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What are the best natural remedies for fungal acne? The first step is to rid your skincare routine of ANYTHING that could remotely feed Malassezia, the fungus that’s making your life miserable. I’ve written a post about how to do this here, so I won’t repeat myself.
The second step is to kill the damn fungus once and for all. But what if you’re not comfortable taking anti-fungals for however long it takes? I need to say this: my advice is always to see a dermatologist and take her advice, even when she prescribes an anti-fungal.
But if that doesn’t work for you or you want to try a few natural remedies for fungal acne first, there are a few natural ways that have been scientifically proven to help heal fungal acne, this is what science says works to get rid of it.
Fungal Acne: What It Is And Symptoms
Before I share with you the best natural remedies for fungal acne, let’s make sure that’s what you have, shall we?
Fungal acne is caused by a yeast called malassezia furfur. We all have a tiny amount of this yeast on our skin, but when it grows too much, it turns into fungal acne.
Fungal acne looks a lot like normal acne. It shows up as an itchy acne-like breakout that looks like small red bumps of close comedones. It usually appears on the areas that produce a truckload of sebum, like the t-zone and back. So how do you know you have fungal acne and not normal acne?
You have papules and pustules filled with white/yellow pus that doesn’t go away, no matter what products you use. If anything, anything you try seems to make things worse!
Do Traditional Acne Treatments Work For Fungal Acne?
It depends. Normal acne is caused by clogged pores infected by P.Acnes bacteria. Fungal acne is caused by a yeast overgrowth in the hair follicles. Different causes require different treatments. So if you’ve been trying Benzoyl Peroxide, drying out like your face like there’s no tomorrow, and the standard anti-acne treatments, you won’t see a difference. Said that, there are some acne remedies that help treat both normal acne and fungal acne. Before you go and splurge on an anti-acne treatment at Sephora, check out the list of effective natural remedies for fungal acne below.
Related: Adult Acne: Why It Happens And How To Treat It
What Are The Best Natural Remedies For Fungal Acne?
1. Azelaic Acid
What it is: A byproduct of Malassezia. Yep, the fungus that gives you fungal acne also gives you a way to treat it. Thanks!
Why it works: Scientists aren’t 100% sure yet but it has a lot to do with its ability to reduce the overall fatty acid content (ie the stuff that Malassezia eats to grow) in your skin. Plus, it kills both aerobic (needs oxygen to grow) like Malassezia and anaerobic (doesn’t need oxygen) bacteria like P.Acnes.
How To Use: After serums but before moisturizer. You can use it both in the morning or in the evening. Just don’t go overboard. Too much isn’t always better in skincare.
Side effects: A lot of products with azelaic acid also have ingredients that feed Malassezia. Azelaic acid may counteract some of these effects. Still, pick products high in azelaic acid and low in offenders.
Where to find it:
- Finacea: A prescription medication to treat fungal acne that also works for traditional acne and rosacea. You’ll need to a prescription from your dermatologist to get your hands on a tube.
- Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster ($36.00): This booster contains both azelaic acid and salicylic acid, an oil-soluble exfoliant that can get inside your pores and unclog them from within. Great at treating acne, you can use it on its own or mix it with your moisturiser. Available at Dermstore and Paula’s Choice
- The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (£5.50): This serum has a thick texture that’s not the most pleasant to use. But if you’re on a strict budget and want to try azelaic acid, it’ll do the anti-acne and skin-brightening jobs. Available at Asos, Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty and Feel Unique
Related: The Complete Guide To Azelaic Acid: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that banishes fungal acne? Download your FREE “Safe Skincare Products For Fungal Acne” cheat sheet to get started:
2. Caprylic Acid Oil
What it is: A fatty acid with a short carbon chain length found in coconut and MCT oil. It’s one of the few fatty acids Malassezia DOESN’T feed on.
Why it works: It has powerful antifungal properties that can kill Malassezia.
How to use it: As a cleanser or mixed with your moisturizer. Just add a few drops and apply it onto your face either in the morning or in the evening.
Side effects: Caprylic acid oil is generally considered to be safe.
Where to find it:
- LevelUp Clean MCT Oil: 100% Pure C8 Caprylic Acid Triglycerides ($29.99): Available at Walmart
- Nutiva Organic C8 MCT Oil ($18.98): Available at Walmart
They’re both 100% pure Caprylic Acid Oil, so it doesn’t matter which one you pick. Make a choice and use it.
3. Honey
What it is: A sweet, sticky nectar bees make from the nectar they collect from flowers.
Why it works: Honey has strong antimicrobial properties. Studies show it’s effective against seborrheic dermatitis, a condition caused by the same fungus. Manuka honey is the most effective at this.
How to use it: Apply raw honey on the affected area for 3 hours every other day. If it’s too sticky for you, try products that are high in raw honey (propolis works too). Just make sure they don’t contain anything that feeds the fungus.
Side effects: Raw honey is sticky and feels unpleasant on the skin. This is why it’s not my fave natural remedy for fungal acne. But it works. I prefer skincare products high in honey and low on offenders.
Where to find it:
- Wedderspoon Raw Premium Manuka Honey ($19.97): Unpasteurised, raw and delicious, Manuka honey. A superfood for your skin and your body. Available at Walmart
- Cosrx Propolis Light Ampoule ($28.00): Super hydrating, this propolis essence is also enriched with hyaluronic acid to soften and plump up skin. Available at Look Fantastic, Sephora, Stylevana, Ulta, and Yes Style
- Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence ($39.00): This lightweight essence is enriched with honey, propolis and probiotics to soothe skin and treat fungal acne. Plus, it plumps up fine lines and wrinkles too. Available at Stylevana and Yes Style
Related: The Benefits Of Honey In Skincare
4. Sulfur
What it is: A yellowish, nonmetallic element that occurs widely in nature, especially in volcanic deposits.
Why it works: I couldn’t find any research showing it works against fungal acne BUT there’s plenty of proof it’s an effective treatment for seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema. All conditions that involve Malassezia. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Sulfur works because it sloughs off dead skin cells and produces an acid that is toxic to fungi.
How to use it: As a spot treatment only. You can apply it up to twice a day, on clean skin. Once in the morning and once in the evening is more than enough.
Side effects: Sulfur is harsh on the skin and terribly dries it out. Use it only as the last option on this list and on the affected area only. Oh, it smells like rotten eggs, too. Ewww!
Where to find it:
- Kala Health MSM Gel ($19.99): A simple, no-frills formula that helps treat fungal acne. Available at Amazon and Walmart
Related: Sulfur: Good For Acne, Bad For Skin?
5. Tea Tree Oil
What it is: An essential oil derived from the melaleuca alternifolia plant.
Why it works: Lots of studies show it has powerful antimicrobial properties that kill Malassezia.
How to use it: Dilute it with water and use as spot treatment twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Side effects: Tea tree oil can be very irritating, especially if you have sensitive skin. That’s why you need to dilute it.
Where to find it:
- Tea Tree 100% Pure Best Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil ($6.99): Available at Amazon
- ArtNaturals 100% Pure Tea Tree Essential Oil ($5.99): Available at Amazon and iHerb
Again, don’t overthink it. As long as it’s 100% Tea Tree Oil and you dilute it, you’re gonna be fine.
Related: Tea Tree Oil, The Underdog Of Acne Treatments
The Bottom Line
Tired of throwing everything at fungal acne and irritating your skin in the process. These are the best natural remedies for fungal acne. They’ll help you get rid of the yeast without irritating or drying out your skin.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
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