Finacea Gel is a skin treatment mainly used for mild to moderate facial acne and rosacea. It contains azelaic acid, which helps reduce spots and unblock pores.
Medication Name | Finacea Gel |
Active Ingredient | Azelaic acid |
Medication form | Topical gel |
Used to treat | Mild to moderate acne
Rosacea
|
Available as | Finacea 15% gel (30g)
|
Other names by which this medication is known | Finacea Acne Gel
Finacea Gel |
Common side effects
| • Itching and burning
• Dry skin
• Rash
• Tingling and numbness
• Pain at site of application
|
Who is this medication suitable for | Adults and children over 12 years |
Do you need a prescription for it? | Yes |
How should it be used? | Apply to the whole face twice a day |
How can I buy Finacea Gel Online?
Finacea Azelaic Acid is a prescription-only medicine and not available to buy over the counter. At Click2Pharmacy, we have a dedicated acne treatment clinic where our pharmacists can prescribe the treatment you need for your acne or rosacea. If you wish to purchase Finacea gel online, fill out a consultation form to check if you are suitable to use the product. Once approved, you can order the gel, which will be delivered straight to your door.
What is Finacea Gel?
Finacea gel is an anti-acne medicine used for mild to moderate facial acne and to treat rosacea. Finacea gel contains the active ingredient 15% Azelaic Acid, which is used to fight mild to moderate acne. If other topical treatments aren’t working, you can use Finacea gel as an alternative.
How does Finacea gel work?
Finacea gel contains azelaic acid, which kills the bacteria responsible for causing inflammation and infected spots. Finacea gel also works to unclog pores, aiming to prevent future breakouts and clear your skin. The gel’s exfoliating effect can also help make your skin smoother and reduce the appearance of blemishes and redness
For those with sensitive skin, azelaic acid is less harsh than some other acne treatments, which means fewer side effects like dryness or irritation.
Can I use Finacea gel for rosacea?
Finacea gel is not only used to treat acne but also used to treat rosacea. Rosacea symptoms can include red patches, bumps, and even itchy skin. Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid which is used to fight papulopustular rosacea and has been shown to reduce inflammation, making it a good option for rosacea treatment. It’s gentler than typical AHAs, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea. However, if you experience severe or long-lasting burning, stinging, or itching while using Finacea for a rosacea flare-up, consult your GP or pharmacist for alternative treatments.
Who is Finacea Gel suitable for?
Finacea azelaic acid gel is suitable for adults and children over the age of 12 to treat acne and rosacea.
You should avoid using Finacea gel if:
- You are allergic to azelaic acid or any other ingredients of Finacea gel
- If you have asthma, use Finacea gel with care. Worsening of asthma has happened in people using Finacea azelaic acid gel.
How to use Finacea Gel
Follow these steps when applying Finacea gel:
- Wash your hands before and after
- Clean the affected area with a mild soap or soap-free cleanser, and pat your skin dry with a soft towel
- Apply a thin layer of the gel (approximately 2.5cm) to the affected areas twice a day
- Gently massage it in until it’s fully absorbed
A 30g tube of Finacea gel should last up to 6 weeks if the recommended amount is used twice daily.
How quickly will I see results with Finacea Gel?
When using Finacea gel, you should see an improvement in your skin in the first 4 weeks. If there is no change to your skin after 12 weeks, or your skin worsens, stop using Finacea gel and contact your GP or pharmacist.
You can use Finacea gel for acne or rosacea for several months.
Finacea Azelaic Acid Gel Ingredients
Active ingredient: Azelaic acid
Inactive ingredients: Lecithin (soy), triglycerides (medium chain), propylene glycol, polysorbate 80, carbomer 980, sodium hydroxide, disodium edetate, purified water, benzoic acid
Finacea Gel Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Itching
- Pain at the site of application
- Rash
- Tingling or numbness
- Dry skin
These mild side effects usually go away on their own after a few days or weeks, and if they don’t, talk to your GP or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects:
- Allergic reactions: Symptoms can include skin rash, itchiness, and swelling under your skin.
- Shortness of breath
- Patches of skin with hypopigmentation (lack of skin colour)
If you experience any severe reactions, you must stop using Finacea topical gel and seek medical help.
For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.
Finacea Gel Warnings
- Finacea gel 15% (azelaic acid) cannot be used alongside other acne skin treatments
- When you apply Finacea gel, take care when using the product around the eyes and mouth
- Keep out of the SIGHT and REACH of children
Finacea Gel Alternatives
If you find that Finacea isn’t suitable or doesn’t work for you, there are other alternative acne treatments that Click2Pharmacy can provide by prescription from our dedicated acne treatment clinic. These include tablets, as well as alternative topical ointments. Talk to one of our pharmacists today if you are unsure which is best for you.
If Finacea Gel isn’t working, combining Lymecycline and Epiduo might help. Lymecycline is an antibiotic pill, and Epiduo is a topical gel. Together, they fight both acne bacteria and skin inflammation.
Aknemycin Gel is another option to consider if Finacea gel isn’t suitable or working to treat your rosacea or acne. It contains erythromycin, an antibiotic, and tretinoin, which helps skin renewal. It’s good for treating both acne and pimples.
Skinoren Gel is actually quite similar to Finacea as both have azelaic acid. The main difference is the strength and added ingredients. Skinoren might be milder, making it a good choice if Finacea irritates your skin.