How to Get Rid of Fungal Acne Naturally – Expert Tips
Fungal acne might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but trust us, it’s much more common (and manageable) than you think. Officially known as Malassezia folliculitis, fungal acne is often mistaken for traditional acne, but it’s actually a totally different beast. It’s caused by an overgrowth of yeast (yes, yeast!) that naturally lives on your skin. When things get out of balance, think humidity, sweat, or a compromised skin barrier, you can end up with those small, itchy, stubborn bumps that just won’t quit.
If you’ve been piling on benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid with no luck, you’re not alone. Traditional acne treatments often make fungal acne worse. So, if you’re dealing with relentless breakouts that seem immune to your usual go-tos, it might be time to switch things up, naturally. Good news: there are gentle, effective ways to treat fungal acne without bombarding your skin with harsh chemicals.
Below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about how to treat fungal acne naturally, with expert-backed advice, science-approved strategies, and a few home remedies that actually work.
How Do You Know It’s Fungal Acne?
Before you can treat fungal acne, you need to be sure that’s what you’re dealing with. Here are some telltale signs:
Small, uniform red or flesh-colored bumps
Lots of bumps grouped together (especially on the forehead, chest, back, and shoulders)
Persistent itchiness
Breakouts that don’t respond to typical acne treatments
Breakouts that get worse with heat, sweat, or humidity
If you’re nodding along, there’s a good chance fungal acne is the culprit. When in doubt, it’s always a smart move to check with a dermatologist, they can confirm it with a simple evaluation (or sometimes even a culture test).
Natural Remedies to Treat Fungal Acne
1. Switch to a Gentle, Antifungal Cleanser
Your first step in treating fungal acne naturally? A super gentle, antifungal cleanser. Look for cleansers with natural antifungal ingredients like:
Tea tree oil: A powerhouse natural antifungal that can help reduce yeast overgrowth.
Honey: (Specifically raw, unprocessed honey) — it has potent antimicrobial properties and can soothe inflamed skin.
Sulfur: This mineral helps kill off fungi and calm irritated skin without being overly harsh.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is practically the MVP of natural skincare, and fungal acne is no exception. Its natural antifungal properties can help curb yeast overgrowth while balancing your skin’s pH.
How to use it:
Dilute ACV with water (1 part ACV to 3 parts water).
Apply it to affected areas with a cotton pad.
Leave it on for 10–15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
Word of caution: Always patch-test first! ACV is strong, and you don’t want to irritate already inflamed skin.
3. Keep Your Skin Dry
Fungi love warm, damp environments, so a key part of healing fungal acne naturally is making your skin less inviting to yeast overgrowth. After sweating (whether it’s after a workout or a humid day), cleanse your skin as soon as possible. Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers that hydrate without trapping excess moisture on your skin.
Ingredients like aloe vera, squalane, and glycerin can hydrate without clogging pores or feeding fungal growth.
4. Rethink Your Skincare Routine
If you’re serious about treating fungal acne naturally, a little spring cleaning in your skincare lineup might be necessary. Some ingredients, while great for traditional acne or anti-aging, can actually fuel fungal overgrowth.
Here’s what to avoid during a fungal acne flare-up:
Fatty acids like oleic acid (found in some oils like olive oil)
Heavy creams and oils that trap moisture (especially coconut oil)
Fermented ingredients (some can feed yeast)
Occlusive products like petroleum jelly
And here’s what to embrace:
Lightweight gels or water-based serums
Simple, minimal ingredient products
Natural antifungals like propolis, green tea extract, and zinc
5. Try Natural Antifungal Foods
You are what you eat, and when it comes to treating fungal acne naturally, your diet can help (or hurt).
Incorporate more antifungal foods into your meals, like:
Garlic: Nature’s ultimate antifungal.
Coconut oil: (Internally, eating it, not applying it topically!) contains caprylic acid, which fights fungal infections.
Ginger: Boosts circulation and has mild antifungal properties.
Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, basically a fungal acne warrior in spice form.
Meanwhile, consider cutting back on high-sugar foods and refined carbs. Yeast thrives on sugar, so reducing your intake can starve it out over time.
6. Prioritize Breathable Fabrics
If your fungal acne tends to flare up on your back, chest, or shoulders, your clothing could be partly to blame. Tight, non-breathable fabrics trap sweat and create a yeast-friendly environment.
Instead, go for:
Natural fibers like cotton and bamboo
Loose-fitting, breathable clothes (especially when working out)
Quick-drying athletic wear
Bonus points if you change out of sweaty clothes ASAP after exercising.
7. De-Stress Your Life
Chronic stress doesn’t just mess with your mind, it can wreak havoc on your skin too. High cortisol levels can weaken your immune system and throw off your skin’s microbiome, giving yeast the perfect opportunity to overgrow.
Simple stress-busting habits like yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, or even short walks can make a real difference over time. Your skin (and your mind) will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Listen, fungal acne is stubborn. It’s not the kind of thing that clears up overnight. But with consistent natural treatments and a few tweaks to your skincare and lifestyle habits, it will get better, and your skin will be healthier and happier for it.
Just remember:
Be patient
Keep it simple
Listen to your skin
And if natural methods aren’t doing the trick after a few weeks, don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist. Sometimes a short course of prescription antifungal medication can give your skin the reset it needs, and you can still support your skin naturally from there.