If you've ever struggled with stubborn breakouts that don’t respond to typical acne treatments, there’s a good chance you’ve been dealing with fungal acne—not traditional acne at all. And guess what? You’re not alone.
Searches for “fungal acne” have skyrocketed over the past few years, and at Lissy Skincare, we’re here to clear things up (literally and figuratively). Let’s dive into your top questions about fungal acne—what it is, how to treat it, and why our Lissy Skincare Mandelic Serum is your skin’s new BFF.
What Is Fungal Acne?
Despite the name, fungal acne isn’t really acne at all. It’s a skin condition caused by yeast (Malassezia) that lives naturally on your skin. Sometimes, thanks to heat, sweat, antibiotics, or imbalanced skincare, that yeast can grow out of control—leading to itchy, red, uniform bumps, typically on your forehead, chest, and back.
Fungal acne = Malassezia folliculitis. It clogs hair follicles with yeast instead of bacteria, like traditional acne.
How Can I Tell If I Have Fungal Acne?
- Itchy and uniform-sized red bumps
- Shows up on forehead, upper back, shoulders, and chest
- Gets worse in humid, sweaty, or oily conditions
- Doesn’t respond to typical acne treatments (like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid)
Still unsure? When in doubt, treat for both—because fungal acne often coexists with regular acne!
What Triggers Fungal Acne?
- Excess sweating (gym, hot climates, tight clothing)
- Antibiotic use (which kills bacteria but not yeast)
- Oily skincare products that feed the yeast
- High sugar diets (yeast loves sugar!)
- Overuse of occlusive products like heavy moisturizers or sunscreens
How Do You Get Rid of Fungal Acne?
Here’s the golden rule: You need to rebalance your skin’s microbiome and stop feeding the yeast.
- Use antifungal ingredients like mandelic acid, sulfur, or zinc pyrithione
- Avoid heavy oils (like coconut oil or esters that feed Malassezia)
- Keep the skin dry and breathable—especially during workouts
- Shower after sweating and exfoliate gently
Why Mandelic Acid Is the Secret Weapon for Fungal Acne
Unlike salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide (which don’t touch fungal acne), mandelic acid is:
- Antifungal: Targets Malassezia directly
- Gentle: Large molecular size means slower penetration = less irritation
- Exfoliating: Helps unclog hair follicles without over-stripping
- Brightening: Evens tone and reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
That’s exactly why we formulated the Lissy Skincare Mandelic Serum — the perfect daily serum for balancing skin, stopping fungal breakouts, and giving you that healthy, glowy finish.
Is Fungal Acne Contagious?
Nope! Fungal acne isn’t contagious. The yeast that causes it already lives on your skin. It only becomes a problem when it grows out of balance.
How Long Does It Take for Fungal Acne to Clear?
With the right routine (hello, Lissy Mandelic Serum), you can start seeing improvement in as little as one to two weeks. But for complete clearing, give it 4–6 weeks—consistency is key!
What Skincare Products Should I Avoid with Fungal Acne?
Look out for ingredients that feed yeast or clog pores:
- Fatty acids and esters (like oleic acid, isopropyl myristate, stearic acid)
- Coconut oil, shea butter, and heavy occlusives
- Fermented ingredients
- Comedogenic sunscreens or creams
Switch to fungal acne-safe products like our Mandelic Serum that are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and antifungal-friendly.
TL;DR: Your Fungal Acne Survival Kit
- ✅ Cleanse gently, sweat smart
- ✅ Avoid yeast-feeding oils
- ✅ Use antifungal exfoliants like Mandelic Acid
- ✅ Stick to a consistent routine
- ✅ Try the Lissy Mandelic Serum — your skin’s best defense!
Ready to Clear Your Fungal Acne?
If you’re tired of the cycle of irritation, itchiness, and confusion, Lissy Skincare’s Mandelic Serum is your glow-up in a bottle. Designed to combat both fungal acne and dull, congested skin—without compromising your barrier.
