Antibiotics are another one to watch out for as they eliminate bacteria and disturb the yeast on your skin causing an imbalance in your microbiome which could heighten your risk of developing fungal acne.
What are the best products to treat fungal acne?
Typical acne treatments will most likely struggle to deal with fungal acne and you may need a trip to the GP to prescribe specific anti-fungal medication that could be topical or oral. “Ciclopirox and Ketoconazole are two prescription medications that you can applying topically to treat fungal acne,” says Dr Engelman. Or for a more readily available option, she recommends dandruff shampoos. “It sounds strange, but many dandruff shampoos contain selenium, which also treats fungal acne. Apply the shampoo to the affected area on your body and leave it on for five minutes before washing it off in the shower.”
Are there any ingredients that help fungal acne?
Zinc pyrithione is anti-fungal as is sulphur, while tea tree and Witch Hazel have the added benefits of being naturally antibacterial and anti-microbial too which can help to inhibit the growth of the underlying overgrowth of yeast. Salicylic products are another good option. “They won’t target the cause of fungal acne but they will help manage the clogged pores and reduce build up in the follicles which contributes to blemish formation,” explains Dr Catherine Leray, Head of Research and Development at THG Labs.
Other than that, it also helps to shower more regularly when you have symptoms – so for instance if you shower once a day, make that two if you can. And wear loose, breathable clothes instead of skin-tight Lycra when working out as this helps your skin get proper circulation and keeps your microbiome balances and the risk of fungal growth at a minimum.
Products to get rid of fungal acne
Featuring the brand’s signature LaB6 Skin Clearing Complex that contains lactic acid, white willow bark (natural salicylic acid) and noni cell culture which is based on plant stem cell biotechnology and has anti-bacterial properties that stops fungal acne spreading, you can use this wash all over. Reducing excess sebum which essentially feeds acne-forming bacteria, it’s like cutting off the supply at source leaving you with fewer blocked pores and smoother skin.
A go-to for professionals, this hypochlorous solution (which basically means it’s been proven to kill bacteria, viruses and fungus on the skin) is a real powerhouse. “I always recommend this antibacterial spray to my clients to use on their face and back after cleansing and post workout,” says clinical aesthetician, Pam Marshall. Also designed to promote skin healing, it can be used to aid recovery as well as support and heal skin suffering from fungal acne.
Tailored to support skin suffering from bacterial imbalances that trigger spots and breakouts, these supplements blend zinc to purify, inulin to feed the gut microbiome (which impacts how your skin behaves) and nettle known to help clear blemishes. There are also two strains of live probiotics that specifically soothe stressed skin and inhibit yeast overgrowth that triggers fungal acne . All you need is one a day for two months.
Non-comedogenic, formulated for oily, spot-prone or combination skin and with skin healing antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, this high factor sun protection won’t aggravate fungal acne but will prevent burning. It also stops free radicals in the atmosphere accelerating the skin-aging process.
While some breakouts might need a prescriptive product, there are still some natural ingredients that can help tackle fungal acne. Tea tree oil is a well-researched anti-fungal treatment that’s results have been likened to 5% benzoyl peroxide when it comes to controlling spots. It also helps to alleviate redness which is a must if your fungal acne is looking particularly angry.
Last year, a thread on Reddit went viral when one user shared the skincare regime she swears by to treat her fungal acne. There’s some seriously good tips in there, but one of the steps used this popular Japanese beauty product rich in vitamin C, to help smooth uneven skin texture.
Also featuring the zinc wonder ingredient, this is a great serum to help soothe fungal acne because it’s suitable for sensitive skin conditions, and helps to reduce sebum production by up to 65% (an excess of which can trigger fungal acne).
Yes, it’s on the pricey side, but this overnight treatment is one of the best we’ve found to treat common acne, meaning it should help when used alongside other fungal acne treatment. Packed with antioxidants, Manuka honey and colloidal silver, it works overnight to unclog pores and balance the complexion.