Fungal Acne and Other Fungal Conditions

Malassezia is a naturally occurring yeast on human skin. However, when the skin microbiome balance is compromised, the yeast can multiply abnormally and trigger or worsen a variety of skin issues:

Common Conditions That Can Look Like “Just Acne”

Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)

What it looks like: Many tiny, same‑size bumps, often in clusters
What it feels like: Itchy, prickly, or irritated
Where it shows up: Forehead, hairline, chest, back, shoulders
Clues: Gets worse with most moisturizers or oils; doesn’t improve with acne treatments

Seborrheic Dermatitis

What it looks like: Red, flaky, sometimes greasy patches
What it feels like: Itchy, tight, or sensitive
Where it shows up: Eyebrows, sides of nose, beard area, hairline, scalp, chest
Clues: Flakes return quickly after washing; they often flare with stress or weather changes

Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor)

What it looks like: Light or dark patches that don’t tan evenly
What it feels like: Usually not itchy
Where it shows up: Upper arms, chest, back, neck
Clues: Patches may look slightly scaly when scratched; common in warm, humid climates

Dandruff (Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis)

What it looks like: White or yellow flakes on the scalp
What it feels like: Itchy, sometimes oily or irritated
Where it shows up: Scalp, hairline, eyebrows
Clues: Often appears alongside facial flaking around the nose or brows

Razor Bumps (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae)

What it looks like: Small, irritated bumps after shaving
What it feels like: Tender, itchy, or inflamed
Where it shows up: Beard area, bikini line, underarms
Clues: Worse with close shaving; can flare when the skin barrier is disrupted or when yeast is overgrowing

Hot Tub Rash (Pseudomonas Folliculitis)

What it looks like: Red bumps or pustules appearing 1–2 days after hot tub use
What it feels like: Itchy or tender
Where it shows up: Areas covered by a swimsuit
Clues: Caused by bacteria, but yeast can worsen irritation; appears in a swimsuit pattern

Barber’s Itch (Tinea Barbae)

What it looks like: Red, inflamed bumps or scaly patches in the beard area
What it feels like: Tender, irritated, sometimes itchy
Where it shows up: Beard, jawline, neck
Clues: Often starts after shaving; usually fungal (dermatophytes), but yeast can aggravate it

Less Common Conditions That Can Resemble Acne or Fungal Acne

Steroid Acne

What it looks like: Sudden crops of small, uniform bumps
What it feels like: Usually not itchy; more “bumpy” than painful
Where it shows up: Chest, back, arms, sometimes the face
Clue: Appears after using oral or topical steroids

Facial Psoriasis (Sebopsoriasis)

What it looks like: Red, flaky, sometimes shiny patches
What it feels like: Itchy or tight
Where it shows up: Eyebrows, sides of nose, hairline, beard area
Clue: Looks like stubborn dandruff on the face; may flare with stress

Neonatal Cephalic Pustulosis

What it looks like: Tiny pustules on a newborn’s cheeks or scalp
What it feels like: Babies don’t seem bothered by it
Where it shows up: Face and scalp
Clue: Completely harmless and usually clears on its own

Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis (Gougerot–Carteaud Syndrome)

What it looks like: Brownish, net‑like patches
What it feels like: Usually not itchy
Where it shows up: Chest, back, neck
Clue: Most common in teens and young adults; often mistaken for discoloration or “dirty” skin

Pseudochromhidrosis

What it looks like: Sweat that appears blue, green, or another unusual color
What it feels like: Normal — the sweat itself isn’t irritating
Where it shows up: Anywhere sweat collects
Clue: Caused by harmless surface microbes interacting with sweat

Facial Atopic Dermatitis

What it looks like: Dry, itchy, inflamed patches
What it feels like: Itchy, burning, or stinging
Where it shows up: Eyelids, cheeks, around the mouth
Clue: Can flare when the immune system reacts to Malassezia

Invasive Malassezia (Very Rare)

What it looks like: Widespread rash or infection
What it feels like: Painful or severe irritation
Where it shows up: Anywhere on the body
Clue: Occurs almost exclusively in people with severely weakened immune systems; requires medical care

Once you understand what you’re dealing with, the next step is learning how to calm the skin and rebalance the microbiome without harsh treatments.
This chapter is about managing fungal acne and other fungal-related skin conditions with natural ingredients and gentle routines.

Many products designed to treat Malassezia overgrowth aim to kill the yeast outright. That might offer short-term relief, but it’s not a long-term solution—because Malassezia is a normal part of the skin’s microbiome. In my experience, the goal isn’t to eliminate it, but to rebalance the skin so the yeast doesn’t take over. That means starving Malassezia—removing the ingredients it feeds on—without disrupting the rest of your skin’s ecosystem.

Always follow your doctor’s advice. But if you’re looking for a gentler, more sustainable approach, keep reading.

Daily Habits that Help

Malassezia thrives in warm, oily, humid environments. These habits don’t treat fungal acne directly, but they remove the conditions that allow Malassezia to thrive, making your topical routine far more effective.

Once your daily habits support a healthier environment for your skin, the next step is choosing products that help calm irritation and discourage yeast overgrowth.

Support Your Skin from Within

Healthy skin recovers faster when your immune system is supported.

Eat a nutrient-rich diet to support immune function.
Exercise regularly to improve circulation and detoxification.
Prioritize restorative sleep to help the skin repair itself.
Manage stress to speed up healing.

Minimize Heat and Moisture

Malassezia multiplies faster when the skin stays warm and damp.

Use lukewarm water when cleansing, or choose a no-rinse cleanser.
Keep showers short.
Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and steamy bathrooms.
Change out of sweaty clothes promptly.

Reduce Friction and Irritation

Shave with the grain.
Wear breathable, loose‑fitting fabrics.
Avoid scrubbing or over‑exfoliating.

Reduce Microbiome Disruptors

Never leave makeup on overnight.
Use clean brushes, washcloths, and towels.
Wash your hands before touching your face.
Cleanse daily with a gentle, pH‑balanced cleanser (Oil Cleanser or Hydrating Cleanser both work well).
After exercise, cleanse and dry, then dress.
Sleep on clean sheets and pillowcases.
Use mild, fragrance-free laundry detergent.
Avoid fabric softeners.
Reduce exposure to dust, pet dander, and mold when possible,
If you use topical steroids or antibiotics, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives — these can disrupt the microbiome and make fungal conditions harder to manage.

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid (For Now)

When you’re dealing with a fungus‑related skin condition, the goal is to starve Malassezia by removing the ingredients it can use as fuel. This is one of the few times I recommend avoiding most plant oils and rich moisturizers — not forever, just until your skin calms down. These ingredients aren’t “bad.” They simply contain the lipid structures Malassezia can metabolize. Once your skin barrier is stable again, you can reintroduce them slowly.¹

Plant oils and butters
Esters and fatty acids
Traditional creams and lotions (most contain emulsifiers that feed yeast)
Heavy, oil‑rich makeup
Rich conditioners on the scalp

Products to Try

These products help soothe the skin while supporting a microbiome environment that discourages yeast overgrowth.

Calm Irritation

An oatmeal paste or bath can help calm visible redness, itch, and irritation² (see Calm Irritation with Oatmeal). Colloidal oatmeal is also in Manuka Mud.

Disrupt the Yeast

Xylitol³ in Manuka Mud helps disrupt Malassezia’s protective biofilm, making topical routines more effective.

Moisturize Carefully

MCT oil, squalane, jojoba, meadowfoam, and low‑percentage tamanu are safe options because they do not contain the medium‑chain fatty acids Malassezia can metabolize. When diluted in MCT oil, Manuka essential oil⁴—especially from New Zealand’s East Cape—has been shown to disrupt the cell membrane of Malassezia yeast. Malassezia Moisturizer is formulated specifically to help moisturize without feeding Malassezia.

Stop Odor Gently

If you have an itchy rash in sweaty areas (armpits, groin, under breasts), try Peaceful Pits Liquid Deodorant. It helps control odor while supporting a healthy microbiome.

Choose Makeup Wisely

If you wear makeup, a few simple adjustments can help prevent flare‑ups while your skin heals. Makeup doesn’t cause fungal acne, but certain formulas can prolong flare‑ups by feeding yeast or irritating the barrier.

Mineral powder makeup is the safest option because it contains no plant oils or fatty acids that can feed Malassezia.

If you prefer liquid or cream makeup, choose silicone‑only formulas with no plant oils or esters. Silicones don’t feed yeast, don’t clog pores, and don’t disrupt the skin’s natural balance. They sit lightly on the surface and pair well with water‑based products like the Super Serum.

If your makeup looks dry over the Super Serum, mix one drop of Malassezia Moisturizer into the serum before applying.

Care for Your Scalp

Your scalp and hair products can also influence fungal‑prone skin, especially if you’re dealing with flaking or bumps along the hairline.

Use Manuka Mud on the scalp 1–2 times per week before shampooing.
Wash with a Malassezia-safe Shampoo.
Most conditioners contain plant oils and fatty acids that can feed Malassezia, so keep them off the scalp until your skin is stable.
Moisturize affected areas with Malassezia Moisturizer.

Diet Can Help

Topical care is essential, but your internal environment also plays a role in how quickly your skin recovers. Diet won’t cure fungal acne, but certain foods can support your immune system and help your skin recover more comfortably.

Spices like turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and oregano
Garlic and onions
Green tea with lemon, ginger, and turmeric

These foods help support overall skin comfort and resilience. (For a full guide, see A Healthy Skin Diet.)

When You Need to Wear a Mask

If you regularly wear a mask for work, travel, or health reasons, a few adjustments can help prevent fungal flare‑ups. Maskne is acne triggered by prolonged mask use. It can be fungal (from yeast overgrowth in warm, humid conditions) or bacterial (from friction and trapped sweat).

To help prevent both types:

Never share masks or reuse dirty masks.
Cleanse your face before and after wearing a mask with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser. (Hydrating Cleanser is ideal.)
Apply a Malassezia Moisturizer at least 15 minutes before putting on your mask.
Skip makeup under your mask—if needed, use mineral-based powder.
Change your mask if it becomes damp from breath, sweat, or saliva.
If you suspect fungal acne, follow the Skincare Routine for Fungal Overgrowth. If you’re sure it’s bacterial acne, see The Universal Skincare Routine.

Be Patient

Once you’ve adjusted your products and habits, the final step is giving your skin time to rebalance. Consistency matters more than intensity — gentle, steady care always wins. While skin cell turnover happens in a few weeks, restoring the microbiome can take longer because your overall health, habits, and skincare choices influence it. A gentle, consistent routine—paired with supportive lifestyle habits—helps your skin return to balance.

References

The references noted above support the underlying science of microbiome balance, barrier health, and ingredient behavior. They are included to help you understand the principles behind Malassezia‑safe routines.

¹Dobler, D.; Schmidts, T.; Wildenhain, S.; Seewald, I.; Merzhäuser, M.; Runkel, F. Impact of Selected Cosmetic Ingredients on Common Microorganisms of Healthy Human Skin. Cosmetics 2019, 6, 45. doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics6030045.

²Allais, Blair et al. “Colloidal Oatmeal Part I: History, Basic Science, Mechanism of Action, and Clinical Efficacy in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis.” JDDOnline vol. 19, Issue 10. 21 Sep. 2020.

³Katsuyama M, Ichikawa H, Ogawa S, Ikezawa Z. A novel method to control the balance of skin microflora. Part 1. Attack on biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus without antibiotics. J Dermatol Sci. 2005 Jun;38(3):197-205. doi: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2005.01.006. Epub 2005 Mar 2. Erratum in: J Dermatol Sci. 2005 Sep;39(3):196. Masako, Katsuyama [corrected to Katsuyama, Masako]; Hideyuki, Ichikawa [corrected to Ichikawa, Hideyuki]; Shigeyuki, Ogawa [corrected to Ogawa, Shigeyuki]; Zenro, Ikezawa [corrected to Ikezawa, Zenro]. PMID: 15927813.

⁴Bismarck D, Dusold A, Heusinger A, Müller E. Antifungal in vitro Activity of Essential Oils against Clinical Isolates of Malassezia pachydermatis from Canine Ears: A Report from a Practice Laboratory. Complement Med Res. 2020;27(3):143-154. doi: 10.1159/000504316. Epub 2019 Nov 27. PMID: 31775141; PMCID: PMC7384348.