Tag: Malassezia Folliculitis

What ingredients causes fungal acne?

Before we get into the ingredients that cause fungal acne or Pityrosporum Folliculitis, aka Malassezia Folliculitis, what is it? Find out here.

Here is a list of common ingredients that have been known to cause fungal acne in skincare products:

  1. Fatty acids, such as caprylic acid and capric acid.
  2. Silicones, such as dimethicone, cyclomethicone, and methicone.
  3. Oils, such as coconut oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil.
  4. Waxes, such as beeswax, carnauba wax, and candelilla wax.
  5. Hydrogenated vegetable oils.
  6. Glyceryl stearate.
  7. Butylene glycol.
  8. Isopropyl palmitate.
  9. Isocetyl stearate.
  10. Isostearyl isostearate.

Fatty Acids that may cause fungal acne

Fatty acids, such as caprylic acid and capric acid, are commonly used as ingredients in skincare products due to their moisturizing and nourishing properties. Here are some common skincare products that contain these fatty acids:

  1. Moisturizers: Many moisturizers contain caprylic acid and capric acid as active ingredients to help hydrate and soothe dry or irritated skin.
  2. Cleansers: Some cleansing products contain fatty acids to help dissolve and remove excess oil and impurities from the skin.
  3. Oils: Many facial and body oils contain caprylic acid and capric acid to help moisturize and nourish the skin.
  4. Serums: Some serums and facial treatments contain fatty acids to help hydrate and rejuvenate the skin.
  5. Lip balms: Lip balms and lip treatments often contain fatty acids to help moisturize and protect the delicate skin on the lips.

These fatty acids can also be found in other skincare products, such as exfoliants, masks, and toners. It’s important to note that while these ingredients can provide benefits for some people, they may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin. Continue reading What ingredients causes fungal acne?

How to treat fungal acne?

Fungal acne is a condition that can cause a lot of discomfort and frustration. I remember when I first got fungal acne and felt insecure about my skin condition. I was confused and used the wrong products for my condition to treat it or just products in my skincare and makeup routine that wasn’t safe. Additionally, the condition can prove difficult to treat, and some treatments may not be effective for everyone. However, several treatments can help to reduce and possibly eliminate symptoms of fungal acne.

Anti-fungal creams or lotions are the first methods for treating fungal acne. These products contain active ingredients such as Econazole, Ketoconazole, and Selenium sulfide shampoo, which are effective against fungal acne. These products should be applied twice daily directly to the affected skin. Anti-fungal products can help reduce the symptoms of fungal acne, but it may take a couple of weeks to see full results. There is also skincare that treats fungal acne that I’ve reviewed, like Dermazen.

Continue reading How to treat fungal acne?

What is Fungal Acne?

Before we dive into my blog, do you know what is Fungal Acne or Pityrosporum Folliculitis?

Fungal acne, also known as Pityrosporum Folliculitis, is a skin condition characterized by pimple-like bumps, typically on the face, chest, and back. They appear to be small pimples grouped together and are often the same size as hair follicles. This happens when hair follicles have an overgrowth of yeast, aka a yeast called Malassezia. Our skin/body already has a certain amount of yeast which is generally found in our digestive system. Fungal acne can be the cause of consuming too much yeast in our diet, skincare especially expired products, and lifestyle, such as being athletic.  

It can look similar to traditional acne but is treated differently. Unlike acne, fungal acne is not caused by bacteria; you will need to use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and pair it with antifungal medications and products used to clear the yeast overgrowth and manage the symptoms. There is also a list of ingredients to avoid because Malassezia can feed off of these and worsen. Check out the deep dive into ingredients here. 

Fungal acne is new in the skincare world, and there is no way to get rid of it but to change your lifestyle and habits. This is the only way; I have been fungal acne-free for two years. The most important thing is to turn and read your skincare labels and take note of the ingredients of products that have caused a flare-up. Keep track of your skincare and makeup expiration dates and create a routine to finish up products before you open new ones. I always label my skincare with the expiration date based on its shelf life. A label maker and a skincare fridge were game changers for me. Let’s not forget these fabulous ingredient analysis websites, skinsort, sezia, folliculitisscout and skincarisma. These will be useful on your fungal acne journey.  Please take a look at some of my top 10 fungal-safe products to start with. Your skin will thank you!