What Is Fungal Acne? Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat It

Lauren Brennan
3 days ago
3 min read

When we think about acne, we usually imagine clogged pores, oil buildup, and blackheads — classic signs of bacterial acne. But there's another type that’s often misdiagnosed and mistreated: fungal acne.

If you're dealing with stubborn breakouts that don't respond to traditional acne products, you might be battling fungal acne instead. Here's everything you need to know — including how Clear Complexion Skincare's 8% Mandelic Acid can help clear your skin safely and effectively.

What Is Fungal Acne?

Fungal acne, also known as Malassezia folliculitis, is caused by an overgrowth of yeast (not bacteria) within the hair follicles. It often mimics regular acne but requires a completely different treatment approach.

What It Looks Like:

Small, uniform red bumps or whiteheads
Often itchy or inflamed
Commonly appears on the forehead, cheeks, chest, and back
Doesn't respond to traditional acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
Unsure if you have fungal acne? Go to our acne bootcamp page and fill out our questionnaire! Acne Boot Camp | Quality Skincare Treatment | Clear Complexion Skin Care

Common Triggers of Fungal Acne

Fungal acne flares up when there's a disruption in your skin’s natural balance. Here are some common causes:

Overuse of antibiotics: Kills off bacteria but allows yeast to flourish
Hot, humid climates: Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments
Wearing tight or non-breathable clothing: Traps sweat and creates the perfect setting for overgrowth
Heavy skincare or hair products: Often contain pore-clogging ingredients that feed the fungus
Sweating and not cleansing immediately: Especially post-gym or during summer

The Gut-Skin Connection

Emerging research highlights the link between gut health and skin conditions, including fungal acne. An imbalanced gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can lead to systemic inflammation, which may manifest as skin issues like acne. Factors contributing to dysbiosis include:

Dietary choices: High sugar and processed foods
Antibiotic use: Disrupts gut flora balance
Stress: Impacts gut health and immune function

Supporting gut health through a balanced diet, probiotics, and stress management can be beneficial for those struggling with skin conditions related to fungal acne.

Why Your Skincare Might Be Making It Worse

Many acne treatments contain ingredients that are antibacterial but do nothing against fungal acne — or worse, contain comedogenic ingredients (pore cloggers) that feed the yeast and make breakouts worse.

That’s why it's crucial to use acne-safe, non-comedogenic, and no pore-clogging skincare.

The Mandelic Acid Solution: Clear Complexion Skincare 8% Mandelic

Mandelic acid is a gentle yet effective alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s particularly powerful against fungal acne. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties make it ideal for treating Malassezia overgrowth.

Our Clear Complexion Skincare 8% Mandelic Serum is:

✅ Acne-safe

✅ Non-comedogenic

✅ Free of pore-clogging ingredients

✅ Perfect for sensitive, acne-prone, or combination skin

Mandelic acid also promotes skin cell turnover, fades post-acne marks, and reduces inflammation — all while being gentle enough for daily use.

Shop Now

Clear your skin the safe and effective way. Try our 8% Mandelic Acid Serum from Clear Complexion Skincare — the trusted brand in acne skincare.

➡️ Click here to purchase Clear Complexion Skincare 8% Mandelic

Final Thoughts

If you suspect your breakouts might be fungal acne, stop wasting time with the wrong products. Start using fungal-safe, acne-safe skincare like Clear Complexion Skincare 8% Mandelic — and finally get the clear skin you’ve been working for.