Finacea Gel 15%

What is Finacea Gel?

Finacea Gel is a topical treatment containing azelaic acid (15%), designed to treat mild to moderate rosacea and acne. It reduces redness, inflammation, and the formation of spots by targeting bacteria and improving skin renewal. Finacea Gel is effective in managing pimples, pustules, and redness associated with rosacea and acne.

What is Finacea Gel used for?

Finacea Gel is primarily used to:

1. Treat mild to moderate rosacea by reducing redness and inflammation.
2. Manage acne vulgaris by targeting bacteria and preventing clogged pores.

It can also help improve the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne.

How does Finacea Gel work?

Finacea Gel contains azelaic acid, which:

1. Reduces the growth of acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) on the skin.
2. Unclogs blocked pores to prevent the formation of new spots.
3. Decreases inflammation to reduce redness and swelling associated with rosacea and acne.
4. Improves skin cell turnover for smoother and clearer skin.

How to use Finacea Gel

Apply Finacea Gel twice daily, in the morning and evening. Follow these steps:

1. Wash the affected areas with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
2. Apply a thin layer of Finacea Gel to the affected areas, avoiding contact with the eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.
3. Massage the gel gently into the skin until fully absorbed.
4. Wash your hands thoroughly after application.

Use consistently for best results. You may start to see improvements within 4 weeks, but it may take up to 12 weeks for maximum results.

Approximately 0.5 g (a 2.5 cm strip of gel) is enough for the whole face. If acne has not improved after one month, or rosacea after two months, stop and ask your prescriber about another treatment. Seek advice sooner if the condition worsens.

Finacea is used for facial acne from age 12, and for papulopustular rosacea in adults aged 18 and over. The age limit depends on the condition being treated; use it for the diagnosis and course agreed with your prescriber.

Rosacea treatment advice

To achieve the best results while using Finacea Gel, consider these tips for managing rosacea:

1. Cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove impurities without irritating the skin.
2. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to maintain skin hydration and reduce dryness or peeling caused by treatments.
3. Protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, as sun exposure can worsen rosacea symptoms.
4. Identify and avoid triggers such as hot beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, and extreme temperatures, which can aggravate rosacea symptoms.
5. Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliants, as they can irritate sensitive skin affected by rosacea.
6. Consider calming skincare ingredients like niacinamide or ceramides to soothe redness and strengthen the skin barrier.

Finacea Gel ingredients

Active ingredient: Azelaic acid (15%).
Other ingredients: Benzoic acid (E210), carbomers, disodium edetate, lecithin, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium hydroxide and triglycerides medium chain.

Precautions for using Finacea Gel

While Finacea gel is safe to use on most types of skin some care must be taken when using it:

1. Do not use Finacea Gel if you are allergic to azelaic acid or any of its ingredients.
2. Avoid applying the gel to broken, irritated, or sunburned skin.
3. Use sunscreen to protect your skin; sunlight can aggravate rosacea.
4. If irritation occurs, reduce the frequency of application or consult your doctor.
5. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before use.

Possible side effects of Finacea Gel

Common side effects include:

• Mild itching or burning sensation at the application site
• Dryness or peeling
• Redness or irritation

These effects are typically mild and temporary. If severe irritation or allergic reactions occur, discontinue use and seek medical advice.

Finacea Gel during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Finacea Gel can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding if recommended by a doctor. It is important to consult your doctor or midwife before starting treatment to ensure it is safe for you and your baby. Avoid applying the gel to the chest area if breastfeeding to prevent accidental ingestion by the baby.

How to store Finacea Gel

Store Finacea Gel at room temperature, below 25°C. Keep the tube tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

How to buy Finacea Gel

You can use our online prescription service to buy Finacea Gel online in the UK. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK and offer free delivery and next day delivery. Any website that claims to sell Finacea Gel without a prescription is operating illegally and you could be purchasing counterfeit / fake medicine.
Upon completion of your order, our independent prescriber will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then receive a prescription and dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.

More Finacea Gel and Rosacea advice

If you would like more information on Finacea and a full list of it's side effects you can find the SPC: Finacea Gel SPC
The NHS also provides information on rosacea: NHS Rosacea Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How long does it take for Finacea Gel to work?

  Improvement may be noticeable after about four weeks. Stop and contact your prescriber if acne has not improved after one month, or rosacea after two months, or if it worsens. If it is helping, your prescriber may recommend continuing for several months.

• Can Finacea Gel be used with other skincare products?

  Yes, Finacea Gel can be used with non-comedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens. Avoid combining it with harsh exfoliants or other acne treatments to prevent irritation.

• Is Finacea Gel suitable for sensitive skin?

  Finacea Gel is generally well-tolerated, but those with sensitive skin may experience mild irritation initially. Reduce usage frequency if irritation occurs and consult your doctor if it persists.

• How do I apply Finacea 15% Gel?

  Wash your face or affected area with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser and pat dry.
  For the whole face, use approximately 0.5 g of gel (a 2.5 cm strip from the tube) and apply a thin layer to the affected areas.
  Gently massage the gel into the skin until fully absorbed.
  Use the gel twice daily, in the morning and evening, or as directed by your doctor.
  Always wash your hands thoroughly after application