Key takeaways
Winlevi (clascoterone) and Retin-A (tretinoin) are both topical medications used to treat acne in people ages 12 and older. However, they belong to different medication classes and work in distinct ways. Winlevi reduces acne by blocking hormones that increase oil production in the skin. It's applied twice daily and is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects include dry skin, itching, and redness. Retin-A, on the other hand, is a retinoid, a form of vitamin A that helps replace old skin cells and unclog pores. It is applied once daily, usually at bedtime, and is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Retin-A can cause skin irritation, redness, and peeling, and it may initially worsen acne before improvement is seen. Additionally, Retin-A makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburns.
