I have seen a few questions lately about fungal acne, so let’s delve into this lesser known and funky sounding acne.
First of all, what is fungal acne?
Fungal acne, (aka Malassezia folliculitis) is a skin condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) in hair follicles, leading to small, uniform, itchy pustules. Unlike regular acne, it isn't caused by bacteria or clogged pores but thrives in warm, humid environments and is often triggered by sweat, oily skin, or antibiotic use.
So now we know what causes it, how do we get rid of it?
On the supplement side of things, we can use:
White Willow Bark
It contains salicin which is a salicylic acid precursor. It gently & naturally exfoliates, unclogs pores, and reduces inflammation, helping prevent Malassezia overgrowth.
Burdock Root
This ingredient has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that cleanse the skin and regulate oil production.
Red Clover
This ingredient is rich in isoflavones which have incredible antifungal effects that help balance oil levels and soothe inflammation.
Dandelion Root
This root helps to support liver detoxification, which in turn helps clear toxins and regulate sebum to reduce fungal acne triggers.
Zinc
Our favorite anti-inflammatory and antifungal ingredient helps control oil production and supports skin immunity against fungal overgrowth.
All of these are core ingredients of the Acne Cleanse Capsules 🧡
Now vitamins are not the only way we can tackle this!
On the topical side of things we can use:
Witch Hazel
This is a natural astringent with antimicrobial properties. These properties help reduce excess oil and control fungal growth.
Goldenseal
This extract contains berberine, a powerful antifungal and antibacterial compound that can help combat Malassezia.
Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)
This helps to soothe inflammation and promote wound healing. In addition, it supports the skin barrier, reducing the irritation from fungal acne.
Turmeric
This well known root contains curcumin, which has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce fungal acne flare-ups.
All of these are core ingredients of the Acne Clear Cream 🩷
Now what are the lifestyle habits we can implement to actually prevent this from developing?
Keep Skin Dry & Sweat-Free
Malassezia thrives in warm, humid environments, so showering after workouts, as well as wearing breathable fabrics can seriously help.
Limit Oil-Based Skincare & Hair Products
Heavy oils, especially those high in oleic acid (like coconut oil), can feed Malassezia, so opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic products.
Balance Diet & Gut Health
Reducing highly processed, high-sugar and high-carb intake can help, as yeast overgrowth in the body can contribute to fungal acne. Probiotic-rich foods also support a healthy microbiome.
Avoid Overuse of Antibiotics & Steroids
These can disrupt the skin’s microbiome, allowing Malassezia to overgrow. If you are prescribed them, you can consider supporting your skin with antifungal ingredients.
Wash Clothes, Towels, & Pillowcases Frequently
Fungal spores can linger on fabric, so using antifungal laundry detergents or washing frequently with hot water can seriously help to prevent reinfection.
So if you think you are suffering with fungal acne, give these solutions a go and let me know how your skin improves!
Talk soon,
K xx
