Reviewed by Virginia Chachati MPharm
(2013, University College London)
GPhC Registration number: 2087654
Information last reviewed 03/07/2021
Finacea gel is a treatment for rosacea, which is a skin condition that causes redness and facial flushing. It contains the active ingredient azelaic acid. Finacea gel can also be used to treat pustules and papules (small, red spots) associated with acne.
Finacea gel works by slowing down the production of keratin in skin cells and unblocking pores and sebum glands. This means that dead skin cells and oils don't get trapped in your pores and lead to spots. Finacea gel also reduces inflammation by killing the bacteria which causes redness and bumps on the skin.
You should start to see an improvement in your symptoms after four weeks of using Finacea gel.
Dose |
Pea-sized amount, rubbed into the skin twice a day |
Type of Medicine | Topical dicarboxylic acid |
Mechanism |
Slows production of keratin, allowing skin cells to be more easily cleared from pores |
Available Size |
30g tube |
Available Strengths |
15% w/w |
Active Ingredient |
Azelaic acid |
Price |
From £20.70 per tube |
Side Effects |
Can include dry skin, itching, burning, rash, tingling or numbness, contact dermatitis, acne, hives, worsening of asthma, hypersensitivity reactions |
The active ingredient in Finacea gel is azelaic acid.
The other ingredients in Finacea gel are: benzoic acid (E210), carbomers, disodium edetate, lecithin, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium hydroxide and triglycerides medium chain.
Finacea gel should be applied to clean, dry skin twice a day. Use a pea-sized amount and rub it into the affected areas. If you experience skin irritation, reduce the frequency to once a day until this clears up.
A pea-sized amount should be used twice daily.
You should use Finacea gel for as long as your doctor or pharmacist has prescribed. This will vary from person to person but it's likely to be a minimum of a couple of months. If you stop using Finacea gel, then your symptoms are likely to return.
Using too much Finacea gel is nothing to worry about as it's unlikely this will cause any harm. If you experience any skin irritation, reduce the amount of gel you use or switch to once daily until the irritation passes.
If you forget to use Finacea gel, don't use twice as much to make up for it. Skip the missed dose and continue as prescribed by your doctor.
There are no foods or drinks which will interact with the way Finacea gel works, but certain substances may trigger rosacea symptoms. These include:
You may want to avoid consuming these to prevent your rosacea from being triggered.
Common side effects of Finacea gel include:
Less common side effects of Finacea gel can include:
Rare side effects of Finacea gel can include:
Do not use Finacea gel if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
Inform your doctor if:
Speak to your doctor if you want to use other medicines at the same time as Finacea gel.
Speak to your doctor if you wish to use Finacea gel during pregnancy, or if you are trying for a baby.
Other rosacea treatments include metronidazole gel (Rozex), ivermectin cream (Soolantra), brimonidine (Mirvaso) and oral antibiotics. Oral isotretinoin may be given to treat severe rosacea. If these don't help, you could try laser treatment.
Finacea gel and metronidazole (in Rozex) are two commonly prescribed treatments for rosacea. Finacea gel contains azelaic acid, whereas metronidazole is an antibiotic.
There are things you can do to help prevent rosacea from flaring up. Avoid scrubbing your face, using exfoliants or applying harsh products as these can make your symptoms worse. Use a mild cleanser and a light moisturiser. Always apply sun protection before going outside.
You can still wear makeup while using Finacea gel. If you are applying it after using the treatment, wait for the gel to sink in first. There are camouflage cosmetics available to cover up severe redness.
Using a green tinted base is the best way to even out the redness caused by rosacea. You should also look for foundations which have a high SPF sunscreen in order to protect your skin from sunlight. Brands which are created for sensitive skin are best.
Finacea gel is not a steroid. It contains azelaic acid, which is naturally produced by a fungus that lives on the skin.
Finacea gel can also be used to treat papulopustular acne. This is characterised by small, red spots which may have white tips with pus.
Rosacea and acne are two different skin conditions but are often commonly mistaken for each other. Rosacea can include small, red bumps which look similar to acne, whereas acne can cause redness and irritation. If you are unsure, see a doctor for advice as they will be able to diagnose which skin condition you have.
Identifying what your triggers are can help you manage rosacea. Common dietary triggers are spicy foods, dairy, caffeine and alcohol. If these cause your skin to flare up, you may wish to avoid them.
Rosacea and eczema are two different skin conditions which are not related. Rosacea causes flushing, redness and small spots whereas eczema appears as red, itchy dry patches of skin. They are each treated in different ways.
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