Malassezia Folliculitis (fungal acne) has been something I have been struggling with for the last year. It’s a pain to deal with and the fungal acne kept coming back no matter what I tried. It’s red, itchy, and just diminishes my skin confidence. That’s until I found the right ingredients at the right concentrations. So, let’s get into how to properly treat fungal acne and keep it at bay for good!
Why Does Fungal Acne Occur
Fungal acne is not acne, instead, it’s an overgrowth of yeast. The skin condition presents itself like acne, which is why it can get confusing. Fungal acne will be small, red, whiteheads that are similar in size. They will most likely be itchy and inflamed as well.
Everyone has the yeast on their skin, but it’s overgrowth causes the problem. The yeast feeds on oil and fatty acids, which is why many hydrating ingredients don’t help. The yeast can spread from your scalp to your body and face, which is likely what happens when fungal acne occurs.
Moist environments cause the skin to break down, so overhydrating or over-moisturizing are going to trigger fungal acne.
Dermatologist Recommendations
Dermatologists usually recommend trying an anti-dandruff shampoo like Head & Shoulders or Nizoral to treat fungal acne. Shampoos with zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole are anti-fungal because of the ingredient composition. However, I never found much relief with these products, and they overly dried out my skin. There are other ingredients that you can try, so let’s get into it!
{Related Post: A Simple Skincare Routine that Won’t Overwhelm You}
Ingredients
There are a few amazing ingredients that work well for fungal acne.
- Zinc: anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, skin barrier repairing
- Niacinamide: oil regulating, calming, hydrating
- Retinol: reduces skin texture, reduces inflammation, reduces clogged pores
- Sulfur: anti-bacterial, anti-fungal
Niacinamide + Zinc
There are many Niacinamide + Zinc products out there. Combining both ingredients makes it an effective product for keeping fungal acne away. Use it every morning to treat fungal acne and prevent it from coming back. The hydrating prosperities are important for oily skin types which often lack the water content it needs.
Retinol
I use retinol about 2-3 times a week. Overdoing it can cause a fungal acne outbreak because your skin barrier is damaged. However, the cell turnover effect ensures that healthy skin thrives.
Sulfur
Sulfur is an amazing ingredient for fungal acne. This is the number one thing that clears my malassezia folliculitis. It is significantly reduced in just a day. Because of its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, it makes it an amazing treatment for acne and fungal acne. Plus, it is a bit exfoliating as well, meaning your skin will be super soft. I prefer this as a cleanser rather than a mask. Use it 2-3 times a week for clear skin.
Zinc Paste
Stay with me here. Diaper rash cream, which has high zinc concentrations, is amazing for fungal acne. Not only does it treat fungal acne, but it also helps restore your skin barrier. Use it at night, and you will be glowing in the morning.
{Related Post: 3-Step Basic Skincare Routine For The Busy Corporate Girl}
Fungal Acne Routine
This routine will keep your skin clear, bright, smooth, and hydrated. It will treat fungal acne and more.
Every morning use a niacinamide and zinc serum.
In the evenings, rotate between sulfur cleansers followed by zinc paste or retinol. One night do the cleanser and zinc duo, the next night do retinol. Then, take a break day, or repeat, depending on how your skin feels.
Product Recommendations
Please note that not all of these are clean, sustainable products. Sometimes it’s difficult to find products with these criteria when you are treating a certain skin condition.
Final Thoughts
I hope this quick blog post on fungal acne was helpful and that you can find some relief! I know these products really helped cure my fungal acne!
With love,
Aditi <3
Aditi Rani – Figuring Out Life in Your Twenties
*Disclaimer: This is not professional advice. Some links are affiliate. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a commission. It does not alter the price or change your buyer experience.
