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Finacea Gel

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Finacea 15% azelaic acid 30g gel for rosacea
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Patient Reviews: How Finacea Gel Has Made a Difference

Treatment Information

Table of contents:

What is Finacea (Azelaic Acid)?

Finacea 15% gel is a topical agent that can calm inflammation caused by papulopustular rosacea. Rosacea is an inflammatory condition that causes symptoms including facial rash, spots, flushing, and visible blood vessels. It contains azelaic acid, which reduces inflammation, inhibits keratinocyte (skin cell) growth and kills bacteria on the skin's surface. Finacea is a long-term treatment and should be taken regularly. Your clinician will advise you on how long you should take the medication.

The active ingredient in Finacea Gel, azelaic acid, is also available as an acne treatment known as Skinoren.

How Does Finacea Gel Work?

Azelaic acid, the active ingredient of Finacea, works for rosacea by blocking the natural production and growth of keratin cells on the skin surface. These cells often block pores and contribute to papules and pustules (spots) on the skin's surface. By reducing keratin production, Finacea gel unblocks pores and the small glands in the skin that release oil, called sebaceous glands. This makes papules and pustules less likely to develop and reduces facial swelling and redness.

Azelaic acid also functions as an antibiotic, killing bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium feeds on sebum in the skin's pores and releases chemicals that cause inflammation, reddening of surrounding tissue, and spots and bumps.

How Long Does Finacea Take to Work?

Although Finacea gel can start working as soon as you use it, it can take several months to see the full benefits, and most people report a noticeable difference within 4 weeks. If you haven't noticed improvement after 2 months, or if your rosacea has gotten worse, stop using Finacea and consult your clinician or doctor.

In a study looking at the effectiveness of Finacea 15% gel for acne, after 4 weeks of treatment, total acne lesions were reduced by 48%, while for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, 67% of people achieved at least a one-point improvement in Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) of acne, total, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory lesions.

How Effective is Finacea for Rosacea?

Finacea gel has been shown to be an effective treatment for rosacea. In two double-blind studies investigating the effectiveness of 15% azelaic acid gel for moderate, papulopustular rosacea, azelaic acid reduced the average inflammatory lesion count by 58% compared to 40% in people given a vehicle gel. Meanwhile, 44% of participants noticed a reduction in redness. Overall, 61%-62% of people treated with azelaic acid 15% gel achieved therapeutic success.

A further study comparing Finacea gel with metronidazole 0.75% gel found that Finacea gel reduced rosacea lesion counts by 72.7% compared to 55.8% with metronidazole, demonstrating that Finacea gel is superior in treating rosacea. A systematic review published in 2023 also found that azelaic acid significantly improved redness and inflammatory lesion counts in people with rosacea after 12 weeks compared to a vehicle.

How to Use Finacea (Azelaic Acid)

Finacea gel is intended for external use only. Always use it exactly as prescribed and check with your clinician if you're unsure about what to do. The medication works best when used continuously throughout the treatment period.

Before application, ensure your skin is thoroughly cleaned with water and dried. You may use a mild skin-cleansing agent if you wish. Do not use airtight (occlusive) dressings or wrappings.

Apply Finacea 15% gel twice a day to the affected skin areas (morning and evening) and rub it gently into the skin. Use about 2.5cm (0.5 g/1 inch) of gel each time, enough to cover the entire face.

If you experience skin irritation, reduce the amount of gel you use or the frequency of application until the problem goes away. You may need to interrupt treatment for a few days to do so.

If You Forget to Use Finacea Gel

If you forget to use Finacea gel, just use it the next time you're supposed to. Do not use twice the amount to try and catch up for a forgotten treatment. Continue as prescribed by your clinician.

If You Use Too Much Finacea

Even if you use more Finacea than you should, you're unlikely to experience a harmful effect. That said, applying more than you should will not make your condition improve any faster.

Finacea Side Effects and Cautions

Finacea gel can cause side effects in some people, so familiarise yourself with the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication to fully understand them. Understanding the potential side effects of Finacea gel will help you manage them and know when you may need medical advice.

Potential Finacea Gel Side Effects

Although Finacea gel can cause side effects, not everyone will experience them. They are often mild and temporary and can usually be managed at home, with the most common side effects occurring at the application site.

 

Very Common

(may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

Common

(may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

Uncommon

(may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

  • Burning
  • Pain
  • Itching
  • Acne
  • Contact dermatitis 
  • Abnormal redness
  • Nettle rash
  • Discomfort

 

Please note that the table above does not contain a full list of possible Finacea side effects. More details, including rare adverse reactions and those associated with acne treatment, can be found within the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication.

If you experience any side effects when using Finacea (azelaic acid), you can report them to your clinician or via the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. Doing this could help provide more information about the treatment's safety profile.

Serious Side Effects

Rarely, Finacea gel can cause serious side effects. These can affect up to 1 in 1,000 people and may be a sign of an allergic reaction. If you experience any of the following side effects while using Finacea gel, get urgent medical help:

  • Rapid swelling under the skin (angioedema)
  • Eye swelling
  • Swelling face
  • Shortness of breath (dyspnoea)

Finacea Gel Warnings and Interactions

Although Finacea 15% gel is an effective treatment for rosacea, it is not suitable for everyone. For example, do not use it if you are allergic to azelaic acid or any other ingredients in the medication. On rare occasions, it has also been reported that using azelaic acid could worsen asthma symptoms, so it's a good idea to speak to your clinician before starting treatment.

Finacea gel is intended for external use only. If you accidentally contact your eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes (the thin skin around body openings), wash the affected area with large amounts of water. Consult a doctor if you experience persistent eye irritation.

Studies have not shown whether Finacea gel affects or is affected by other medicines. However, you should still inform your clinician of any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter treatments or herbal remedies. Do not apply other treatments to your face at the same time as Finacea.

Where to Buy Finacea Gel

Finacea gel is only available with a valid prescription from a clinician, either from the NHS or via a private service, such as an online pharmacy or skin clinic. You must receive approval for Finacea gel from a healthcare professional before you can get it, so they can check that it is safe for you.

Can You Buy Finacea Gel Over the Counter?

No, you cannot buy Finacea gel over the counter because it is a prescription-only topical medication. A clinician must assess whether Finacea gel is suitable for you before you can get it.

Is Finacea Available on the NHS?

Yes, Finacea gel may be available on the NHS for rosacea, but you will need to visit your GP to find out. If it is and you pay for your prescriptions, you will need to pay the current prescription charge before you can get it.

Can You Buy Finacea Online?

Yes, you can buy Finacea gel online from trusted online pharmacies, like Prescription Doctor. Before our clinician can authorise Finacea gel, you will need to complete a short online health questionnaire for them to review. This will enable them to determine if Finacea is safe for you to use based on your symptoms and medical history.

If it is, our General Pharmaceutical Council-registered pharmacy will send your medication to your address in plain, discreet packaging to maintain patient confidentiality, and if your order is approved before 3pm on Monday to Friday, you can receive it as quickly as the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Finacea Gel

What is the Difference Between Doxycycline and Finacea?

Doxycycline is an oral antibiotic used at anti-inflammatory doses to treat moderate-to-severe papulopustular rosacea. Finacea is a topical gel containing 15% azelaic acid, applied directly to affected facial skin. Finacea may suit mild-to-moderate symptoms, while doxycycline may be prescribed when topical treatment alone has not provided enough improvement.

Depending on your symptoms, a clinician may recommend using Finacea and doxycycline together. Doxycycline is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Dianette and Finacea: What Should I Choose?

Finacea may be prescribed to treat the spots and inflammation caused by papulopustular rosacea. Dianette is a combined hormonal medicine that can be used for severe androgen-sensitive acne and is not a rosacea treatment. If you have rosacea, Finacea is therefore likely to be the relevant option, subject to assessment by a clinician.

Does Finacea Cause Purging?

Finacea does not normally cause "purging", a term generally associated with acne treatments that increase skin-cell turnover. However, Finacea can initially cause burning, itching, dryness or irritation that may resemble a rosacea flare. These effects often improve as treatment continues, but you should review persistent or severe symptoms.

Is Finacea a Steroid?

No, Finacea is not a steroid. It contains azelaic acid, which has anti-inflammatory effects and helps reduce the inflammatory spots associated with papulopustular rosacea. Unlike topical corticosteroids, it does not broadly suppress the skin's immune response or cause steroid-related skin thinning when used as directed.

Topical steroids are generally unsuitable for treating rosacea unless specifically recommended for another condition, as they can sometimes trigger or worsen rosacea-like symptoms.

Can You Use Finacea for Hyperpigmentation?

Finacea is licensed in the UK to treat papulopustular rosacea, rather than hyperpigmentation. However, azelaic acid can reduce excess melanin production and may help fade some areas of uneven pigmentation. This would be an off-label use, and Finacea will not necessarily improve the persistent redness or visible blood vessels associated with rosacea.

Can You Use Finacea While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

Finacea may sometimes be prescribed during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but you should consult your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using it. Evidence in pregnancy is limited, so UK prescribing information recommends caution.

If breastfeeding, do not apply Finacea to the breast or allow your baby to touch treated skin. Wash your hands after application and follow your healthcare professional's advice.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Using Finacea?

Finacea is unlikely to be affected by the consumption of alcohol. However, if your rosacea is triggered or exacerbated by consuming alcohol, you should avoid or limit alcohol consumption while using the treatment.

Can You Use Makeup While Using Finacea?

Yes, you can use makeup while using Finacea gel. Apply the medication first, then let the area dry before applying makeup. If you have rosacea, you may want to use cosmetic products which do not exacerbate your symptoms. Look for products intended for sensitive skin.

Can I Shave While Using Finacea 15% Gel?

There are no reports that using Finacea affects shaving. For men, shaving can pose a significant threat to their rosacea, potentially worsening their symptoms. Men may be better off using electric razors instead of traditional razors to reduce skin irritation.

You should also avoid shaving creams, lotions and aftershave products which may irritate your skin. Instead, use shaving products suitable for sensitive skin types and apply a moisturiser or balm after shaving to soothe the skin.

How Do I Store Finacea Gel?

Finacea Gel does not require any special storage conditions. Keep the tube securely closed and out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use it after the expiry date printed on the packaging. Return unwanted or expired gel to a pharmacy for safe disposal rather than putting it in household wastewater.

Additional Resources

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How to get rid of rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes swelling and blemishes, and for some sufferers it can be itchy, or even painful. Although it can’t be cured, the symptoms can certainly be controlled with long term care. There are many things that can be done to help you manage your rosacea better; read on to find out what they are. Avoiding triggers Rosacea is not necessarily something that is always there – sometimes you might not suffer from it at all until you come across a trigger that sets it off. Some common rosacea triggers include stress, sunlight, caffeine, make up and cosmetics, and certain foods (or lack of foods). If bright sunlight causes your rosacea to flare up, make sure you use plenty of sun cream and wear protective clothing including long sleeved tops and a wide-brimmed hat. The sun cream you wear should be at least SPF 30 and ideally should contain ingredients that won’t exacerbate rosacea symptoms. For some sufferers, children’s sun cream can be the best option. If your diet is the problem, try to include more foods that have anti-inflammatory properties such as ginger, broccoli, and garlic. If it’s caffeine, simply switch to caffeine free coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Treatment For Pustules Some rosacea sufferers will have pustules – pus-filled swellings – on their skin. These can be treated with topical creams and ointments, or even oral treatments. Most doctors will prescribe topical treatments first as there is less chance of side effects. Examples of these creams (or gels in some cases) include metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin. Most topical ointments will need to be applied once or twice a day, and you should always remember that it could take some time for results to become visible. This is why it is best to speak to your GP about the treatments that will work for you, and what to expect from them. If you are ever in any doubt about what you are using, speak to a dermatologist. They will be able to advise you on the correct dosage and usage, and you can ensure that your rosacea is given the chance to heal. Antibiotics Although prescribed less than the topical creams and gels mentioned above, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic such as Oxytetracycline, if your rosacea symptoms are unbearable. As ever when you are prescribed antibiotics, you must finish the course, even if you feel that your rosacea symptoms have calmed or even disappeared altogether. By stopping your antibiotics early, you might allow your infection to return, or for the infection to become immune to the antibiotics you are taking, thus making it harder to get rid of it next time you need to. Isotretinoin Most of the time, isotretinoin is given to patients suffering from severe acne. However, this is a strong medication even at lower dosages, and should never be taken without seeking advice from an expert dermatologist first. It should never be taken if you are pregnant. Facial Redness Pustules are not always a symptom of rosacea, and it may be that you don’t need to worry about treating them. For many, reddened skin is the problem they need to deal with, and as well as the natural remedies mentioned above, there are other ways to deal with this. Make Up If it is the look of the redness that causes you an issue, then covering it with make up can be a good way to get rid of it – at least from the outside. Of course, some cosmetic products can actually exacerbate rosacea, and it is crucial to know whether this is the case for you before you try to cover up the symptoms; you might find that although it is covered, your skin condition actually becomes a lot worse once you remove the make up at the end of the day. In order to prevent this from happening, you should check the ingredients on your make up before use. Ingredients such as witch hazel, alcohol, eucalyptus oil, menthol, chemical fragrances, and any kind of abrasive scrub can all cause a rosacea flare up. Thankfully, there are many natural cosmetics on the market. These have far fewer (if any) chemicals in them, although it is still wise to carry out a patch test and to speak with a dermatologist before using them if you are unsure of what might happen. IPL Treatment IPL treatment – intense pulsed light treatment – can sometimes reduce the redness caused by visible blood vessels. This can be an expensive treatment (it’s not something the NHS generally provides) especially when it takes more than one try to reduce the redness. However, it is an option that might be worth investigating if you have tried the medication on offer or prefer not to use medication at all. Oral Treatments If you are happy to take medication, there are some oral varieties that can reduce the symptoms of rosacea. Clonidine, for example, is often prescribed as this relaxes the blood vessels which allows blood to run more freely through them. Anxiety medications can also be used; this will keep the patient relaxed and therefore less prone to stress-related rosacea flare-ups.
Read more →
How to get rid of rosacea

Sources

Treatment information

  • Product Name: Finacea
  • Active Ingredient(s): Azelaic acid
  • Manufacturer: Leo Laboratories Ltd
  • Administration: Topical
  • Presentation: Gel
  • Available Strength: 15% Azelaic acid
  • Exemption: Prescription-only medication
  • Application: Men and women aged 18 and over with rosacea
  • Dosage: Apply to affected area twice a day
  • Description: Finacea is a topical gel to treat rosacea
  • Drug Class: Dicarboxylic acid
  • Alcohol Consumption: No known interaction, but alcohol can cause rosacea flare-ups
  • When Pregnant: Tell our prescribers if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant
  • When Breastfeeding: Tell our prescriber if you are breastfeeding
  • Price: 19.99 GBPhttps://www.prescriptiondoctor.com/storage/product_images_th/d6Kvk0kuR6WVSu3nLd3KdPBz74hXLf.jpg
Click here to view the Finacea Gel - Patient Information Leaflet

Authored By

Leanne

Leanne Edermaniger

Medical Content Writer
Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.

Published on: 12/09/2018 Re-Published on: 17/09/2026

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist
Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 17/09/2026

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