Azelaic acid gel
"An antibacterial treatment for mild to moderate acne that you apply to your skin. It has a gentle exfoliating action to help clear pore blockages. Also widely known as the branded gel Finacea."
What is azelaic acid gel?
Azelaic acid gel is used for treating mild to moderate acne. It's generally much gentler on the skin than other acne treatments. It can be effective on its own or in combination with other medications. As it’s the active ingredient in the brand Finacea, you may also see this treatment listed as Finacea gel, Finacea azelaic acid and Finacea 15 gel.
How does it work?
Azelaic acid gel works as a chemical exfoliator to remove dead skin and acne-causing blockages from your pores. It also kills the bacteria that often cause inflammation and a buildup of pus, helping to prevent new acne from forming.
How to use azelaic acid
Apply azelaic acid gel to clean and dry skin twice daily, morning and evening. Regular use is important, so make sure you apply it continuously throughout your course of treatment.
Treatment results
It can take 4-6 weeks for you to see if the azelaic acid gel is working to clear up your acne. It’s a good treatment option for those with skin that’s too sensitive for harsher acne treatments.
Side effects of azelaic acid
Azelaic acid gel is generally much gentler on the skin than other acne treatments. However, as with all medications, some people may experience side effects when using it. The most common ones are itching, burning, and pain to the area treated. Some people may experience a rash, tingling, dry skin and numbness in the area treated. In a very small number of cases, there can be a more serious skin reaction where the gel is applied.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
Gently removes dead skin
Works to stop new acne from forming
Less harsh than some other topical treatments if you have sensitive skin
What is azelaic acid gel?
Azelaic acid gel is used for treating mild to moderate acne. It's generally much gentler on the skin than other acne treatments. It can be effective on its own or in combination with other medications. As it’s the active ingredient in the brand Finacea, you may also see this treatment listed as Finacea gel, Finacea azelaic acid and Finacea 15 gel.
How does it work?
Azelaic acid gel works as a chemical exfoliator to remove dead skin and acne-causing blockages from your pores. It also kills the bacteria that often cause inflammation and a buildup of pus, helping to prevent new acne from forming.
How to use azelaic acid
Apply azelaic acid gel to clean and dry skin twice daily, morning and evening. Regular use is important, so make sure you apply it continuously throughout your course of treatment.
Treatment results
It can take 4-6 weeks for you to see if the azelaic acid gel is working to clear up your acne. It’s a good treatment option for those with skin that’s too sensitive for harsher acne treatments.
Side effects of azelaic acid
Azelaic acid gel is generally much gentler on the skin than other acne treatments. However, as with all medications, some people may experience side effects when using it. The most common ones are itching, burning, and pain to the area treated. Some people may experience a rash, tingling, dry skin and numbness in the area treated. In a very small number of cases, there can be a more serious skin reaction where the gel is applied.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation
A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment
Choose next-day delivery, or click & collect from your local pharmacy
Azelaic acid gel FAQs
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How long does azelaic acid gel take to work?
You can use azelaic acid gel for several months depending on how effective it is. You may notice an improvement in the appearance of your acne after 4-6 weeks.
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Where can I buy azelaic acid gel (Finacea)?
You’ll need a prescription to buy azelaic acid gel, if you’re using an online service.
One of our clinicians can prescribe the gel for you after an online consultation where we make sure it’s right for you. This only takes a few minutes. Once approved, you can choose discreet home delivery or pick up your acne prescription from a Well Pharmacy.
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Azelaic acid gel (Finacea) warnings
Your clinician will advise you on any warnings or precautions before you use azelaic acid gel. Please note:
- The gel is for use on your skin only. Avoid contact with your eyes, mouth and the thin skin around body openings called mucous membranes.
- Remember to always wash your hands after you apply the gel.
- In rare cases, those with asthma who were treated with azelaic acid reported worsening symptoms.
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Does azelaic acid gel (Finacea) interact with any other medications?
So our clinicians can prescribe azelaic acid safely, you’ll need to let us know which prescription and over-the-counter medicines you’re taking regularly. This includes any medications for other skin conditions, such as eczema.
When using azelaic acid gel, it’s best to avoid:
- Other acne treatments you apply to your skin (topical) unless prescribed by your clinician
- Harsh skincare products like scrubs and peels
- Cleansers with high levels of alcohol that can dry out skin
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Alternative acne treatments
Depending on how serious your acne is and what’s causing it, our clinicians can prescribe a tailored treatment. That could mean pairing an oral antibiotic with your gel or cream. If you’re a woman with hormonal acne, your treatment could include the contraceptive pill co-cyprindiol (widely known as Dianette or Clairette).
Delivery and collection information
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Standard delivery (Free)
Packages will be delivered within 2-3 working days of your order being approved.
You’ll be contacted by your courier when they know when they’ll be delivering your package. You can update your delivery preferences in the Royal Mail app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place if you won't be in.
If you’re not present when Royal Mail deliver your treatment, they will:
- Post your parcel through your letter box
- Deliver to neighbour
- Deliver to your chosen safe place
If none of these options are feasible, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver the next working day.
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Next day delivery (£4.95)
Mainland UK
- Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive the next day (Tuesday - Saturday).
- Orders approved up to 11am Saturday will arrive on Sunday.
- Orders approved after 11am Saturday and all-day Sunday will arrive Tuesday.
Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Scottish Highlands, Channel Islands and other offshore UK destinations:
- Please allow an additional 24 to 48 hours for offshore UK destinations
You’ll be contacted by your courier when they know when they’ll be delivering your package. You can update your delivery preferences in the Royal Mail app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place if you won't be in.
If you’re not present when Royal Mail deliver your treatment, they will:
- Post your parcel through your letter box
- Deliver to neighbour
- Deliver to your chosen safe place
If none of these options are feasible, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver to you the next working day.
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Click and Collect (Free)
If your order is approved by 5pm Monday-Friday, you should be able to pick it up the same day from selected pharmacies - provided they have your treatment in stock.
We suggest you ring your chosen pharmacy before you go to collect your treatment, just to make sure they have it in stock and ready.
