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You have tried Salicylic Acid. You have tried Benzoyl Peroxide. You have even tried Retinol. But those tiny, uniform bumps on your forehead just get redder and itchier.

Congratulations, you probably don't have acne. you have Malassezia Folliculitis, colloquially known as "Fungal Acne." And your current skincare routine is feeding it.

📖 Table of Contents

What is Fungal Acne?

Real acne is caused by bacteria. Fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) that lives on everyone's skin. When this yeast multiplies out of control (due to humidity, sweat, or oil), it infects the hair follicles.

Signs it's Fungal:

  • It Itches: This is the #1 telltale sign. Bacterial acne bumps usually hurt; fungal acne bumps itch.
  • Uniformity: The bumps are all the same size (like pinheads), often in clusters.
  • Resistant: Antibiotics make it worse (because they kill the good bacteria keeping the yeast in check).

Ingredients That Feed Yeast

This yeast feeds on fatty acids. If you use products with oils or esters, you are giving the fungus an all-you-can-eat buffet.

❌ AVOID These Ingredients:

  • Most Oils (Coconut, Olive, Almond, Jojoba)
  • Fatty Acids (Lauric, Myristic, Palmitic, Stearic, Oleic, Linoleic)
  • Esters (ingredients ending in -ate, like Isopropyl Myristate)
  • Fermented Ingredients (Galactomyces)

Safe Oils: Squalane, MCT Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), Mineral Oil.

The Nizoral Hack

The fastest way to kill the yeast is using an anti-dandruff shampoo containing Ketoconazole as a face mask.

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

The gold standard treatment. Apply a thin layer to clean dry skin, leave for 5-10 minutes, then rinse. Do this 2-3 times a week.

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Safe Routine Example

You need a completely Malassezia-safe routine until the breakout clears.

  1. Cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.
  2. Treatment: Nizoral Mask (2x/week) or De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment.
  3. Moisturizer: Malezia Urea Moisturizer or CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (Tub).
  4. SPF: EltaMD UV Clear.

Final Thoughts

Fungal acne is stubborn but treatable. The hardest part is checking your ingredient lists. Use tools like Sezia.co or Folliculitis Scout to check if your products are safe.

✍️

NxtLifestyle Team

We test beauty products so you don't have to.