A survey of 1,003 people with mild-to-moderate acne, conducted by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. (Sun Pharma), found that only 3 out of 10 people with mild-to-moderate acne report having seen a dermatologist. Instead of seeing a professional - a dermatologist, physician's assistant (PA), or nurse practitioner (NP) - many acne sufferers seek skin care advice from search engines (45%) or friends and family (43%), while some use social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram for this purpose (20%).

"We see teenagers and even older adults putting all sorts of things on their face based on misinformation, which can in some cases cause damage to the skin barrier that can take months to repair," said Renata Block, a survey adviser and a board-certified PA specializing in dermatology. "Treating acne is highly individualized. Only a licensed medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and a research-backed treatment plan."

Why should I see a professional?

Did you know that there's a lot of activity inside your skin that leads to the pimples you eventually see and feel? A key contributor to acne breakouts is sebum, an oily wax made by the sebaceous glands in your pores. Bacteria in your skin feed off excess sebum, multiply and eventually clog your pores, leading to additional inflammation and breakouts.

A dermatology professional will assess your acne severity, type of skin, lifestyle and other factors, and will use that assessment to develop a treatment plan that's right for you.

Surprisingly, while 9 out of 10 survey respondents said they rely on over-the-counter (OTC) medications to prevent acne, fewer than 1 in 5 said they'd been very successful in preventing acne breakouts with non-prescription medication. Just as with any other medical condition, you may need a prescription medication to effectively prevent and treat even mild-to-moderate acne.

'There are good products you can get off a drugstore shelf, but they don't address the underlying causes of acne and there's no one-size-fits-all skin care regimen that works for everyone,' said Dr. Hilary Baldwin, a board-certified dermatologist who served as an advisor to the Sun Pharma survey. "We have to look at each patient's situation, such as their age and life stage, gender, lifestyle, and other parameters, to come up with a simple but effective skin care regimen that they can realistically follow.'

What types of acne treatments are available?

A dermatology professional may prescribe OTC and/or prescription therapies to treat acne, but each person's case is unique. OTC products typically contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinol, all of which are used in different ways. There are also prescription-strength versions of these topical (applied to the skin) treatments, as well as oral therapies.

While these treatments can be effective, your acne may need a different approach. WINLEVI^® (clascoterone cream) 1% is the first and only topical acne treatment that, unlike other topical medications, targets the sebum in your skin. Instead of just treating the signs and symptoms, it treats the underlying cause of acne, thereby helping to control the condition.

What to do once you have a skin care routine?

Once you have a skin care routine prescribed by a dermatology professional, it's up to you to follow it. For treatments like WINLEVI that need to be applied twice a day, plan to use them when you know you won't forget.

With any new acne treatment, you may not see results right away; your skin may look worse for a short time, and it may take a month or more to see a difference. Stick with what your healthcare provider recommends and reach out to them if you have any questions or concerns.

Be intentional and work skin care into your schedule. For example, you can keep your skin care products and medications near the bathroom mirror to help you remember to use them. In between brushing your teeth and combing your hair, wash your face, apply or take your prescription acne medications, moisturize and apply sunscreen (in the morning). Easy enough!

After a few weeks of adhering to your skin care routine every morning and evening, it will become second nature. More importantly, your skin will benefit from consistent, careful attention.

Good skin doesn't happen by accident. Visit Winlevi.com to find a dermatologist near you.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATION

What is WINLEVI^® cream?

WINLEVI (clascoterone) cream 1% is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat acne vulgaris in people 12 years of age and older.

It is not known if WINLEVI cream is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION

Before using WINLEVI cream, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, particularly if you:

• have skin problems, including eczema, cuts or sunburn
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if WINLEVI cream will harm your unborn baby
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if WINLEVI cream passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with WINLEVI cream

WINLEVI cream is for use on the skin only (topical). Do not use WINLEVI cream in or on your eyes, mouth, or vagina. Do not use WINLEVI cream for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give WINLEVI cream to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF WINLEVI CREAM?

WINLEVI cream can cause serious side effects, including:

• local skin reactions. WINLEVI cream may cause local skin irritation including itching, burning, skin redness or peeling.
• symptoms of a disorder where the adrenal gland does not make enough of certain hormones (adrenal insufficiency) during treatment with WINLEVI. Your healthcare provider may stop your treatment with WINLEVI if you develop any adrenal problems.

The most common side effects of WINLEVI cream include reddening, scaling or dryness, and itching of the skin being treated.
These are not all of the possible side effects of WINLEVI cream.
Tell your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or to Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. by calling 1-800-818-4555.

Please see full Prescribing Information and the Patient Information.

WINLEVI is a registered trademark of Cassiopea S.p.A. used under exclusive license.

©2024 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.