Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)
What is Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne, also known as Malassezia folliculitis, is not the same as regular acne. Even though it looks like small red bumps or pimples, it’s actually caused by an overgrowth of yeast (a type of fungus) on the skin, not bacteria. The bumps often show up on the forehead, chest, back, or shoulders, and they may feel itchy. Unlike typical acne, fungal acne usually appears as clusters of small, uniform bumps that don’t respond to normal acne treatments.
What Causes Fungal Acne?
Your skin naturally has a balance of bacteria and fungi. Problems happen when this balance is disrupted, and the fungus grows too much. Common triggers include:
- Hot and humid weather – creates a perfect environment for yeast to multiply.
- Excessive sweating – sweat that isn’t cleaned off quickly can trap fungus in hair follicles.
- Tight or non-breathable clothing – prevents airflow and increases moisture on the skin.
- Overuse of antibiotics – reduces “good bacteria,” allowing yeast to grow unchecked.
- Oily skin or heavy skincare products – some oils and creams feed the fungus, making the condition worse.
Because of these triggers, fungal acne is often stubborn. Many people mistake it for regular acne and end up using the wrong products, which only makes things worse.
How to Fix the Problem
The good news is, fungal acne can be managed and improved with the right care:
- Gentle cleansing – Use a mild, non-oily cleanser to wash away sweat and excess oil without irritating the skin.
- Keep skin dry & breathable – Choose loose, cotton-based clothing, especially if you sweat a lot. Shower quickly after workouts or hot days.
- Use antifungal treatments – Since it’s caused by yeast, antifungal products or treatments are more effective than regular acne creams. Ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or sulfur may help.
- Avoid heavy skincare products – Switch to lightweight, non-comedogenic lotions or gels that don’t feed the fungus.
- Professional treatments – In stubborn cases, in-clinic treatments that control yeast and balance the skin barrier are much more effective than self-care alone.
Recommended Service at BeautyMau
At BeautyMau, we understand how frustrating fungal acne can be—especially when standard acne products don’t work. Our treatments are designed to not just treat the surface, but also to restore balance to your skin’s ecosystem.
For fungal acne, we recommend treatment:
- Purifying Balance Treatment – deeply cleanses and purifies pores, helping reduce yeast buildup and balance the skin environment.
- Deep Clear Peel Treatment – gently exfoliates dead skin, reduces congestion, and makes skin less prone to fungal growth.
- SOS Recovery Treatment – soothes irritation and redness caused by fungal acne flare-ups.
This approach doesn’t just calm fungal acne—it helps you prevent it from coming back. Many of our clients notice less itching, reduced breakouts, and smoother skin within just a few sessions.
Final Thoughts
Fungal acne is often mistaken for regular acne, which leads to frustration when products don’t work. The real solution is understanding that this is a yeast-related skin condition that needs a different approach. By keeping your skin dry and balanced, avoiding heavy oils, and getting the right professional care, you can finally say goodbye to the bumps and itchiness.
At BeautyMau, we specialize in treatments for sensitive, acne-prone, and fungal acne-prone skin. If you’ve been struggling with stubborn breakouts that never seem to go away, book a consultation with us. Together, we’ll help your skin find its natural balance again—clear, calm, and confident.
