Ah… acne. We think we know it inside and out: small pimples, excess sebum, unpredictable skin. But sometimes, despite all your classic anti-acne treatments, the pimples persist, even itch, especially on the forehead or back. And then, surprise: it might not be acne… but fungal acne .
So, what is it exactly? How do you recognize fungal acne on the face? And most importantly, how do you treat fungal acne naturally without disrupting your routine? Spoiler alert: we have gentle, effective solutions, and even a little Korean help. Let's get started!
Fungal acne: a skin disorder that knows how to disguise itself 🎭
At first glance, fungal acne looks a lot like regular acne: small, sometimes red pimples, often on the forehead, cheeks, or back. But behind the scenes, it's not about sebum or hormones. No, no.
Fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of yeasts of the genus Malassezia . These microorganisms live naturally on our skin, but certain factors make them a little too comfortable:
-
Excessive sweating (hello workouts 🏋️)
-
Heat + humidity = perfect combo for yeast
-
Antibiotics or corticosteroids which unbalance the skin flora
-
Occlusive cosmetics or unsuitable routines
And that's where it itches. Literally.
How to recognize fungal acne? 🧐
Do you have itchy white spots , especially on your forehead, back, or shoulders? Small, regular bumps that don't respond to any conventional acne treatment? You may be dealing with fungal acne on your face .
Here are the typical symptoms to look out for:
-
Similar, small, pus-free pimples grouped together
-
Frequent itching (it's not just a detail!)
-
Location on hot areas: scalp, forehead, back
-
Worsening after antibiotic use
-
Resistance to conventional acne products
Why is fungal acne resistant to conventional treatments? ❌
It's simple: it's not bacterial acne . So traditional treatments (salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, etc.) are often... useless. Even counterproductive. And in some cases, they can even make things worse by further disrupting your skin's microbiome.
That's why it's essential to treat fungal acne with the right care . And the good news? There are some super-effective natural treatments that are kind to your skin. Bonus: some are even inspired by Korean cosmetics, known for their gentle but powerful formulas.
How to treat fungal acne? Natural treatments 🧪🌸
Here we go! Here are the most effective natural (and non-prescription) solutions for this famous fungal acne.
1. Review your skincare routine
Your skin isn't fickle: it's misunderstood . Here are some steps to adopt in a fungal acne routine :
-
Stop using occlusive vegetable oils (coconut, olive, jojoba)
-
Choose care products without alcohol, silicone or perfume.
-
Incorporate gentle antifungal actives such as sulfur , propolis extract or zinc
-
Use a gentle cleanser with a physiological pH
On Holy Skin , you'll find ready-made Korean routines , tested and approved, based on your skin type. Simple, effective, and hassle-free!
2. Focus on natural antifungal ingredients
Certain natural active ingredients are real allies against yeast proliferation:
-
Honey , a natural antifungal, can be used as a localized mask
-
Apple cider vinegar (diluted!), to be dabbed with a cotton ball
-
Tea tree essential oil , to be used with caution and diluted
-
Sulfur , present in some Korean purifying creams
Most affected areas: forehead, cheek, back... and itchy spots 🤯
Fungal acne is particularly sneaky because it settles where you sweat the most . Therefore, areas to watch closely are:
-
The forehead , often due to sweat, hats or wearing helmets
-
Cheeks , especially if you use an occlusive foundation
-
The back , especially if you have itchy spots on your back
And be careful: if you have itchy whiteheads , it's not “just an allergy,” it could be that infamous fungal acne. And it needs targeted treatment .
Should you consult a dermatologist? 🤔
Good question! If, despite a suitable routine and natural treatments, symptoms persist, a dermatologist consultation is necessary . They may prescribe:
-
Oral or topical antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole, etc.)
-
An accurate diagnosis (sometimes a laboratory test)
But if you want to try a gentle, natural approach first, no worries! There are over-the-counter fungal acne treatments that already make a big difference.
What to avoid at all costs ❌
Some well-intentioned habits can make fungal acne worse. Here's a list of them to help you avoid these missteps:
❌ Creams rich in vegetable oils
❌ Clay masks that are too frequent or too drying
❌ Inappropriate antibiotics or corticosteroids
❌ Overly aggressive cleaning or grain exfoliants
Summary of the best ways to treat fungal acne naturally ✅
Here's a quick recap of what really works:
-
Adopt a suitable routine (bye-bye to comedogenic oils)
-
Use natural antifungal active ingredients (sulfur, propolis, tea tree)
-
Avoid occlusive and overly perfumed cosmetics
-
Treat risk areas: forehead, back, scalp
-
Listen to your skin… and call a professional if necessary
FAQ: We answer your questions about fungal acne 💬
Is fungal acne contagious?
No, not at all. Even though it's related to a fungus, it's not transmitted from one person to another . The yeasts responsible already live on our skin; it's their imbalance that causes the rash.
Can I use a regular acne cream?
Bad idea! Conventional creams, especially those with antibiotics or strong acids, can make things worse . It's better to opt for gentle, targeted treatments, such as those from certain Korean brands like SKIN1004 or Beauty of Joseon , available on Holy Skin.
In summary: stop scratching, let's find solutions 🌿
There you have it, you now have all the keys to understanding, identifying, and treating fungal acne naturally . It's neither inevitable nor hopeless. It's simply a different kind of acne , which requires a specific approach . And sometimes, a little outside help.