Recommendation: Finacea Gel (Azealic Acid)

Finacea gel (azealic acid 15%) is a prescription gel that treats rosacea (redness, inflammatory papules and pustules). It can also be used to treat mild acne, other inflammatory conditions, and has the ability to fade acne marks, break up irregular pigmentation.

Overall skin lightening can occur from the use of Finacea gel, as stated as one of the side effects: "This medication may infrequently cause abnormal changes in skin color (hypopigmentation). Dark-skinned individuals may notice a lightening in skin color."

This is not something to be 'alarmed' or concerned about. It is just a natural side effect to using azealic acid in this concentration. Azealic acid is an AHA that also acts as a mild anti-free radical agent and anti-inflammatory agent. Both of these can contribute to the skin lightening process it induces.

Finacea, really is the gold standard in fighting against many inflammatory skin conditions (aside from niacinamide and ofcourse retinoids). If you've ever had tiny little red bumps on your forehead or anywhere on your face, those are most likely irritation bumps and not necessarily clogged pores. Finacea can clear those up really well. Again, it is also an excellent treatment option for mild acne. It can clear up pustules, papules, blackheads, cysts and whiteheads. This is credited to the fact that azealic acid has an anti-microbial effect, but it is not antibiotic. So you don't need to worry about resistance or anything.

Pigmentation-wise, overall hypopigmentation (skin lightening) can occur. Works great at fading red marks, dark marks, and pigmented legions.

Like with retinoids and other AHA products, expect a period of purging the first week or so, in which comedones and such will rise to the surface of the skin. Itchiness or flakiness can develop in the first couple of applications, similar to Retin-A. You can easily counteract that with a moisturizer over top.

Finacea is acquired through your doctor. If you have insurance, it is quite cheap in the United States and other parts of the world. There are also other generic brands that have azealic acid in them. Azelex being one. I know you can order Finacea without a prescription online through these websites: http://www.epharmacy.com.au/product.asp?id=49623&pname=Finacea+Acne+Gel+15%25+30g, as well as http://www.towers.net.au/ They ship overseas as well.

Finacea can be worn in the daytime, underneath your sunscreen or as a night treatment. Retinoid users would probably want to use this during the day, as mixing azealic acid with a retinoid is not a good idea (increased irritation, mixing actives together decreases the effectiveness). It's also a great alternative to using other topical treatments like Benzoyl Peroxide or even BHA.

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