How to Treat Fungal Acne:
Managing Malassezia and Skin Microbiome Balance

Less Common Malassezia-Related Conditions That Mimic Acne

• Neonatal Cephalic Pustulosis: Tiny pustules on a newborn’s cheeks or scalp. Harmless and self-clearing.
• Cradle Cap (Infant Seborrheic Dermatitis): Yellow, greasy flakes on the scalp. Malassezia‑related and harmless.
• Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis: Brownish, net‑like patches on the chest, back, or neck.
• Invasive Malassezia (Very Rare): A widespread, painful infection requiring medical care.

⚠️ Microbiome Disruptors to Avoid

When you’re dealing with a fungus‑related skin condition, the goal is to starve the Malassezia yeast by removing its fuel source. This is one of the few times it is highly recommended to avoid most plant oils and rich moisturizers—not forever, just until your skin calms down.

These ingredients aren’t ‘bad’—they just contain the medium- and long-chain fatty acids Malassezia uses as fuel [1].

Avoid these for 2–6 weeks, or until your skin feels more stable:

• Harsh Surfactants: Avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). These are so aggressive that they strip the skin’s protective acid mantle and lipids, leaving the door wide open for microbial imbalance.
• High-pH Ingredients: Avoid alkaline soaps (pH > 7). Your skin’s natural acidic barrier (pH approximately 4.5–5.5) is your primary defense. Alkaline products create a neutral environment where Malassezia and pathogenic bacteria thrive.
• Antimicrobial Overkill: Steer clear of Triclosan, Benzalkonium Chloride, or high concentrations of Denatured Alcohol. These “nuke” the entire ecosystem, killing off the beneficial bacteria that keep yeast in check.
• Synthetic Preservatives: Some conventional preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin (a formaldehyde-releaser) or certain Parabens can alter the delicate microbial diversity of your skin.
• Common Fragrances & Dyes: These are notorious contact irritants. Even if they don’t “feed” the yeast, the resulting inflammation compromises your skin barrier, making it much easier for yeast to penetrate and trigger a flare-up.
• Trapping Occlusives: While not all occlusives feed yeast, heavy ingredients like undiluted Petrolatum or heavy waxes can create an occlusive seal that traps sweat and heat. This creates the stagnant, humid “swamp” environment that Malassezia loves.
• Over-Exfoliation: Aggressive physical scrubs or daily use of high-concentration acids (AHAs/BHAs) can thin the stratum corneum and strip the beneficial flora, often leading to a “rebound” oil production that provides a feast for yeast.
• Yeast-Feeding Plant Oils: Avoid plant oils rich in medium‑ and long‑chain fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, etc.)—for example olive, sweet almond, sunflower, soybean, and grapeseed—until your skin is stable. These are a direct food source for Malassezia.

🧴 Specific Products & Ingredients to Try

To soothe the skin and support a microbiome environment that discourages yeast overgrowth, focus on targeted, fungal-safe ingredients. (For those looking to craft their own clean skincare solutions, Simple DIY Skincare offers DIY recipes for both normal and fungal-prone skin types).

1. Cleanse Gently

• Oil Cleanser: Look for Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (MCT oil) as the primary base. It is a stable, saturated fatty acid that does not feed Malassezia. Avoid oils high in oleic or linoleic acid (like almond, olive, or sunflower oil) until your skin is balanced. Use the oil cleanser whenever you need to remove sunscreen, makeup, sweat, or excess sebum — or as the first step of a double cleanse at night.
• Gentle Water-Based Cleanser: Avoid high-pH soaps. Look for mild, glucose-based surfactants like Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, or Lauryl Glucoside. These maintain the skin’s acidic pH at approximately 4.5–5.5, which is the best environment for a healthy microbiome. Use your water-based cleanser in the morning, after workouts, or as the second step of a double cleanse to remove sweat salts, surface debris, and any leftover oil cleanser.

2. Disrupt the Yeast

• Manuka Essential Oil: Research shows that East Cape Manuka oil can be especially helpful for calming yeast overgrowth [2]. Look for it in serums or moisturizers if you want to help calm Malassezia without the harshness of medicinal antifungal creams. The Mint and Manuka Blend in my Malassezia Moisturizer contains Manuka essential oil and is formulated to moisturize without feeding the yeast.
• Xylitol: This sugar-derived ingredient is essential for breaking down the protective “biofilm” that Malassezia uses to hide from the immune system [3]. You can find Xylitol in my Manuka Mud Treatment Mask recipe.

3. Calm Irritation

• Colloidal Oatmeal: It acts like a soothing prebiotic, helping your skin repair itself and calm the irritation yeast can trigger [4]. For more detail, see How to Use Oatmeal to Calm Itchy, Irritated Skin Fast. Colloidal oatmeal is also a core ingredient in my Manuka Mud Treatment Mask formula.

4. Moisturize Carefully

• MCT Oil & Squalane: Only use “pure” versions. For MCT oil, ensure it is high-purity Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (derived from coconut or palm, but stripped of the long-chain fatty acids that feed yeast). For Squalane, prioritize plant-derived (olive/sugarcane) Squalane over squalene, which is less stable. Or try my MCT Oil-based Malassezia Moisturizer formula.

5. Stop Odor Gently

• MCT Oil-Based Deodorant: If you have an itchy rash in sweaty areas (armpits, groin, under breasts), try my Peaceful Pits Liquid Deodorant recipe. It helps control odor while supporting a healthy, balanced microbiome rather than wiping it out with harsh chemicals. Avoid the “big three” fungal triggers used in many commercial deodorants: coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera), shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), and essential oils diluted in heavy carrier oils. Avoid anything based on almond or olive oil.

6. Choose Makeup Wisely

• Mineral Powder or Silicone: Certain cosmetic formulas can prolong a flare‑up by feeding yeast or irritating the skin barrier. Mineral powder makeup is your safest option because it naturally contains no plant oils or fatty acids. If you prefer liquid or cream makeup, choose silicone‑only formulas with no plant oils. Silicones sit lightly on the surface, don’t clog pores, and don’t feed yeast.

7. Care for Your Scalp

Your scalp products can easily influence your face, especially if you get flaking or bumps along the hairline.

• Manuka Mud Treatment Mask: Apply to the scalp 1–2 times per week before shampooing.
• Malassezia-safe Shampoo
• Conditioner: Keep regular hair conditioners off your scalp until your skin is stable. If your hair is long enough, you can still use conditioner on the mid‑lengths and ends — just avoid applying it near the scalp and rinse so it doesn’t run onto the skin.
• Moisturize: Apply a small amount of MCT Oil, Squalane, or Malassezia Moisturizer to your fingertips and massage into the scalp.

🌿 Support Your Skin from Within: Daily Habits

Malassezia thrives in warm, oily, humid environments. These small daily habits make a big difference—they help remove the conditions yeast loves and make your routine work better.

Minimize Heat and Moisture

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

Build Microbiome-Protecting Habits

• Never leave makeup on overnight.
• Use clean brushes, washcloths, and towels.
• Wash your hands before touching your face.
• 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.

Reduce Friction and Irritation

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

Immune‑Support Habits

• Exercise regularly to improve circulation and detoxification.
• Prioritize restorative sleep to help the skin repair itself.
• Manage stress to speed up healing (see How Stress Affects Your Skin.)
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet and stay well‑hydrated to support overall skin recovery (see The Best Foods for Clear Skin).

Nutrition & Dietary Additions for Skin Resilience

Along with daily habits, what you eat also plays a big role in how quickly your skin calms down. Incorporating these antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory foods into your routine can support overall skin comfort:

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

😷 When You Need to Wear a Mask

“Maskne” can be bacterial (from friction and trapped sweat) or fungal (from yeast thriving in the warm, humid pocket of your mask). To prevent both types of flare-ups:

• Never share masks or reuse dirty ones.
• Cleanse your face before and after wearing a mask with a gentle cleanser.
• Apply MCT oil or my Malassezia Moisturizer formula at least 15 minutes before putting on your mask to create a light, protective barrier.
• Skip makeup under your mask, or stick to a mineral-based powder.
• Change your mask immediately if it becomes damp from breath or sweat.

✨ Maintain a Clear Skin Skincare Routine

• If you suspect fungal acne, follow the Malassezia-safe Skincare Routine until your skin normalizes.
• Once your skin is calmer or if you suspect regular acne, try the Basic Skincare Routine.

⏳ Be Patient

Consistency matters more than intensity. Gentle, steady care always wins. Skin cell turnover usually happens every few weeks, but restoring a disrupted microbiome takes longer. Pairing these supportive lifestyle habits with a clean, Malassezia-safe routine will give your skin the space it needs to return to its natural balance.

📖 Take Back Control

Healing takes time, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’ve found this guide helpful and are interested in learning how to create your own gentle, effective products at home, I’d love for you to check out my book, Simple DIY Skincare. Inside, you’ll find several fungal-safe recipes you’ve been looking for to soothe, hydrate, and rebalance your skin without the harsh chemicals found in many store-bought brands.

📚 References

1. Dobler, 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.

2. Bismarck 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.

3. Katsuyama 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. PMID: 15927813.

4. Allais, 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.