This blog post will show you the exact skincare routine I followed to clear fungal acne with just 6 products and includes application steps for A.M. and P.M. Let’s get rid of those tiny little forehead bumps forever!
So. . . you have confirmed that your breakouts are fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) and you are looking for a skincare routine to follow to clear your skin once and for all.
I have been there.
It can feel overwhelming to realize you have fungal acne and have to now shop for products that only contain ingredients that will not contribute to the growth of the fungus.
You may even be skeptical of those recommending you apply dandruff shampoo all over your breakouts as a treatment. Honestly, who wouldn’t be skeptical?
It sounds weird.
But it works.
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In this blog post, I am going to make things extremely simple for you.
I am giving you all of the details of the 6 product routine I followed to clear my fungal acne.
When I followed this exact routine while clearing my fungal acne, it took about 2 weeks to start seeing results. Be patient and consistent. Results do not happen overnight.
It is important to note:
If you are clearing active fungal acne breakouts make sure that all makeup you use is safe for fungal acne. If possible, limit your makeup and allow your skin to breathe during the healing process.
At the bottom of this blog post, I will leave my recommendations for fungal acne-safe makeup products and a shower routine for you to use in combination with this clearing routine for the best results.
Medical Disclaimer:
This is the skincare routine that worked for me! Your results may not be the same, as everyone’s skin is so unique. Always seek out the care of a dermatologist to discuss your skin’s unique needs.
Fungal Acne Clearing Skincare Routine
1.) Double Cleanse:
Oil Based Cleanse-
Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser
This fungal acne clearing skincare routine begins by double cleansing, first with the Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser.
I know, not the most glamorous product… but hear me out. This moisturizing cleanser is formulated with 5 simple ingredients. The first ingredient is mineral oil, one of the few oils safe for fungal acne-prone skin types.
Mineral oil makes this cleanser easily remove makeup and tough zinc oxide-based sunscreens without tugging or drying. Mineral oil can also smooth and soften the skin during the cleansing process, unlike other moisture stripping makeup removers.
When clearing fungal acne, double cleansing is important in the evenings because it ensures the skin is properly cleaned and prepped for the rest of the skincare routine.
Water Cleanse:
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
The Vanicream Gentle Cleanser makes an excellent choice for a fungal acne clearing skincare routine because it is gentle but effective enough to break down even the toughest makeup.
It is a foaming cleanser but is not drying to the skin in any way. I specifically chose this cleanser because it does not contain any acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, as to not be over-drying to the skin.
The next step in this routine will contain ketoconazole to treat existing fungal acne. Ketoconazole can be quite drying to the skin so I chose a cleanser with gentleness and hydration in mind.
Only $8 for 8 fluid ounces which is a great price for how much product you are getting. One bottle typically lasts me 3-4 months on average with daily use.
2.) Treat
If you have been struggling with acne, that you now realize is fungal acne you may have noticed that other acne-fighting products you previously used have not done much to clear your breakouts.
This is because fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of yeast that can be treated only by using an anti-fungal (and by eliminating ingredients that stimulate yeast growth).
This Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains Ketoconaloze (an effective anti-fungal) as the active ingredient which will treat any existing fungal acne breakouts and prevent future ones.
How To Apply Nizoral Shampoo:
For the best results, use this product every night in the evenings after double-cleansing. Combine about a dime size amount in your hands with a bit of water to activate the shampoo. Then apply the shampoo to dry skin like a face mask. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water.
If you notice your skin drying out, limit the use of this product to every other night, and try leaving it on the skin for 5 minutes.
Do this consistently until all active breakouts are cleared.
After the skin is clear of fungal acne breakouts do you need to continue using Nizoral?
Once your skin is cleared there is no reason to continue using Nizoral daily. I keep a bottle in my cabinet but have not had to use it in months.
This is because I make sure the products in my skincare and makeup routine do not contribute to the growth of yeast. This continues to keep my skin clear, but I always have Nizoral to use if I ever need it for maintenance.
3.) Hydrate
Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Power Essence
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid is like a giant glass of water for your skin. It can hold up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water and it does so by binding water to your skin cells. This hydrates and plumps your skin giving a youthful look, naturally.
Hyaluronic Acids are actually what make up a majority of cosmetic fillers. Applying topically to your skin consistently packs major hydration and texture benefits without the harmful risks of fillers.
In my experience with healing from fungal acne, I can say that adding this product into my routine was one of the major turning points of healing my skin. Focusing on hydration made all of the difference for me.
Cosrx HA Essence has a Ph of 6.5-7.5, under 10 total ingredients, and is around $20 for over 3fl. One bottle typically lasts me 4 months! This is the ONLY HA Essence you will ever need!
4.) Moisturize
I have two recommendations for moisturizers that are perfect for a fungal acne clearing routine. Based on your skin type and preference, you will have to decide what works best for you! There is no reason to purchase or use both.
You may be wondering if it is okay to use this product on your face. The answer is absolutely, yes! CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a wonderful option for an everyday moisturizer because it is formulated with 3 essential ceramides that repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
This is an excellent option for the winter months because it is so hydrating and protective. This tub is so much product that you can apply the moisturizer all over your neck, chest, and shoulders without going through it quickly. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream can be found anywhere and is a steal for $15.
La Roche Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluid
The La Roche Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluid Moisturizer (make sure to purchase the sensitive formula) is the perfect moisturizer to use while healing fungal acne.
The formula of this product is ultra-lightweight and nongreasy. It wears perfectly under makeup and is suitable for both day and night use.
This moisturizer is so gentle, lightweight, and disappears into the skin. With only 9 ingredients, it nourishes and moisturizes the skin without irritation. It is an excellent choice for sensitive skin types.
A few key ingredients include:
Glycerin: is a powerful humectant that increases hydration by helping the skin maintain moisture. (1)
Niacinamide: can improve skin’s feel, overall appearance, brighten its tone, and revive the skin’s healthy texture. (2)
5.) Protect:
Did you really think I was going to leave out sunscreen…?
Protecting your skin from the sun is always necessary, but even more so when you are in the healing process. The DRMTLGY SPF 45 provides excellent sun protection without irritation or drying.
DRMTLGY Broad Spectrum SPF 45 is a zinc oxide-based sunscreen that leaves no white residue. It is clear, lightweight, non-greasy, and wears well under makeup. This product is free of fragrance, parabens, oils, and sensitivities.
Looking for a tinted sunscreen?
If you are someone who prefers tinted sunscreens, I have great news. This amazing product comes in a Tinted Version suitable for all skin tones that is 100% fungal acne-safe! The tinted formula can be found HERE.
AM ROUTINE – TO CLEAR FUNGAL ACNE
1.) Cleanse with the Vanicream Gentle Cleanser. Then pat your skin dry leaving a bit of moisture.
2.) Evenly cover your skin with two pumps of the Cosrx HA Essence. Wait a few minutes for the essence to fully absorb into the skin.
3.) Apply an even layer of the DRMTLGY Sunscreen. Allow 30 minutes before going into the sun (touch up during the day as needed).
**On days when you feel you need extra hydration in the morning, use the La Roche Posay Toleraine Fluid before applying sunscreen. Feel free to do this every day depending on your skin type!
PM ROUTINE – TO CLEAR FUNGAL ACNE
1.) Oil cleanse with the Albolene moisturizing cleanser to remove all makeup and sunscreen.
2.) Water-Based Cleanse with the Vanicream Gentle Cleanser. Then pat your skin dry leaving a bit of moisture.
3.) Combine a dime-size amount of Nizoral in your hands with a bit of water to activate the shampoo. Then apply the shampoo to dry skin like a face mask. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water.
(If you notice extreme skin drying, limit this to every other night for only 5 minutes).
4.) Evenly cover your skin with 2-3 pumps of the Cosrx HA Essence. Wait a few minutes for the essence to fully absorb into the skin.
3.) Apply an even layer of the La Roche Posay Toleraine Fluid all over your face.
For more fungal-acne safe content visit the following posts:
Fungal Acne Safe Shower Routine
The Best Affordable Fungal Acne Safe Makeup
A four-product FUNGAL ACNE SAFE Skincare Routine
Luxury Fungal Acne Safe Products
5-Step Fungal Acne Safe Winter Skincare Routine
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I hope you found this helpful! Please keep me updated on your journey to clear skin the comments or send me a message on Instagram! I truly love to hear from you!
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Love,
Jordana
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