What Is Fungal Acne? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Hey SkinCare lovers!

Let’s talk about something that often gets misunderstood — Fungal Acne. You might also hear it called Malassezia Folliculitis or Pityrosporum Folliculitis. It’s not your regular acne, and that’s what makes it tricky.

Fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of yeast (a type of fungus) that lives on your skin. It mainly targets your hair follicles, not your pores like usual acne does.

So instead of whiteheads or blackheads, you’ll see small, itchy, red pimples — usually on your forehead, back, or chest. And the strange thing? These bumps all look similar and can be super annoying!

Now here’s the catch — fungal acne is NOT the same as regular acne. But many people treat it like it is. They keep applying regular anti-acne creams or gels, which only makes it worse. Yup, it can feed the yeast and make your skin break out more. 

In today’s blog, we’re diving into:

✅ What causes fungal acne

✅ What to do (and what not to do)

✅ Simple ways to treat it the right way

✅ And some product tips that actually help!

If you're dealing with stubborn breakouts that just won’t go away — and nothing seems to work — it might not be acne at all. It could be fungal acne, and we’re here to help you figure it out.

What is the reason for fungal acne? 

Let's break it. So, fungal acne is mainly caused by a type of yeast (called Malassezia) which naturally lives on our skin. Looks scary? Don't worry - this is completely normal.

But problems begin when this yeast grows greatly and blocks or bothers your hair. 

Now the big question - does this yeast make this yeast wild? Here are some common triggers:

Friction (Skin-to-Skin Rub) When your skin rubs together, such as tight fabric or sweat-level areas, it can disturb the hair follicle and give the yeast an ideal place to grow. 

Heat and Sweating Warm and moist skin is formed by wearing clothes for a very long time or living in a warm, moist place, which loves yeast very much. Excess heat = more breakout. 

Hair Removal/Waxing Broad removal of hair by shaving, waxing, or plucking can hurt your skin and open the follicle, making it easier for the yeast to enter. 

Touching your skin frequently. If you always scratch, rub, or lift on your skin, it can disturb the natural balance of your skin, which can trigger fungal acne. 

Hot tub or steam bath: 

Chill in a hot tub or hot pool for a very long time? That warm, wet atmosphere is yeast paradise. Be careful if this is something you do often.

In short, when your skin is very sweaty, warm, or irritated, the yeast can overgrow and cause fungal acne. Knowing the trigger helps to stop it even before it happens!

Ingredients & Products to Avoid for Fungal Acne 

If you’re dealing with fungal acne, also known as Malassezia folliculitis, choosing the right skincare products is super important. Sometimes, products that are great for normal acne can actually make fungal acne breakouts worse. That’s why your fungal acne skincare routine needs special attention.

Here’s the golden rule:

✅ Always check the ingredients list

✅ Do a patch test before applying anything to your face

This small step can save your skin from reacting badly, especially if you're using something new.

🚫 Ingredients to Avoid in Fungal Acne Treatment:

• Fatty acids and esters like oleic acid – these feed the yeast that causes fungal acne

• Heavy oils or butters – coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter can clog pores and trap heat

• Fermented ingredients – they may trigger the overgrowth of yeast

• Thick, comedogenic creams – these block follicles and make fungal acne worse

These ingredients disturb your skin’s natural balance and can cause more breakouts. So, it’s best to go for fungal acne-safe products that are oil-free, lightweight, and non-comedogenic.

The right skincare for fungal acne focuses on keeping your skin clean, cool, and balanced, without feeding the yeast. Choosing products carefully is one of the best ways to manage and reduce fungal acne symptoms.

Fatty acids and oils

The fungus acne increases rapidly when it finds fatty acids and oils. These ingredients are like snacks for yeast, causing fungal acne. 

So, using skincare products with these ingredients can make your fungal acne worse. Look out for these fatty acids in your products:

• Lauric Acid
• Linoleic Acid
• Myristic Acid
• Oleic Acid
• Palmitic Acid
• Stearic Acid
• Tridecyl Acid

They are common in many creams and oils, but if you have fungal acne, it is best to avoid them. Always read the product label carefully before using anything on your skin.

Esters

Esters are made when a fatty acid mixes with an alcohol or glycerol. Since fatty acids are not good for fungal acne, esters should also be avoided. In ingredient lists, they usually end with ‘-ate’, such as:

• Isopropyl Palmitate
• Decyl Oleate
• Glyceryl Stearate

Polysorbates

These ingredients might look harmless, but they can actually help fungal acne grow. Be careful with any product that lists ‘Polysorbate’ in the name, like:

• Polysorbate-20

• Polysorbate-40

• Polysorbate-60

• Polysorbate-80

Fatty Alcohols

Even though fatty alcohols often come from sources like coconut or palm oil, they can block pores and hair follicles, which can make fungal acne worse. Watch out for these names on product labels:

• Lauryl Alcohol

• Stearyl Alcohol

• Oleyl Alcohol

Ferments

If you have fungal acne, avoid skincare products with fermented ingredients. These often include added bacteria or yeast, which can trigger breakouts. Common fermented ingredients are:

• Berries

• Seaweed

• Tea

• Yeast

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a big no for anyone with fungal acne or even regular acne. It’s highly comedogenic, which means it clogs pores easily. Plus, it has a lot of Lauric Acid, a fatty acid that can make fungal acne worse.

How to Treat Fungal Acne?

Treating fungal acne is different from treating regular acne. Most acne creams or spot treatments won’t work here — in fact, they can sometimes make things worse. That’s why it’s important to understand what fungal acne needs.

Here’s how you can manage and prevent it the right way:

Keep your skin clean and dry – Yeast loves moisture, so always make sure to wash off sweat and gently pat your skin dry, especially after workouts.

Avoid heavy, oily products – Thick creams or oil-based skincare can feed the yeast and make fungal acne worse. Go for lightweight, non-comedogenic products.

Wear breathable fabrics – Tight, synthetic clothes trap heat and sweat. Choose cotton or loose clothes that let your skin breathe.

Don’t let sweat sit on your skin – After sweating, change clothes and cleanse your skin as soon as possible.

Good hygiene matters – Shower regularly, especially after sweating, and keep your towels and pillowcases clean.

The secret to clear skin? Knowing your skin type and giving it what it needs. Fungal acne can be stubborn, but with the right habits and products, you can get it under control.

Fungal Acne-Safe Routine

If your skin is prone to fungal acne, choosing the right products is key. Look for ingredients that help calm and treat the skin, like:

• Tea Tree

• Salicylic Acid

• Mugwort

But yes — we get it. Reading through long ingredient lists can be confusing, and it's hard to know which products are actually safe. That’s why we’ve picked out products that are 100% safe for fungal acne — no pore-clogging or yeast-feeding ingredients here.

Check out our top picks and start building your fungal acne-friendly skincare routine today!

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam (125ml)

Beauty Of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water 150Ml

ETUDE - Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser (150ml)

Equalberry Swimming Pool Toner [155ml]

Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, 150ml

Final thoughts 

Dealing with fungal acne can feel confusing, especially when you are trying to find the right fungal acne-safe products or wondering which skincare materials to avoid. 

We hope that this blog gave you a clear and useful guide to understand how the fungus works best for acne treatment and daily care. If you ever feel stuck or need help in choosing the right products for fungal acne in Nepal, then the Dream Skin Nepal team is always here for you. 

FAQ'S

1. How do I know if I have fungal acne or regular acne?

Fungal acne usually appears as small, itchy, red bumps that look the same and often appear on the forehead, chest, or back. 

Unlike regular acne, it doesn’t have blackheads or whiteheads. If your breakouts don’t improve with normal acne treatment, it might be fungal acne.

2. Can I use regular acne products to treat fungal acne?

No. Most regular acne products are not effective for fungal acne and may even make it worse. Ingredients like oils, fatty acids, and fermented extracts can feed the yeast. 

Use fungal acne-safe products with ingredients like tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or mugwort.

3. What skincare ingredients should I avoid for fungal acne?

Avoid fatty acids (like oleic acid), esters, coconut oil, polysorbates, fermented ingredients, and fatty alcohols. These can block pores and help the yeast overgrow, leading to more fungal breakouts.

4. Can diet and lifestyle affect fungal acne?

Yes. Excessive sweating, tight clothes, poor hygiene, and a sugar-rich diet can all contribute to fungal acne. Keeping your skin clean and dry, wearing breathable fabrics, and following a balanced lifestyle can help prevent flare-ups.