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.
Wow this is amazing! Great research. How about aloe?
Cindy, aloe is very hydrating but it’s not a treatment for fungal acne.
Instead of water, the tea tree oil should be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil or grapeseed oil before applying to the skin. Water won’t combine with the tea tree oil, so it won’t do much to minimize the burn tea tree oil can cause. If essential oil is ever burning your skin, it’s usually recommended to apply more of your carrier oil until the burn subsides. This is more effective than washing with soap and water.
Erin, this is a great tip. Thanks for sharing!
You cannott mix it with other oil except MCT, Squalane and Mineral oil. Because the other oils are rich in fatty acids which is a food for the fungus.
Bernadette, thanks for the remainder!
Hello,
I have a question about finacea gel. Are any of these ingredients harmful: lecithin, polyacrylic acid, polysorbate 80. I know you said polysorbates contain fatty acids and can feed fungus? Or would the good of finacea cancel out the polysorbate?
Thank you!
Andrea, if by harmful, you mean they can feed fungal acne, then yes. I personally recommend you stay away from products with polysorbates and anything that can feed Malassezia. But if these ingredients have very further down the list, the chances of them causing problems drastically diminish. But you won’t know for sure until you try them.
I have fungal acne and i tried tea tree oil but it ruined my skin. It caused me to break out even more and it dried it out. It took 2 weeks for my skin to heal from the reaction. Any alternatives?
Natalij, sorry to hear that. Did you dilute it properly? It’s very harsh if you don’t. Try Azelaic Acid and see if that works for you. It’s a lot gentler.
Ketokonazole and anti dandruff shampoo is a great treatment because of it’s antifungal properties
Natalija, thanks for sharing. Glad it works for you.
would you recommend diluted apple cider vinegar to treat malassezia?
Nyra, no I wouldn’t.
is there a difference in using regular and raw honey?
Sara, the raw kind has more antioxidants and nutrients so it works faster.
So mixing squalane with essential ouls is perfectly safe?:)
Jena, NO! Essential oils are NEVER safe, especially not for people with fungal acne!
I use zinc pyrithione soap and it is very effective for treating fungal acne.
Geo, good to know! Thanks for sharing.
I applied honey to my face and what it did was burn my face, this because it happens?
Viviana, honey has a low pH. You should never use it alone.
I have learned that mixing tea tree oil into the manuka honey and leaving on as a mask is a good option. Follow with a toner containing green tea and apple cider vinegar (1 cup tea / 1 Tbsp vinegar), then finally moisturize with a mixture of aloe + a drop of tea tree oil.
Is active Oxygen good for fungal acne?People say it’s helping with acne problems.Should I try it?Is it dangerous?
Let me know your opinion.
Also, I’m planning to see a dermatologist pretty soon, but just curious..is it really fungal acne cuz mine are skin colored, tiny bumps,they are not “burning” when i touch them but the texture is different.. I just woke up with bunch of them 4 days ago(i have them on my T zone and left cheek), could it be allergic or..?
Please answer, I need help.
Thanks
Alex, oxygen won’t do anything for acne. As you’re already seeing a dermatologist, I think it’s best to let him diagnose.
Hi.i have small bumps all over my face and it is mostly textured and they dont pop or anything. Is that fungal? I use isdin oil free cleaner, body shop tea tree toner and aloe vera gel. Could these products be triggering it?
Khadija, does it itch? That’s usually one of the tell-tale signs. Tea tree oil could definitely be a culprit.
I thought tea tree oil cured fungal acne?
Nisa, it cures bacterial acne.
Is tiny bump and fungal the same please can you recommend something for me to use
Osas, not always. It’s fungal if it itches. Is that the case for you?
Hey Gio! I have the same dilemma as OSAS and Khadija. I have textured skin thanks to tiny bumps all over my face with nothing in them that DO NOT ITCH. Is Malassezia therefore out the question?
Trae, it’s unlikely to be Malassezia, but please consult a doctor to be 100% sure.
Hi thank you! I was wondering… Does the rice, milk and honey body scrub recipe help against fungal acne??
Anna, there is some evidence that honey can help.
Can’t i use raw honey every day on my body? I bought some honey from a supermarket and started using some on my lower back (near waist area) for fungal acne and i noticed that the honey has some tiny corns that slightly scratch my skin similar to body scrubs when i massage the honey to my back, is this normal?
A, if it scratches your skin, I wouldn’t use it.
Honey that is slightly scratchy may have started going to sugar. I used mine anyway like an exfoliator. You could gently heat in double boiler to dissolve sugar crystals
I’ve been scouring the net for any info on my condition:
Twin-Bumps?
For the last few years, I’ve apparently started to get Adult Acne – according to my Doc, after I was prescribed some Metformin for PCOS.
I don’t have diabetes, but it’s supposed to help PCOS. It didn’t help; it threw off my inner-radar, and I didn’t like Metformin at all. I stopped taking it after 1 pack.
Previously, I never really had any pimples.
But NOW (and since)… I get these strange “Twin-Bumps”; one is the Planet, the other is the Moon.
One is huge, and a small one exists nearby it, too. They always come together, and I’ve been noticing this pattern for a while…
I’ve heard of “Satellite Lesions” – but these are more like pimples. Only, I’m sure they’re some kind of infection, or virus or something. THIS fungus, maybe??
Do you know anything like this?
I really hate them.
I use coconut oil a lot; mixing various essential oils.
I do have this new “Eyebrow Eczema”, too – I might try using a honey-mask on that, and see how I go.
I just started using coconut oil, Frankincense, Tea Tree, and Lavender, so either I’ll mix in some honey, or use by itself!
REALLY curious to know if anyone else knows what these Planet-and-Moon pimple-bumps are.
Honey that is slightly scratchy may have started going to sugar. I used mine anyway like an exfoliator. You could gently heat in double boiler to dissolve sugar crystals
I have fungal acne on my scalp and scars on the sides of my forehead that sometime flare up. The acne on my scalp is extremely itchy and sometimes the acne reduces but then multiplies after a few days. The acne on the sides of my face hurt and itch. I have scars now on my face as the acne kept on going in the same place. I’ve tried using the body shop tea tree oil but it didn’t heal it if anything it aggravated it. In addition I’ve also tried tea tree shampoo with no luck as this made me itch a lot more. I’ve also used nizoral (which I know has helped many people) this also made it worse. My scalp can get dry so I should avoid drying products but it’s tough since fungal acne and oily products don’t go together. I need help in choosing a right skincare routine and hair routine.
Hi! Will rose hip seed oil feed the fungus?
Chellz, yes! Please, read the article. I wrote what oils are safe. Everything else isn’t!
Mine looks alot like fungal acne and i think it’s fungal acne but it is nothing itchy
do you recommend iheart nature natural turmeric soap ?