Skincare Routine for Fungal Overgrowth

This routine is designed for people experiencing skin concerns that can worsen when Malassezia yeast becomes overactive. These may include:

  • Malassezia Folliculitis (“fungal acne”)
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis (dandruff)
  • Pityriasis Versicolor
  • Razor Bumps
  • Hot Tub Rash
  • Barber’s Itch
  • Some forms of eczema that flare with yeast imbalance

When Malassezia is overactive, the goal is to avoid feeding it. That means setting aside most conventional skincare products and using formulas that are microbiome‑safe, barrier‑supportive, and free of ingredients that encourage yeast growth.

The products in this routine are intentionally simple: they cleanse, calm, soothe, balance, and moisturize without feeding Malassezia. Follow this routine until your skin feels balanced again, then transition to the Basic Skincare Routine if you choose.

You’ll see product names throughout this routine — they come from my book, Simple DIY Skincare: The Complete Guide to Easy, Natural Recipes for Beginners, where I teach you how to make each one yourself.

If you’re following along online, feel free to use whatever products you already have. And if you want to create the exact formulas this routine is built around, the book gives you all the recipes and guidance in one place.

Learn to Make These Products
How to Control Malassezia Naturally
Choose a Different Skincare Routine

Steps Where Order Matters

These steps are designed to work in sequence. Following the correct order helps each product perform optimally and supports recovery.

Evening Routine (2 Required Steps)

  1. Cleanse with Oil — Use Malassezia-safe, non-comedogenic Oil Cleanser based on MCT oil to dissolve buildup without feeding yeast or stripping natural moisture.
  2. Exfoliate & Balance (Optional, up to twice a week) — Apply Manuka Mud to smooth, purify, and balance the skin barrier while helping disrupt the yeast biofilm that allows Malassezia to persist.
  3. Cleanse & Hydrate (Optional) — Use Hydrating Cleanser to remove invisible microbiome disruptors. Use after Manuka Mud to fully remove the mask.
  4. Treat (Optional) — Apply Super Serum to clean, slightly damp skin to deliver targeted actives. While Malassezia-safe, consider skipping this step if your skin is highly irritated.
  5. Moisturize Face & Body — Apply Malassezia Moisturizer to calm itch, soothe irritation, and seal in moisture without feeding yeast. Use as a spot treatment for emerging pimples.

Morning Routine (3 Required Steps)

  1. Cleanse — Use Hydrating Cleanser to refresh and prep the skin. It’s preferred in the morning because it removes overnight sweat and other water‑soluble buildup more effectively than oil cleansing. Oil Cleanser can be used if preferred.
  2. Treat (Optional) — Apply Super Serum to clean, slightly damp skin to deliver targeted actives. While Malassezia-safe, consider skipping this step if your skin is highly irritated.
  3. Moisturize Face & Body — Use Malassezia Moisturizer to protect and hydrate.
  4. Sun Protection — Avoid creamy sunscreens that can feed Malassezia yeast. Use a mineral powder sunscreen and reapply as needed with a clean brush or sponge.
  5. Makeup (Optional) — Use a mineral powder foundation—ideal for oily, acne-prone, or Malassezia-affected skin. Silicone‑based makeup without plant oils is also compatible with this routine. DIY makeup will be covered in the next volume.
  6. Stop Shine (Optional) — Apply a mattifying face powder to reduce shine, blur pores, and support clearer skin. Use it after sunscreen if you’re wearing it alone, or as a setting powder over foundation. Reapply throughout the day as needed.
  7. Clean Makeup Applicators (As Needed) — Use a makeup brush cleaner — or Oil Cleanser followed by Hand Wash — to remove buildup and microbiome‑disrupting residue. Clean brushes and sponges immediately after each use.

Scalp Care (1 Required Step)

  1. Treat — If you experience itchiness or dandruff, apply a thin layer of Manuka Mud to the scalp and leave it on for a few minutes before washing.
  2. Cleanse — Use the Shampoo to cleanse the scalp without feeding Malassezia or stripping the barrier.
  3. Moisturize — Use a small amount of Malassezia Moisturizer after rinsing to calm irritation and support barrier recovery.

Steps Where Order Doesn’t Matter

These products can be used at any time, in any order, as needed.

  • Moisturize Lips — Use Lip Butter to protect and hydrate lips. Also works beautifully around the eyes and on cuticles.
  • Stop the Stink — Use Peaceful Pits Liquid Deodorant for fungal-prone skin.

Acne

Dry Skin

Oily Skin

Malassezia

Body Odor