What is Finacea Gel?
Finacea Gel is a prescription-only treatment designed to manage mild to moderate facial acne and rosacea. It contains the active ingredient azelaic acid, which helps eliminate bacteria responsible for these skin conditions. By doing so, Finacea improves skin texture, reduces blemishes, and promotes a more even skin tone. This gel is recommended for adults over 18 who have not had success with other topical treatments. It should be applied directly to affected areas twice daily, with noticeable results typically seen after a month of consistent use.
What is Finacea Gel used for?
Finacea Gel is primarily used to treat rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness, swelling, and a bumpy rash on the face. Although common, affecting 1 in 10 people, rosacea has no known cure and often flares up due to triggers like stress, alcohol, and certain weather conditions. Finacea helps to manage these flare-ups by unblocking pores and reducing inflammation. Additionally, Finacea is effective in treating mild to moderate acne by targeting the bacteria responsible for breakouts, leading to a clearer complexion with fewer flare-ups.
How does Finacea work?
Finacea Gel works by inhibiting the production and growth of keratin surface skin cells that clog pores, which is a common cause of acne and rosacea. The azelaic acid in Finacea helps to unblock pores and sebaceous glands, reducing the likelihood of papules, pustules, and spots. Additionally, it kills the bacteria associated with these conditions, further preventing irritation and inflammation that lead to redness and swelling.
What is azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid found in barley, wheat, and rye, as well as produced by a type of fungus on human skin. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, azelaic acid is effective in treating acne and rosacea. It promotes faster skin healing, clears bacteria from pores, and reduces the visibility of inflammation. Safe for all skin types, azelaic acid is suitable for treating a variety of skin conditions, including dull or impure skin.
How long does it take for Finacea to work?
Finacea Gel can start to show visible improvements in rosacea or acne within the first month of use, though full effects may take a few months. Consistency is key, as the gel needs to be applied twice daily without interruption to maintain its effectiveness. If you don’t see improvement after four weeks, or if your condition worsens, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Does Finacea work for everyone?
While Finacea has a high success rate in treating rosacea and acne, it may not be effective for everyone. Some users may not see any improvement and might require a stronger medication. In such cases, alternative treatments can be explored, and it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider for further options.
What are some alternative treatments to Finacea?
There are several alternatives to Finacea for treating rosacea and acne. For rosacea, options include oral antibiotics like Efracea and Erythromycin, as well as topical creams like Dermalex. Other prescription-only topical alternatives include:
- Rozex Gel: Contains metronidazole, an antibiotic.
- Soolantra: Contains ivermectin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic properties.
- Mirvaso Gel: Contains brimonidine tartrate, which reduces redness by decreasing blood flow to the treated area.
For acne, alternatives include Acnecide Gel (benzoyl peroxide), Differin Cream or Gel (adapalene), Epiduo Gel
