Fungal acne isn’t really acne. It grows on hair rather than the skin and the main cause of fungal acne is an overgrowth of yeast in the hair follicles. It’s a condition that can appear very similar, but fungal acne is more itchy or irritating in sensation. This yeast is found in everyone’s skin, however, fungal acne occurs when there is too much of this yeast. Traditional acne is caused more by oil production, bacteria and hormones and tends to be on the sorer side.
(Photo found in Google for reference.)
What Causes Fungal Acne?
If you do something that strips the healthy bacteria, like using harsh anti-bacterial washes, occlusive oily skincare or just taking antibiotics, there won’t be anything to keep the fungus under control. As a result, fungus can over develop, which will lead to skin irritation, inflammation, and fungal acne. Also, anything that will create an occlusive moist zone — think tight, non-breathable clothes or face masks — will help fungal acne to appear. Genetics also play a role and a weak immune system condition is also usually associated with fungal acne.
How to treat fungal acne?
Making sure you are using the right products for your skin type is the first step in healthy skin. We recommend a VitaBrite Treatment every 2-3 weeks until you see improvement. Once you see improvement you can do a maintenance treatment every 4 weeks. We also recommend adding either other Lira Pro Pads or Mystiq iLuminating Polisher to your at-home regimen. Making sure to wash your pillowcase and face masks regularly will help prevent fungal acne as well.
If you think you are struggling with fungal acne please feel free to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable Esthetician’s for a Virtual Skin Care Consult or in-person consultation.
Thanks for reading!
Xoxo, Hannah Lebron
