Finacea Gel

What is Finacea gel?

Finacea gel contains the active ingredient azelaic acid 15% w/w. It's commonly prescribed to treat rosacea and may also be recommended for acne. It works by calming inflammation, reducing spots and, if used consistently, helping to improve the general appearance of your skin over time.

Finacea is usually prescribed for adults with papulopustular rosacea and acne. These are common long-term skin conditions that mainly affect the face. They can cause persistent redness, visible blood vessels and, for some people, red spots or pus-filled bumps that flare up from time to time.

What is Finacea azelaic acid used for?

Finacea gel is primarily prescribed to treat rosacea, reducing inflammatory spots while potentially helping to improve the overall appearance of rosacea symptoms.

Azelaic acid is also widely used to treat acne because it helps reduce inflammation, unblock pores and limit the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

What does Finacea azelaic acid do?

Finacea gel helps reduce inflammation and the number of papules and pustules caused by rosacea. Azelaic acid also helps decrease the growth of certain bacteria on the skin and reduces the formation of keratin, a protein that can contribute to blocked pores.

Because it targets several factors involved in rosacea and acne, regular use can help normalise your skin cell production, supporting clearer, healthier-looking skin long-term.

How long does azelaic acid take to work?

Some people notice improvements within four weeks, but it can take several months of regular use to achieve the full benefits. Continue using Finacea as prescribed unless your clinician advises otherwise.

Treatment often requires patience and consistency. It's important to apply Finacea exactly as directed, even if improvements aren't immediate. The benefits will come over time. Stopping treatment too early may reduce its effectiveness.

If you've been using Finacea for around eight weeks without noticing any improvement, or if your symptoms become worse, speak to your GP or prescriber for further advice.

How effective is Finacea gel?

Finacea gel has been shown to reduce the inflammatory lesions associated with rosacea when used consistently. Its effectiveness depends on the severity of your symptoms and on following your prescribed treatment plan.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that azelaic acid 15% gel can significantly reduce papules and pustules and inflammatory lesions in people with mild to moderate papulopustular rosacea and acne when used as directed.

For the best results, continue treatment for the full course recommended by your clinician and combine it with a gentle skincare routine designed for sensitive skin.

Avoid known triggers where possible, like excessive sun exposure, alcohol, spicy foods or extreme temperatures, as these can contribute to flare-ups in some people.

How to apply Finacea azelaic acid

• Before applying the gel, wash the affected area and gently pat dry.
• Apply a thin layer of Finacea gel to clean, dry skin twice a day, usually once in the morning and once in the evening.
• Gently massage the gel into the affected areas until it has been absorbed.
• Only apply enough gel to cover the affected areas. Avoid using larger amounts than prescribed, as this won't make the treatment work more quickly and may increase skin irritation.
• Wash your hands after applying the gel unless you're treating your hands.

If you experience persistent irritation, speak to your clinician. They may recommend reducing applications to once a day until your skin settles.

What not to use with Finacea gel

Avoid getting Finacea gel in your eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes. You should also avoid harsh skincare products that may irritate your skin while using the treatment.

Products that may increase irritation include:

• alcohol-based cleansers or toners
• astringents
• abrasive exfoliants
• peels and scrubs
• strong soaps
• products containing ingredients that your skin doesn't tolerate

If Finacea accidentally encounters your eyes, mouth or inside your nose, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water. If irritation continues, seek medical advice.

Finacea side effects

Like all medicines, Finacea gel can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them. The most common side effects are mild skin reactions where the gel is applied, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment.

Common side effects include:

• burning, stinging, itching & tingling
• pain at the application site
• dry skin, peeling or scaling
• redness

These side effects are usually temporary and often improve as your skin adjusts to the treatment.

Less commonly, you may experience:

• worsening of symptoms
• contact dermatitis
• skin irritation, rashes & swelling
• increased skin sensitivity

Stop using Finacea gel and seek urgent medical advice if you experience:

• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• a severe skin rash
• signs of a serious allergic reaction

If your skin irritation is severe or persists despite reducing the frequency of application, speak to your GP, pharmacist or another clinician.

Who shouldn’t use Finacea gel

Finacea gel isn't suitable for everyone. Do not use it if you're allergic to azelaic acid or any of the other ingredients in the gel.

Before using Finacea, tell your clinician if you:

• have very sensitive skin
• have asthma, as worsening asthma has rarely been reported during treatment
• have another skin condition affecting the treatment area

Avoid applying the gel:

• inside the mouth, nose and eyes
• on other mucous membranes, like your genitals

If accidental contact occurs, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.

Storage information

Store Finacea gel below 30°C in its original packaging.

Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use and store it out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use the gel after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Dispose of any unused or expired medicine responsibly by returning it to your local pharmacy. Do not throw medicines away in household waste or wastewater.

Alternatives to Finacea gel

Finacea gel may not be the most suitable treatment for everyone. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your clinician may recommend another topical treatment for rosacea.

Alternative treatments may include:

• Skinoren (azelaic acid)
• metronidazole creams or gels, like Metrogel, Rozez and Zidovel
• ivermectin cream
• brimonidine gel, like Mirvaso gel, for persistent facial redness

Your clinician will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms, the severity of your skin condition and how it responds to treatment.

Finacea vs Skinoren

Finacea gel and Skinoren both contain azelaic acid but differ in their strength, formulation and licensed uses. Your clinician will recommend the most appropriate option for your condition.

Finacea contains 15% azelaic acid in a gel formulation and is licensed for treating the inflammatory papules and pustules associated with rosacea and acne.

Skinoren contains 20% azelaic acid in a cream formulation and is primarily used to treat acne.

Although both medicines contain the same active ingredient, they aren't interchangeable unless advised by your prescriber, as they're licensed for different conditions and have different formulations.

Frequently asked questions about Finacea gel

Does azelaic acid help with acne?

Yes, azelaic acid can help treat acne by reducing inflammation to prevent blocked pores and limit the growth of certain bacteria on the skin.

Is azelaic acid good for rosacea?

Yes, azelaic acid is an established treatment for the inflammatory papules and pustules associated with rosacea. Regular use can help reduce inflammation, improve spots and support clearer-looking skin.

How often should you use Finacea azelaic acid?

Finacea gel is usually applied twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, unless your clinician advises otherwise.

If you experience significant skin irritation, your clinician may recommend reducing application to once daily until your skin settles. Do not apply more often than instructed.

Sources

• Finacea 15% Gel – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). (2025). EMC. [Accessed 19 July 2026].
• Finacea 15% Gel – Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). (2025). EMC. [Accessed 19 July 2026].
• Acne. (2024). NHS. [Accessed 19 July 2026].
• Rosacea. (2024). NHS. [Accessed 19 July 2026].
• The multiple uses of azelaic acid in dermatology: mechanism of action, preparations, and potential therapeutic applications. (2024). PMC. [Accessed 19 July 2026].