Finacea gel is a topical acne treatment used twice daily to kill acne-causing bacteria and increase skin cell turnover, reducing inflammation and the development of new spots. It is a prescription-only gel used to treat mild to moderate acne and papulopustular rosacea.

Finacea gel is also used “off label” to treat acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and melasma.

Finacea contains 15% azelaic acid, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It works to treat acne by:

• killing acne-causing bacteria that infect clogged pores and cause inflammation
• blocking the growth of keratin cells to increase their turnover and stop pores from becoming blocked
• reducing swelling and inflammation to improve the appearance of acne-prone skin
• reduces sebum production, natural oils that can increase the chance of breakouts

How long does Finacea gel take to work?

Finacea gel for acne starts working straight away, but it can take several months for you to notice the full benefits. Many people notice an improvement in their symptoms within 4 weeks of starting treatment.

One study found that after 4 weeks of treatment with azelaic acid, acne lesions reduced by 48% on average. It was found that using 15% azelaic acid gel twice daily was safe and effective for treating acne.

Finacea gel is a topical treatment, meaning it is applied directly to the skin affected by acne. You should apply it exactly as your doctor tells you to. Finacea gel is applied twice a day, usually once in the morning and once in the evening, and is often taken long term, although most people do not need to use it for more than 6 months.

To apply Finacea, you need to:

1. Wash the area you are going to apply the gel thoroughly with water and dry it. You can use a mild cleanser if needed.
2. Apply the gel to the affected area. A 2.5cm amount is enough to cover your entire face, so adjust the amount based on the size of the area.
3. Wash and dry your hands after use.

You should avoid applying any dressings or wraps to the face after applying the gel.

You can buy Finacea gel from a trusted online doctor service, but you will need a prescription from a doctor before you can get it. It may also be available on the NHS.

Can I buy Finacea gel online?

Yes, you can request Finacea gel from Superdrug Online Doctor by:

1. Filling out a short online health questionnaire and uploading 2 photos for our doctors to review.
2. Select your preferred acne treatment and make a payment.
3. If approved, we will send Finacea gel to your preferred address, or you can choose to collect it from your local Superdrug Pharmacy.

Ordering acne treatment from Superdrug Online Doctor is a convenient and discreet service. Once your request is approved, we’ll send your medication in unmarked, discreet packaging to your home address.

Can I buy Finacea gel over the counter?

No, you cannot buy Finacea gel over the counter because it is a prescription-only medication, which means you must have a doctor's permission to obtain it.

Can I get Finacea gel on the NHS?

Yes, you can get Finacea gel on the NHS, but you will need to make an appointment with a doctor to find out if it is available and suitable for you.

Like all medications, Finacea gel side effects are possible, but not everyone will get them.

Very common side effects, affecting more than 1 in 10 people, at the site of application, include:

• burning
• itching
• pain

Common side effects, which may affect up to 1 in 10 people, are:

• rash
• tingling or numbness (paraesthesia)
• dry skin

Uncommon side effects, affecting up to 1 in 100 people, include:

• skin reactions (contact dermatitis)
• abnormal skin redness (erythema)
• scaling
• warmth
• skin discolouration at the application site

Rare side effects, which may affect up to 1 in 1000 people, are:

• skin irritation
• urticaria (hives)
• worsening asthma symptoms

You can find a full list of Finacea gel side effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with the medication.

What to do if you get Finacea Gel side effects

If you get side effects while using Finacea gel, most of them are temporary and mild, and should improve as your skin gets used to the active ingredient.

If you get local side effects, like itching, pain, or burning, you can:

• use a smaller amount of gel
• apply the gel once a day
• stop using the gel temporarily to allow the side effects to pass
• use a gentle moisturiser

Although allergic reactions are rare, they are possible. If you get any of the following symptoms, stop using Finacea gel straight away and see a doctor or call 999 in an emergency:

• rapid swelling under the skin (angioedema)
• eye swelling
• swelling face
• shortness of breath or worsening asthma symptoms

Finacea gel may not be suitable for everyone. Do not use it if you are allergic to azelaic acid or any other listed ingredients. Finacea must only be applied externally on the skin.

Tell your doctor before using Finacea gel if you have any other medical conditions, especially asthma. Rarely, some people with asthma have reported that azelaic acid use has made their asthma symptoms worse.

You should also let your doctor know if you are taking any other prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications. You should avoid applying other medications or acne treatments to your face at the same time as Finacea, as it may cause a reaction.

Finacea gel & pregnancy

There has not been enough research into the effects of Finacea gel during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant, or are thinking about having a baby, talk to your doctor before using Finacea gel for acne.

Babies should not come into contact with skin or breast tissue that has been treated with Finacea gel.

Finacea gel is not the only acne treatment available. There are several creams, gels, and even oral antibiotics available for more severe cases that can help treat some of the causes of acne.

Acnecide 5% gel

Acnecide 5% gel contains benzoyl peroxide, which works by attacking the bacteria responsible for acne. It does not require a prescription, so it can be bought over the counter.

Aknemycin Plus

Aknemycin Plus is a prescription-only solution that’s applied directly to the acne-affected skin. It contains 2 active ingredients: an antibiotic called erythromycin to kill acne-causing bacteria, and a retinoid, tretinoin, to unclog pores and promote skin cell turnover.

Clindamycin 1% + benzoyl peroxide 5% gel

Clindamycin 1% + benzoyl peroxide 5% gel is a prescription-only topical acne treatment that contains clindamycin, an antibiotic, and benzoyl peroxide, and is applied once daily to the affected area. It works by stopping bacterial growth, reducing inflammation, and unblocking pores for clearer-looking skin.

Differin cream

Differin cream, also available as Differin gel, contains a retinoid called adapalene, which is applied just before bed and left overnight to increase the turnover of skin cells, reducing inflammation and preventing the formation of new spots.

Epiduo Forte gel

Epiduo Forte gel is a branded, prescription-only gel that contains 0.3% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to treat moderate to severe acne. It works by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and increasing skin cell turnover to improve the appearance of acne-prone skin.

Epiduo gel

Epiduo gel is a milder, less concentrated form of Epiduo Forte, which contains 0.1% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. It works in the same way as Epiduo Forte, but is more suitable for milder types of acne.

Skinoren cream

Skinoren cream contains 20% azelaic acid, so it works like Finacea gel but in a stronger formulation. It’s more suitable for moderate-to-severe acne.

Treclin gel

Treclin gel is a topical acne treatment containing 1% clindamycin and 0.025% tretinoin. It works in several ways, including reducing bacteria, inflammation, and unclogging pores, improving the appearance of your skin in 10 to 12 weeks.

Zineryt solution

Zineryt solution is an antibiotic containing erythromycin to stop the growth of acne-causing bacteria. It also contains zinc to reduce skin inflammation and redness.

Oral antibiotics

If you have moderate to severe acne, especially if it is inflammatory, a doctor may recommend oral antibiotics, like doxycycline or lymecycline. They work by killing the bacteria responsible and help to reduce inflammation. You’ll usually need to use them for 3 to 6 months and use them alongside topical treatments to reduce antibiotic resistance.

At Superdrug Online Doctor, our doctors may prescribe:

• Doxycycline + Skinoren 20% cream
• Doxycycline 100mg + Epiduo gel 0.1%
• Lymecycline 408mg + Skinoren 20% cream
• Lymecycline 408mg + Epiduo gel 0.1%
• Oxytetracycline 250mg + Epiduo gel 0.1%

If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, our doctors can recommend an acne treatment after a short consultation, during which you’ll need to upload 2 photos of the affected area.

Will Finacea fade dark spots?

Yes, Finacea is an effective treatment for fading dark spots caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun damage. It needs to be used long-term to lighten the skin, even out skin tone, and reduce acne marks. This is an “off label” use for this medication.

Does Finacea reduce redness?

Yes, Finacea has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help to reduce redness. This makes it an effective treatment for both acne and rosacea because it calms irritated skin, normalises skin cell turnover, and targets inflammation, with many people noticing results within 4 weeks.

Can Finacea be used long-term?

Yes, Finacea can be used for several months, depending on how your skin responds to treatment. If you have no improvement within 4 weeks or your acne gets worse, you should stop using Finacea gel and speak to your doctor, who may recommend an alternative acne treatment.

Why does Finacea sting when I apply it?

Burning, itching, or pain are common Finacea gel side effects and are caused by the active ingredient, which is an acid. It works by increasing the cell turnover and lowering inflammation, which can irritate the outer layer of skin. It is a common but often temporary side effect, especially in the first few weeks of treatment.

Is Finacea anti-aging?

Yes, Finacea gel is sometimes used as an anti-aging treatment. It is licensed to treat acne and rosacea, but it also has antioxidant properties and is a gentle exfoliant, which may improve skin texture, brighten skin, and reduce redness, all of which may improve the appearance of aging skin, but it is not licensed for anti-aging purposes.