Ugh, breakouts. They seem to plague us at all ages, and while we might be familiar with the classic whiteheads and blackheads, there’s another contender: fungal acne.
Fungal acne, also known as Malassezia folliculitis or Pityrosporum folliculitis, is a common skin condition that can be easily mistaken for regular acne. But here’s the catch: it’s caused by something entirely different.
What is Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne occurs when a type of yeast, Malassezia, overgrows on your skin and infects your hair follicles. Unlike regular acne, which is triggered by excess oil and bacteria, fungal acne thrives in warm, humid environments and can worsen with sweating or tight clothing.
Spotting the Signs
Fungal acne can appear on your chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms, but it can also show up on your face. Here’s what to look for:
- Small, red, itchy bumps: Unlike regular acne, fungal acne typically won’t have whiteheads or blackheads.
- Clustered breakouts: Fungal acne often appears in patches or clusters.
- Worsening with heat and sweat: If your breakouts seem to flare up during workouts or hot weather, it could be fungal acne.
Treating the Troublemakers
Regular acne treatments won’t do the trick here. Fungal acne requires antifungal medications, which can come in the form of creams, shampoos, or oral medication. A dermatologist can help diagnose your condition and recommend the best course of treatment.
Keeping Fungal Acne at Bay
There are steps you can take to prevent future flare-ups:
- Shower after sweating: Don’t let sweat sit on your skin. Rinse off after workouts or hot showers.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing: Tight clothing can trap heat and sweat, creating a breeding ground for yeast.
- Avoid harsh soaps and scrubs: These can irritate your skin and worsen the condition.
- Keep an eye on products: Some hair styling products and heavy moisturizers can clog pores and contribute to fungal acne.
Product Recommendations
All the following products are fungal acne safe. Non of these products are sponsored, these are only products I have found by researching, testing and asking around about.
If you want to check any ingredients, I recommend this webpage:
https://folliculitisscout.com/
Oil Cleanser
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a gentle, oil-based cleanser designed to remove makeup and dirt while keeping your skin hydrated. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- Gentle Cleansing: This cleanser uses squalane, a plant-derived oil, to effectively dissolve makeup and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- Hydrating Benefits: Squalane is similar to natural oils your skin produces, so it can replenish hydration and leave your skin feeling soft and supple.
- Makeup Removal: While gentle, the Squalane Cleanser is effective at removing light to medium makeup, including mascara.
- Suited for Most Skin Types: This cleanser is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores), making it a good option for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Overall, The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a good choice for those looking for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that removes makeup without drying out the skin.
Foam Cleanser
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic cleanser that’s suitable for normal, sensitive, and even dry skin.
- Mild and Fragrance-Free: This cleanser is formulated to be gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. It doesn’t contain any fragrance, which can irritate some people.
- Non-Comedogenic: This means it won’t clog your pores, making it a good option for those who are prone to breakouts, including fungal acne.
- Preserves Skin’s Moisture Barrier: This cleanser effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural oils. This is important for maintaining healthy skin, especially for those with dryness or sensitivity.
- Can be Used with or Without Water: This is a versatile cleanser that can be used as a traditional rinse-off cleanser or as a gentle lotion cleanser for those who prefer not to rinse.
iUNIK Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam
iUNIK Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam is a gentle, vegan facial cleanser formulated for most skin types, especially those that are sensitive or irritated. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- Key Ingredient: This cleanser boasts a high concentration (69%) of Centella Asiatica extract, also known as cica. Centella Asiatica is known for its soothing and calming properties, making it ideal for irritated or breakout-prone skin.
- Benefits: It removes impurities and helps reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads, while also providing a hydrating effect. The cleanser has a soft, micro-bubble texture that is gentle enough for everyday use.
- Additional Features: It has a pH level close to skin’s natural balance, which helps maintain the skin’s barrier. The cleanser is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Overall, iUNIK Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam is a gentle cleanser that can help cleanse, soothe, and hydrate the skin.
Exfoliator
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant is a chemical exfoliant designed to improve skin texture and tone. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- Chemical Exfoliant: Unlike scrubs that physically buff the skin, this product uses AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) to chemically exfoliate. AHAs work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed and revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath.
- Mandelic Acid (6%) & Lactic Acid (2%): This product combines two AHAs: mandelic acid and lactic acid.
- Mandelic Acid: This is a larger AHA molecule, making it gentler and suitable for sensitive skin. It’s particularly good for targeting clogged pores and uneven skin tone.
- Lactic Acid: This AHA is known for its hydrating properties and ability to improve overall skin texture.
- Liquid Exfoliant: The lightweight liquid formula absorbs easily and is less irritating than some exfoliating scrubs.
- Targets: This product is designed to address concerns like:
- Uneven skin texture
- Dullness
- Fine lines (with continued use)
- Clogged pores (particularly with mandelic acid)
Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Exfoliate and clear your skin in just 30 days with Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner! This toner is a powerhouse for tackling acne and blemishes, formulated for oily, blemish-prone skin.
- Triple Threat Exfoliation: The key to this toner’s effectiveness is its unique blend of AHA, BHA, and PHA. These exfoliating acids work together to:
- AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid): Exfoliates the skin’s surface, removing dead skin cells and promoting smoother texture.
- BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid): Penetrates deeper to unclog pores, reducing blackheads and whiteheads.
- PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid): Gently exfoliates while also hydrating and soothing the skin.
- Clearer, Brighter Complexion: This toner helps to minimize the appearance of pores, blemishes, and redness, leaving your skin looking clearer and more radiant.
- Be Patient with the “Miracle”: While the name claims results in 30 days, be realistic with your expectations. Everyone’s skin responds differently, and consistent use is key.
Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner is a potent option for those looking to tackle acne and achieve a clearer, smoother complexion. However, if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to do a patch test before applying all over your face.
The Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
The Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad is a gentle yet effective skincare solution designed to provide your skin with the nourishment it needs. Each pad is infused with 77% heartleaf extract, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals with sensitive or irritated skin, as it helps to calm redness and reduce inflammation
These pads offer a dual-action benefit: they not only cleanse and exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and impurities, but also deliver a burst of hydration. The heartleaf extract works to balance the skin’s oil production, ensuring a clearer and more refined complexion without stripping away essential moisture.
Key features of the Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad include:
- High Heartleaf Extract Content: With 77% heartleaf extract, these pads are packed with natural soothing agents that help to calm and comfort the skin.
- Exfoliation and Cleansing: The textured pads provide mild exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, leading to a smoother and more even skin texture.
- Hydration and Oil Control: The formula not only hydrates but also helps to regulate excess sebum, making it suitable for oily and combination skin types.
- Convenient and Easy to Use: The pre-soaked pads are perfect for quick application, making them an excellent addition to your daily skincare routine.
The Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad is ideal for anyone seeking a gentle yet effective way to enhance their skincare regimen, delivering clearer, more radiant skin with each use.
Moisturizer
Purito Oat-in Calming Gel Cream
Soothe and hydrate sensitive skin with Purito Oat-in Calming Gel Cream! This lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer is perfect for all skin types, especially those prone to irritation or redness.
Key Ingredients: Oat Seed Water (77%) forms the base of this gel cream, providing intense hydration and calming relief. Panthenol joins the party to further soothe and moisturize, while also strengthening your skin’s natural barrier.
Benefits: This gel cream absorbs quickly without feeling greasy, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and cool. It helps reduce redness and irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Regular use can even help strengthen your skin’s barrier for overall healthier-looking skin.
Free From: For those with sensitive skin concerns, Purito Oat-in Calming Gel Cream is free of fragrance, artificial colors, essential oils, alcohol, parabens, sulfates, and silicones. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free!
If you’re looking for a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer that calms and hydrates, Purito Oat-in Calming Gel Cream is a great option!
Sunscreen
Eucerin Advanced Hydration SPF 50
Eucerin Advanced Hydration SPF 50 Sunscreen is a fragrance-free sunscreen formulated specifically for people with dry skin. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- Hydrating: This sunscreen contains hyaluronic acid and humectants, ingredients designed to attract and retain moisture in the skin. This is particularly beneficial for those with dry skin, as it helps prevent the sunscreen from feeling drying or stripping.
- Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Protection: This sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays, offering the highest level of sun protection available over-the-counter. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to premature aging and wrinkles, while UVB rays burn the skin’s surface.
- Lightweight, Non-Greasy Feel: This sunscreen is formulated to be lightweight and absorb quickly, leaving no greasy residue behind. This can be especially important for people with dry skin who may already feel greasy from natural oils.
- Fragrance-Free: Fragrance can irritate some skin, especially sensitive skin. This fragrance-free formula is suitable for those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
- Water Resistant (80 Minutes): This sunscreen can withstand water and sweat for up to 80 minutes, making it suitable for swimming or light exercise. However, it’s important to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if sweating or swimming.
The Takeaway
Fungal acne might be a bit trickier to tackle than regular acne, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, you can get those itchy bumps under control. If you suspect you have fungal acne, don’t hesitate to visit a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.