Azelaic acid 15% gel (Finacea)

Description

What is Finacea® (Azelaic Acid 15% Gel)?

 

 

Finacea® is a prescription-only topical treatment containing azelaic acid 15%, used to treat mild to moderate acne. It works by reducing acne-causing bacteria, helping to unblock pores and calming inflammation, resulting in clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Acne is a common skin condition that can cause blackheads, whiteheads, spots and inflamed pimples. It most commonly affects the face, chest and back, and can affect both teenagers and adults.

At The Kingston Pharmacy, Finacea® Gel is supplied as part of our clinician-led acne treatment service following a suitability assessment by our clinicians.

 

 

Available Strengths

 

 

Finacea® Gel contains:

• Azelaic acid 15% w/w

The treatment is supplied as a topical gel for application to affected areas of the skin.

 

 

How Does Finacea® Gel Work?

Finacea® contains azelaic acid, which works in several ways to improve acne.

It helps reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria, decreases inflammation and gently exfoliates the skin to help keep pores clear. This reduces the formation of new spots while helping existing blemishes to heal.

Azelaic acid may also help improve the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the dark marks that can remain after acne has healed).

 

 

Treatment may help to:

• Reduce inflamed spots and pimples
• Help prevent blocked pores
• Reduce acne-causing bacteria
• Improve overall skin texture
• Help fade post-acne marks over time

For best results, treatment should be used consistently alongside a gentle skincare routine.

 

 

Who May Be Suitable for Finacea® Gel?

 

 

You may be suitable for treatment if you:

• Are aged 18 years or over
• Have mild to moderate acne
• Experience inflamed spots, papules or pustules
• Are looking for a topical prescription acne treatment
• Meet the prescribing criteria following clinical assessment

All patients must complete a clinical assessment before treatment can be prescribed.

 

 

How to Use Finacea® Gel

Finacea® Gel should be applied exactly as directed by your clinician.

Wash and dry the affected skin before applying a thin layer of gel to the affected areas, usually twice daily.

Wash your hands after application and avoid contact with the eyes, lips and inside the nose.

If irritation occurs, your clinician may recommend reducing the frequency of application until your skin adjusts.

Always follow the instructions provided by your clinician and use the medication exactly as prescribed.

 

 

Potential Benefits

 

 

When prescribed appropriately, Finacea® Gel may:

• Reduce inflammatory acne
• Help prevent new spots from developing
• Improve skin texture
• Help reduce post-acne marks
• Support clearer, healthier-looking skin
• Provide clinician-supervised treatment and monitoring

 

 

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Finacea® Gel can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

 

 

Common side effects may include:

• Mild burning or stinging
• Skin irritation
• Dryness
• Redness
• Itching
• Peeling

These effects are usually mild and improve as your skin becomes accustomed to treatment.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet and consult your healthcare professional if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

How long does Finacea® Gel take to work?

Many patients begin to notice improvements after several weeks of regular use, although it may take up to 8–12 weeks to achieve the full benefit.

 

 

Can I use moisturiser with Finacea® Gel?

Yes. Using a non-comedogenic moisturiser can help reduce dryness and irritation whilst maintaining your skin barrier.

 

 

Can I wear makeup whilst using Finacea® Gel?

Yes. Once the gel has fully absorbed, non-comedogenic makeup may be applied.

 

 

What happens if I miss an application?

Apply the gel as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next application. Do not apply extra gel to make up for a missed dose.

 

 

Do I need a GP prescription?

No. Finacea® Gel is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) but it doesn’t require a GP prescription. At The Kingston Pharmacy it can be supplied following assessment by a qualified prescribing clinician.

 

 

Our Acne Treatment Service

At The Kingston Pharmacy, we provide a personalised, clinician-led acne treatment service designed to help manage acne safely and effectively.

Before treatment can be prescribed, you will complete a confidential online consultation covering your:

• Medical history
• Current medications
• Acne symptoms
• Areas affected
• Previous acne treatments
• Relevant skin conditions

Your consultation will be carefully reviewed by one of our qualified prescribing clinicians, who will assess whether treatment is safe and appropriate for you. If suitable, a personalised treatment plan will be created based on your individual skin type, acne severity and treatment goals.

 

 

Flexible Delivery and Collection Options

Once your prescription has been approved, you can choose the option that works best for you:

• Free in-store collection from The Kingston Pharmacy at a time convenient to you.
• Secure home delivery directly to your chosen address, ensuring your medication arrives safely and discreetly.

We aim to make accessing acne treatment as simple and convenient as possible.

You can contact us by telephone, email, or by visiting the pharmacy, and we will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

 

 

Important Information

Finacea® Gel is not suitable for everyone and should only be used following an appropriate clinical assessment.

Finacea® Gel should only be applied externally and should not come into contact with the eyes, mouth or other mucous membranes. Your clinician will assess your suitability during the consultation process.

Acne often requires several weeks of consistent treatment before noticeable improvement occurs. Continuing treatment as prescribed and following a suitable skincare routine can help achieve the best results.

Always use medicines exactly as prescribed and read the Patient Information Leaflet before use.