Fungal Acne and Malassezia Warriors LISTEN UP! (Sample Routines)
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After five years of writing research articles on Simple Skincare Science, we have developed our own products based on the content written around this site. To place an order simply go to Malezia.com, or follow us on instagram for updates!Β We hope you have a great day π
If you’ve read that blog post, and are making progress (or not) β let us know! Share your routines, experiences, what’s helped out the most, what products are holy grails, which ones have been a farce etc.
Hopefully we can get some dialogue going to help others out. I’ll go first!
What f.c. is Doing.
Skin type: combination, dehydrated. My t-zone gets oily throughout the day. Cheeks and chin are dry.
Prone to:Β acne and pityrosporum folliculitis.
Skin concerns: I have some lingering post inflammatory erythema (PIE)Β on my cheeks fromΒ a breakout differin caused me last month. It’s why I decided to drop differin this week (after 3 months of using). I just feel like it makes my face more red, and slows the rate at which PIE fades.
Other than that I get micro-congestion, or as someone referred to it “tiny grains of sand,” on my upper cheeks and forehead if I don’t use 10 minute sulfur masks or 5 minute benzoyl peroxide contact therapy on a weekly basis.
Current skincare routine:
AM
Slather GALACTOMYCES all over my body first thing in the morning…. Just kidding. XD
Rinse with water
Hada LaboΒ Perfect UV GelΒ SPF50 PA++++ Β
Note: I chose this sunscreen over all the other Asian ones because it doesn’t contain glycerin or tocopherols. As I noted in the malassezia guide, glycerin is only problematic in very high concentration, but I figure avoiding it altogether in my sunscreen can’t hurt. Tocopherols may contain trace amounts of distilled soybean oil (honestly, I’m probably just being paranoid about this :p)
PM
Oil cleanse with MCT Oil
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
DIY 2% Salicylic Acid Toner
I’m sill experimenting with this one. I’m having problems with it crystalizing after a few days or being too sticky for my liking. UPDATE:Β I’ve mastered that shit.
If I were to chose a store-bought BHA it would be the good ol’ trusty stridex. It’s the only salicylic acid product I’ve used that works for me. The Paula’s Choice BHA irritated my face / caused breakouts because it contains polysorbate 20, which feeds malassezia (the same happened to my sister).
DIY 5% Urea Moisturizer OR CeraVe Cream
I’m trying to decide which one I like more. This week I’ll only be using the Urea cream to hopefully make up my mind once and for all. Here are the ingredients for those interested:
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Petroleum, Urea, Sodium Polyacrylate, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trideceth-6, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Hyaluronic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.
It’s SUPER basic and easy to make. Probably one of the simplest DIY’s I’ve tried. If enough people are interested I’ll make a separate post about how to make it.
UPDATE 7/25/17: I’ve been exclusively using my urea cream and see no reason to leave it anytime soon. It has been doing wonders for my skin. I’ve changed the formula quite a bit though, for example, replacing caprylic/capric triglycerides and petroleum with squalane. I LOVE THAT STUFF!
Been using the Timeless 100% Squalane Oil, and cannot recommend it enough. I literally slather that sh*t on my face every night haha. I prefer it over all the other oils I’ve ever tried.Β Since I’ve incorporated it into my routine I’ve been needing to use active ingredients less and less. I’ll definitely be doing a full review / ingredient breakdown of squalane in the future.
Cerave Healing OintmentΒ (I use this every couple nights depending on how dry my skin is feeling)
De La Cruz Sulfur MaskΒ (10 minutes) or Acne.org 2.5% Benzoyl PeroxideΒ contact therapy (5 minutes). Like I mentioned above, if I start noticing some “micro-congestion / sand grains” I’ll do this once a week until the little boogers are gone.
What My Younger Sister’s Doing.
Skin type: combination, normal. Her t-zone gets oily. Cheeks and chin are normal.
Prone to:Β acne and pityrosporum folliculitis.
Skin concerns: “Congestion, dullness, and sensitivity…. I guess.”βLittle sister. I think she was just saying something to say something. I honestly don’t notice any of that stuff haha. -__-
Current skincare routine:
AM
Rinse with water
SKIN AQUA UV moisture Milk SPF50+ PA+++ (she considers this holy grail)
PM
Oil cleanse with Mineral Oil
Vanicream Gentle Cleanser (she was using the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser up until recently, but I convinced her to come over to the dark side! :D)
Benton Soothing Gel or CeraVe Cream (depending on how dry her skin is)
Now comment below with your routines, experiences, or anything else you wanna share!
Fungal acne sufferer here, currently 100% in remission π Thanks more to your site than any dermatologist! Backstory – Clear skin until two summers ago at the age of 32. Never washed my makeup off, used harsh walnut scrub, never wore sunscreen, and was a junk food vegetarian. Youth! I did have eczema on my hands that would come and go, starting at age 20. Two summers ago, I had several suspicious moles removed and also started noticing melasma around my lips, probably due to hormonal bc. I decided it was time for a skincare routine. I went at it too hard with AHA and vitamin c and destroyed my moisture barrier. I also had started taking biotin supplements, which I am now sure break me out. I also started using the La Roche Posay mineral sunscreen but was not consistent with it because I didn’t like the white cast. I went back to nothing for a while and my skin recovered. But then I had some health issues that resulted in taking medication that possibly started this fungal thing. It’s hard to say. But around this time I decided I needed to be nicer to my body and began eating a much healthier diet (lots of veg, lots of plant fat, not much dairy except full fat yogurt every day, whole grains, adding in some meat occasionally…). I also started exercising. End result: I felt great but my skin was suddenly wrecked. I first suspected it was due to a b12 supplement I was taking. I stopped and things improved slightly. I then thought it was maybe hormonal, since by then I had lost a fair amount of weight and maybe things had shifted (I was not overweight to begin with but was nearly so – I went from the top of my healthy range to the bottom). I used benzoyl peroxide for a while and it seemed to help at first but then my skin stopped being able to tolerate it. After getting seriously rashy, I switched to washing my face with a gentle cleanser from Trader Joe’s and applying a clean and clear BHA spot treatment. This did not really improve things much but didn’t seem to make it worse. Finally, last fall, I decided I was sick of the zits and needed to start trying to get rid of them again. My dermatologist was unhelpful. I tried taking Yasmin bc hoping it would help hormonally but it didn’t make a huge difference. I stopped after maybe 4 months because I didn’t like the emotional side effects. After that, my skin really freaked out again. I had known about AB routines for a while (and by that point was using Biore watery essence and DHC oil cleanser) but it seemed like a big commitment. But at that point I decided I might as well try. And it did definitely help! In February of this year I discovered a lot of my current faves from Cosrx and also started double cleansing. I actually first discovered your blog when googling the evil whitening power essence, which I did like at first. Anyway blah blah, my skin was mostly better by this spring except for a patch of redness/acne looking bumps that would never go away. My derm said it was perioral dermatitis and prescribed 50 mg doxycycline for two months. I took the doxy with a strong probiotic and was fine for two and a half weeks, but then woke up one morning with severe acne/bumps – not just in my face but on my chest, back, and neck as well. I had never had body acne before so I knew something was up. Fortunately (?), that same morning I woke up with oral thrush so I requested Diflucan from my doctor. He actually thought the acne was bacterial folliculitis and wanted to up my dosage of doxy. While I did not stop the lower dosage, I did not feel comfortable bumping it up to 100 mg. I thought about what I had used topically leading up to the zits and all of a sudden remembered reading your post about the galactomyces in the past. I googled around until I found your blog again and knew this was definitely fungal. I actually think my original “perioral dermatitis” was fungal as well. Anyway, after 200 mg of Diflucan (plus washing with nizoral and applying lotrimin ultra), my skin cleared. But then I kept taking the 50 mg of doxy and it came back! At that point I knew it was fungal and dropped the doxy. I saw another derm and was prescribed two more weeks of 100 mg Diflucan, which I tapered to 50 mg the last few days. During that second round of Diflucan, I started using San Marcos brand sulfur soap and cream (kinda gross but I would also smear it all over my back and chest, then chill on the couch with a trash bag over my skin – my husband was very amused). I have actually left it on for up to an hour in large patches, and as a spot treatment overnight, even though I would describe my skin as sensitive. I also switched to the vanicream cleanser and cerave cream, which my skin looooooves. The cerave cream has also totally healed my eczema. Anyway my skin has returned to its former glory and I am very pleased! To summarize, here is what I used for treatment: 3 weeks total of Diflucan, Nizoral shampoo, lotramin ultra, sulfur soap and cream. Oh and zinc soap too. To heal my skin, I switched to very gentle products and cerave cream. Current routine (for sensitive combo skin with oily t-zone, concerns are keeping fungal acne away and brightening) AM – Wash with vanicream cleanser Wash body with free and clear soap Wash hair with free and clear shampoo and conditioner – though I will probably continue to use Nizoral once a week Apply Hada Labo moist lotion If… Read more »
I dig any DIY posts :D.
I just stumbled onto your blog and have been frenetically poring over all the material. One thing has me a bit confused. I found this post when attempting to locate your routine and really appreciate you including it. However, there are an entire host of “holy grail” items that are notably missing. I understand that they may not be part of your daily regimen, but would really love to comprehend how they fit in (Vitamin C serum three days a week and then off four, squalane in addition to moisturizer or in lieu of it, etc). I have been trying to Sherlock some of this by pouring over all your responses in the comments section, but realize that skincare routines evolve and that part of my dilemma may be a lack of understanding as to how it fits into your personal timeline (CerVe PM…to EltaMD AM…to CeraVe Cream).
Do you like to use the Benton Snail Bee High Content only after a dermarolling session?
Is azelaic acid just to counteract breakouts? Did you abandon the Adapalene that you were somewhat comitted to in August?
Do you incorporate Vitamin C serum three days in succession and take off the following four?
Is squalane a lovely addition to moisturizer, to be used in lieu of it, or one component of the DIY Urea Cream that you have yet to share?
Inquiring minds want to know. Is there any chance that you would want to include yours and/or your sister’s expanded routines that explain how and when all of the holy grail ingredients are incorporated?
Thanks for all your efforts to share your hard-won experience and knowledge. I genuinely appreciate it. As I stated, I just found your site, but am adding it to my “favorites” list.
For 4 or 5 days straight, I am obsessed with your blog and this newfound information about my condition, real obsessed reading, checking ingredients, googling until 4 or 5 am everyday π For years I thought all I needed was a better scrub because I was flaking all the time! I could not ever wear a foundation to cover my rosacea because of the flakes. Let’s say I was a hot mess! You are my saviour! Thank you a lot F.c! However, I am slightly depressed for the fact that I will be starting my new job next week after a very long unemployment period, but I do not look good for it. Even though my routine is now going strong, I lack a lot in the make-up department. I need something on my face that I can purchase in the UK for sure. Unfortunately, the listed products in the other posts did not helped me π After reading, re-reading, double checking the posts, your answers to the posts, the ingredients of the products that you approved, putting up an extensive excel sheet, I came up with the following list. I must admit I still lack a lot of info about which -ate’s are esters ( for ex. magnesium and zinc stereate ?!?!) but I tried π I want to be helpful! I hope to get an approval for these products so that I won’t sabotage my career like I did before by not showing up on the horrible flare days, sigh π And I I hope that I can give back the lovely fungi family, we WILL beat the beast together! Here we go: 1)Korres Sea Flower Bronzer Ingredients:Talc, Mica, Squalane, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Silica, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Octyldodecanol, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethiconol, Polyisoprene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Alaria Esculenta Extract, BHT, [+/- (May Contain): CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891]. 2)NYX Blotting Powder Β Ingredients:Talc, Mica, Nylon-12, Silica, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-):Β Β Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499). 3)Innisfree, No Sebum Mineral Powder Ingredients:With Jeju Natural Mineral and Natural Originated Mint, Jeju Natural Mineral From Nature, Silica, corn starch modified, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, caprylic/caprictriglyceride, mica, methicone, mineralsalts, camellia sinensis leaf extract, mentha arvensis leaf extract, ethylhexyl glycerin, dimethicone, glyceryl caprylate, ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, 1,2-hexanediol, fragrance 4) Chanel Reflex (82) Joues Contraste Blush Only problematic: parfume Ingredients:TALC, BENTONITE, PARFUM(FRAGRANCE), ZEA MAYS, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, CHLORPHENESIN, CARMINE, ULTRAMARINES, BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE, IRON OXIDES, FERRIC FERROCYANIDE, MANGANESE VIOLET, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, MICA oh a liquid another concealer with squalene!!! 5)YSL Touche Eclat Concealer AQUA (WATER) . CYCLOMETHICONE . GLYCERIN . TALC . PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM (MINERAL OIL) . PEG/ PPG-18/18 DIMETHICONE . MAGNESIUM SULFATE . TRIDECETH-3 . METHICONE . METHYLPARABEN . SQUALANE . [+/- MAY CONTAIN : CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE) . CI 77019 (MICA) . CI 77492 (IRON OXIDE) . CI 77491 (IRON OXIDE) . CI 77499 (IRON OXIDE) . CI 77007 (ULTRAMARINES) . CI 77510 (FERRIC FERROCYANIDE) . CI 77742 (MANGANESE VIOLET) . CI 75470 (CARMINE) . βNF8897β . 6)Clinique Airbrush Concealer Seems ok!-YEAY for finally we have a creamy concealer!!! Ingredients:Dimethicone, Water, Isopentyldiol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Trisiloxane,Β Methyl Trimethicone, Pentaerythrityl, Tetraethylhexanoate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Tribehenin, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutane, Silica, Lecithin, Polysilicone-11, Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Caffeine, Dimethicone/PEG -10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrossPolymer, Propylene Carbonate, Triethoxycaprylysilane, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Laureth-7, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium dioxide (CI 77891), Iron oxides (CI 77491),Iron oxides (CI 77492), Iron oxides (CI 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride(CI 77163), Mica http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_590e331892.html 7)Bare Minerals Highlighter: Invisible glow powder https://www.bareminerals.co.uk/face-makeup/highlighter-and-luminiser/invisible-glow-powder-highlighter/UKmasterIH.html?dwvar_UKmasterIH_SkinShade=Fair%20to%20LightWater Ingredients:Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Glycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Lauroyl Lysine, Xanthan Gum, Tin Oxide, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Anisate. May Contain (+/-): Mica, Carmine (Ci 75470), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985) 8)Bare Minerals Mineral Veil-Finishing Powder https://www.bareminerals.co.uk/face-makeup/finishing-powders-and-mineral-veil/mineral-veil/UKmastermineralveil.html?dwvar_UKmastermineralveil_SkinShade=Tinted Ingredients: Zea Mays (Corn Starch), Corn Starch Modified, Zinc Stearate, Magnesium Stearate. May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) Also hair products get rubbed in face, I believe that them being safe is as important as moisturizers (sebderm in scalp with curly frizzy and dry hair-WORST!!!) 9)John Frieda Frizz-Ease Original 6 Effects Serum Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Paraffinum Liquidum, Hydrolyzed Silk, Parfum, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene 10)E.L.F. Cosmetics, Blush, Tickled Pink, 0.168 oz (4.75 g) https://uk.iherb.com/pr/E-L-F-Cosmetics-Blush-Tickled-Pink-0-168-oz-4-75-g/54071 Ingredients:Talc, mica, nylon-12, magnesium stearate, silica, paraffinum liquidum (mineral oil), polybutene, sodium dehydroacetate.Β May Contain:Β Iron oxides (Cl 77491, Cl 77492, Cl 77499), manganese violet (Cl 77742), mica (Cl 77019), titanium dioxide (Cl 77891), yellow no 5 lake (Cl 19140), red no 40 lake (Cl 16035), ultramarine violet (Cl 77007), blue no 1 lake (Cl 42090) 11)Lily Lolo Makeup Setting Mist https://www.lilylolo.co.uk/sp+Makeup-Mist+103 Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), GLYCERIN, PANTHENOL, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE POWDER, CITRUS PARADISI (GRAPEFRUIT) SEED EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, LYCIUM CHINENSE (GOJI BERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT, PUNICA GRANATUM (POMEGRANATE) FRUIT EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS (GREEN TEA) LEAF EXTRACTΒ 12)Lily Lolo Mineral Concealer https://www.lilylolo.co.uk/sp+Mineral-Concealer+005 Not sure about Kaolin though! Ingredients: KAOLIN, ZINC OXIDE [+/- CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 77492 (IRON OXIDE), CI 77491 (IRON OXIDE), CI 77499 (IRON OXIDE)]Β 13)Paulaβs Choice Resist Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 Explanation from PC: Lightly tinted moisturising lotion protects skin from sun and absorbs excess oil. Ingredients:Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane (hydration), Zinc Oxide (13%, Nano, broad spectrum sunscreen agent ), PEG-12 Dimethicone (texture enhancer), PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone (texture enhancer), Lauryl Lysine (skin-conditioning agent), Sodium Chloride (stabilizer), Trihydroxystearin (texture-enhancing), Dimethicone Crosspolymer (suspending agent), Resveratrol (antioxidant), Quercetin (antioxidant), Epigallocatechin Gallate (antioxidant), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (vitamin C/antioxidant),Β AdenosineΒ (skin-restoring), Bisabolol (skin-soothing),Β SalixΒ Alba (willow) Bark Extract (skin-soothing), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract (antioxidant), Haematococcus Pluvialis (Astaxanthin) Extract (antioxidant), Hydrolized Corn Starch (texture-enhancing/mattifying agent), Polysorbate 80 (texture-enhancing), Hydrolyzed Silica (texture-enhancing/mattifying agent), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (texture enhancer), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (emollient texture enhancer), Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate (texture-enhancing), Caprylyl Glycol (preservative), Hexylene Glycol (preservative), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI… Read more »
Hi F.C., my phone just ate my lengthy post about my journey and current routine so I will try again tomorrow and go to bed now π
Two questions –
– Do you no longer like the Cosrx BHA? I know you had an old bottle before. I just bought my first bottle in February or March so I assume it’s the higher PH version.
– Do you recommend the above sunscreen over the EltaMD one you were previously using? I have yet to replace my sunscreen and am currently relying on the fact that I spend most daylight hours in my office π Now that it’s summer though I need to pick one up ASAP.
Skin type: oily
Prone to: acne and seborrheic dermatitis
Skin concerns: my ongoing concern is dehydration, caused by an overuse of benzoyl peroxide for many years. My skin is super oily yet dry and tight underneath — these are textbook examples of dehydration, and I believe it is the root cause of my persistent acne. I quit benzoyl peroxide completely 2 years ago and switched to actives which I found much more tolerable (e.g. azelaic acid, adapalene), and were quite effective in keeping my acne mostly under control, but as dehydration continues to be an issue, I want to trial a very gentle routine in which my only active is a PHA, gluconolactone, because it’s unique among the hydroxy acids in that it’s been shown to actually repair the skin’s moisture barrier.
I also suffer from seborrheic dermatitis in areas of facial hair, particularly my chin crease and moustache area, but I’m trialling a special gel-cream called Sebodiane DS with quite good results thus far. I tried a completely “Malassezia-safe” routine for a couple months before trying the Sebodiane DS and didn’t notice any significant improvement in my SD, so I reckon using some products with esters (like glyceryl stearate) doesn’t do any extra harm, in my case.
Current skincare routine:
AM
*Rinse with water only in the shower
*Bioderma Hydrabio Serum — a rare find in that it doesn’t contain any problematic ingredients for Malassezia, and even has xylitol, which some posit might be useful in breaking down the “bio-film” layers Malassezia produces to protect itself. I’m also trialling it because it looks to be useful for dehydrated skin, so it seems like a perfect match for my particular concerns.
*Sebiaclear Active — a simple gel-cream that contains 14% gluconolactone (a PHA as discussed above) and 4% niacinamide. It also contains a few potentially problematic esters at the bottom of the ingredients list, but in practice I have not seen any exacerbation of SD since using this, which supports my view that some esters are fine for me. I avoid palmitate and myristate esters at all costs, but this is because they exacerbate my acne. (on that note, one of the easy ways to distinguish between acne and a Malassezia condition is the depth: acne can cause inflammation deep within the pores, whereas Malassezia conditions are more superficial).
*Sebodiane DS microemulsion — I apply a very small amount only to SD-prone areas of my face.
*Sebiaclear SPF 50 — a great moisturising, but lightweight and matte sunscreen, which works well when layered on top of the Sebiaclear Active mentioned above.
PM
*Simple Gel Wash — very basic sulphate-free cleanser. During this trial period to focus on dehydration I might temporarily sub it with the Superdrug Simply Pure Calming Cleanser, which is a cream cleanser based on mineral oil and fatty alcohols (Malassezia-safe, in other words, although I think for cleansers this is less of a concern).
*Hada Labo Premium Lotion — with 3% urea and 5 types of hyaluronic acid, this is one of the products that I hope will really help with my dehydration issue. It’s too sticky to use in the morning, so I prefer to use it only at night.
*Bioderma Hydrabio Serum
*Sebiaclear Active
*Sebamed Clear Face Gel — this is my “Old Faithful”, but I’m looking for something silicone-rich and more moisturising as a possible substitute. I might try out EltaMD PM, because, again, I don’t think the esters it contains are a concern for me. It also has linoleic acid, which is a free fatty acid to avoid in theory, but I also suspect this *might* be more beneficial than harmful, the more I research it.
I’m fairly fortunate in that if my SD ever worsens, I can just shave and apply a ciclopirox olamine cream and it resolves within a few days. This is why I’m taking a riskier approach with esters.
So my current routine without all the longwinded exposition (sorryz!!)
AM
*Rinse with water in the shower
*Bioderma Hydrabio Serum
*Sebiaclear Active
*Sebodiane DS microemulsion (only to SD-prone areas of the face.)
*Sebiaclear SPF 50
PM
*Simple Gel Wash
*Hada Labo Premium Lotion
*Bioderma Hydrabio Serum
*Sebiaclear Active
*Sebamed Clear Face Gel
Hey F. C.,
I’ve been lurking around here for a while and just wanted to first say good job on everything. The work you have put in truly is remarkable. The reason for my post is because I wanted to find out exactly what you do for your hair. It seems that every hair care product I see has oils in it and I understand from reading your articles that most oils are problematic for people who deal with fungal acne. You seem to have great hair and I’m curious to know exactly what you do. Also could you please reveal how you deal with back acne and scars if you suffer from this and if you do not not suffer from this could you please explain what a good back routine would look like?
Thanks,
CG
Is Malassezia folliculitis contagious? I think I got it from skin contact with someone and my girlfriend seemed to have caught it from me. she used to have perfect skin and then I noticed very tiny bumps on her skin. Is it incurable? Does it have to do with compromised immune system? I have been taking Prednisone and antibiotics for cystic acne and I read this can cause MF. But it seems too much of a coincidence I got it right after skin contact with that person.
Pure unrefined honey you all! Read about it. For past week I have washed my face with it each morning (actually let it sit on skin few minutes while it penetrates). Rinse off thoroughly. I have oily skin and hoping it begins to balance my skin moisture as I’ve read. ? so far it doesn’t break me out and brightens/evens my complexion. And the awesome thing- 1 ingredient! Also I really like the gentle BHA from Silk that FC suggested.
Hello f.c.
First off, I have to thank you for your wonderful website! What a kindness you have done for all of us! You are a beautiful person, inside and out. And your skin is gorgeous!
Hello everyone! I have had folliculitis for at least 15-20 years, not on my face, but on my neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Not sure how I got it, but I do remember noticing it after using a conditioner on my then long hair. I did one round of antibiotics, Hibiclens and some kind of ointment. It came right back. A few weeks ago, I had a cold and my skin got really bad (dozens of pustules, and so inflamed it actually hurt), so I decided to do some research online. Looked up folliculitis, saw a picture of someone with pityrosporum whose skin looked exactly like mine, looked that up and clicked to your site. I’m two weeks into my six week self-treatment and have seen amazing results!
AM
Rinse with water, 10 minutes of De La Cruz Sulfur, rinse again, moisturize with Cera Ve Cream
PM
Wash with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Stridex left on for 20 minutes, rinse, Cera Ve Cream, and coat with Vaseline any areas that seem dry.
I use my Clarisonic Mia on each area once a week (Monday-neck, Tuesday-chest, etc). I shampoo with Nizoral in the AM and let it sit for 4 minutes or so. I also get 10 minutes of sunlight per day to help kill the yeastie-beasties, and avoid the sun the rest of the time. I went to the beach and used the Coppertone Sport spray which didn’t make anything worse π but I don’t think I’d like the feel of it for everyday use.
I don’t notice folliculitis on my face, but the skin there seems sensitive to products, so I just rinse in the morning, wash with Vanicream at night, moisturize with Sebamed Gel in the AM and PM, and cover with Vaseline at night. (Vaseline=magic!) However, I do want to try the squalane oil and urea cream.
I noticed improvement within three days, and now my skin looks 95% better! I have a lot of erythema, which I hope will fade given time. I have four more weeks with this treatment and, hopefully, will be able to move to a maintenance routine. f.c.-I love reading everything on your website and feel much gratitude towards you everyday!
Does anyone know any sade products with retinol?
I like some other here are also looking for safe eye creams. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
I can’t thank you enough for all your work, you helped soo many people and that’s awesome!! π
Wanted to write down my (new) routine – I do it 100% Malassezia safe since 3 days, before I thought I don’t have it or didn’t want to have it, especially because I wanted to use up ALL my product I bought for a lot of money, mostly Paula’s choice, which worked for me nearly for 2 years very well, but it got worse every day since 2 month…
So I overcame myself and put all my (lovely) old products away and bought new ones (how much money I spend all together…it’s a shame..). But now I love my new routine and the products, because I can feel that they are good for my skin – my skin feels more hydrated the whole day, and the pimples calm down…but too early to say that i’m finally healed π
My new routine is (products available in Germany or online from Germany):
Morning:
Wash with CD waterlily face foam
Toner with a cotton pad from a drugstore here in Germany with a little amount of BHA in it (Rival de loop rosa Gesichtswasser)
Aloe vera Spray from Sanct Bernhard
Benton Snail Bee Essence (I’m using this for 2 years now, the only thing that could stay)
Sebamed Face Gel or The Ordinary Niacinamide+Zinc
Dermedic Urea Gel Cream (the one that the angel-face-testimonial #3 from your blogpost uses :D)
Squalane from The Ordinary
Avene Sunsimed Sunscreen 50+ (ppd 39)
Make-up: Maybelline SuperStay 24h Foundation and Concealer (the concealer has one bad ester unfortunately..)
Little bit powder from essence for the t-zone
Evening:
the same as in the morning, except the Make-up and the first I do after washing my face is putting a mask on with Green tea (boiled water and a teabag;)) mixed with MSM and honey. I hope the MSM works like sulfur, so far I like it. Let this on for half an hour or longer, then gently wash it away in the shower (there are little harsh grains on my face, don’t want to rub it).
I’m waiting for the 2 actives from skinactives to arrive – willow bark extract and azeloyl – want to put these individually in my Aloe vera Spray as a toner. Also I ordered the Hada Labo Plumping Gel Cream with Urea and the Hada Labo Lotion Toner with Urea – when all the products have arrived, my routine will be complete π
The things I like MOST are SQUALANE and UREA! So glad you introduced me to these wonderful skincare ingredients ;D I really feel that I do what’s best for my skin now π
Hope that helps some people!
Hugs, Anna :*
Hi,
Really thanks a lot for the blog. I am very interested in your diy urea cream. I diy all my skin care products but I have problems with urea as it causes a shift in pH. How did u overcome this problem ? What ingredient should I add to keep the pH stable?
Thanks a lot !!!
You should make a kickstarter campaign to start your own skincare line! Liah Yoo is doing her Krave Beauty line one product at a time. Maybe you could do that too
Hello
I recently have diagnosed myself with fungal acne – thank you so SO much for this article. Mine began due to stress and I just couldn’t comprehend why the same spots were going and coming, plus why my forehead was sandpapery!
I used to be a model and in this industry the obsession with physical appearance is so painfully overwhelming that I’ve been incredibly depressed over the state of my face. I’ve talked myself down so far that I don’t even remember who or how I used to be. Now I realise its time to get myself back to who I used to be again.
Could I ask a few questions please
1. Is the clinique anti-redness foundation okay to use? It’s my HG product and it would kill me to lose it
Active: Octinoxate 5.90%, Titanium Dioxide 3.70%, Zinc Oxide 2.90%.
Inactive: Water / Aqua / Eau, Methyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Butylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract, Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Glycerin, Caffeine, Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate, Caprylyl Methicone, Methicone, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Acetyl Glucosamine, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Laureth-7, Dimethicone / PEG-10 / 15 Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Dipropylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).
2. Could someone please recommend me a fungal safe:
highlighter
bronzer
powder
concealer
???
3. Is the holland and barred 99% aloe vera gel suitable for fungal acne?
I am a massive makeup junkie, I in fact specialise in it primarily for horror and sfx purposes so I really need to find replacements asap so if anyone could help out I would be eternally grateful
Thanks so much, I am in such a low place and this site has honestly aided me no end. Never stop <3
This is actually the first time I’m commenting here, I’m more of a lurker, but why not maybe help some people! Thank you for all the work btw, it’s been immensely helpful!
Skin type: normal, recovering from dehydration (too much bha, not enough tlc), t-zone a lil oily around that time of the month
Skin concerns: redness, mild texture issues, some fungal sensitivities
I figured out that i had fungal sensitivities when i always broke out after trying out oil cleansers or moisturisers with fatty acids. One moisturizer gave me red bumps all over my face that really overstayed their welcome. Quitting any oil/fatty acid brought my face back to normal, then quitting all esters & polysorbates is bringing it to levels i never imagined possible. Anyway, apart from that I don’t have any acne except the occasional hormonal pimple on my chin. I do have stupid pale face redness though π
My routine:
AM:
– rinse with water
– Benton snail bee skin (it’s like a toner? it’s similar to the essence and not problematic for fungal sufferers + has niacinamide & azelaic acid. I also use the essence and this just gives me that extra hydration that i often need)
– skin aqua uv like your sister – definitely HG!
PM:
– if i wear make up, Clinique Redness Relief Cleanser. It’s problematic. But also expensive, so I wanna finish this up and then maybe get albolene. I follow up with micellar water to get everything off.
– if i’m barefaced I just use micellar water (currently l’oreal, but wanna try bioderma) and I do rinse this off, because i’m paranoid of surfactants lingering lol. I haven’t found a waterbased cleanser that isn’t drying and problematic. I can’t get the vanicream in europe! And this works so far, so well :p
– benton snail bee skin
– benton snail bee essence (seems a bit overkill, but, the essence is more calming and really helps with my redness issues)
– sebamed clear face gel
– vaseline in winter sometimes
twice a week I use The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc serum. I think it’s also unproblematic for fungal victims! It seems a bit cautious, but my skin was super dehydrated from using a harsh cleanser and overusing bha, I quit all actives cold turkey and I’m really hesitant of overdoing it again. I used to use Paula’s BHA but it didn’t do much, just irritated my skin, but i thought i didn’t use it enough and overexfoliated and that led to the whole dehydration thing. I’m actually thinking of getting AHA instead of BHA sometime in the future because I don’t have acne issues, just some texture/dullness “issues”.
I’m currently trying out the hada labo premium (seems to work good) and also got the benton aloe propolis gel lined up!
So, for me cutting out “bad ingredients” and focusing on hydration instead of treatment has worked best. Of course, ymmv! I’ve never had ‘proper’ acne and just got triggered by fatty acids and oils. My face is at a good base level now, got the basics down and all next improvement is just bonus! Thank you FC, it’s largely down to you!
My winning combo,
AM
β 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (any brand) short contact therapy 5-10 minutes prior to shower
β Simple Kind to Skin Wash Gel / Shampoo with Clear & Free
β Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
β Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist
β Hada Labo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Solution
β Elta MD Clear SPF 46
PM
β 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (any brand) short contact therapy 5-10 minutes prior to washing
β Simple Kind to Skin Wash Gel
β Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist
β Hada Labo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Solution
β Differin Gel
β Mix 50/50 β Corsx Snail 96 and The Ordinary Niacinamide/Zinc
β Corsx Master Pads (if required)
Thanks again!
I’m curious, you said you prefer to steer clear of glycerin in high amounts yet love Cerave Cream?
Also I recently used the Cerave Healing Ointment instead of usual Vaseline and I swear it caused some breakouts. I’m not sure what in the ingredient list could be culprit. Maybe the dimethicone?
PS. I’ve just been sticking with Squalane and Vaseline and it works wonders. I’m asking above questions because I’d maybe like to try adding another product . . . just maybe π
As always thank you. X
My super simple routine:
-CosRX Good Morning Gel Cleanser (has Saccharomyces Ferment- probably negligible)
-Meishoku Ceracolla Perfect Gel (stellar ingredient list, has multiple ceramides, cholesterol, and phytophingosine but my skin doesn’t seem to mind them plus I like ceramides)
-CosRX BHA Liquid (as a spot treatment; I want to replace this with an AHA)
-Biore Micellar Water as a makeup remover (but I don’t often wear makeup because I’ve been trying really hard to take care of my skin)
Dropped the Ceracolla lotion (toner) because it has hydrogenated castor oil, which makes my face feel warm, itchy, and I think it may have caused micro-congestion. I’ll probably get the Hada Labo Premium as a replacement. I have used Hada Labo SHA Moist and Light before without problems but I want to try something with urea. π
Looking forward to try Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 (No-Phenol) for my AHA needs. Have you heard of this?
They say it’s like Jesus in a bottle lol. It’s pretty expensive though, especially since I live in the PH. This is why all of my skincare products are Asian.
But tbh my skincare routine is futile if I’m not careful with my diet. I got ill in the past and took a long course of antibiotics which I suspect ruined my gut flora. Started drinking Raw Goat’s Milk Kefir yesterday because I think imported probiotic pills will get destroyed in the Philippine heat. I avoid processed dairy and white sugar like the plague, it makes my face feel itchy. π
Another fungal acne sufferer whose skin is FINALLY turning around since discovering FC’s blog, so – only fair to give back π I live in sunny Singapore where it’s hot + humid + tropical year round, so tbh I can’t tell if I’m more oily/normal skin. Definitely oily in the t-zone.
Played around with green beauty for the longest time, wanting to take the ‘natural’ approach to healing my acne haha but screw that cos green beauty only messed up my skin more. Giving up oils/balms in favor for silicones and petroleum has been the best thing I’ve ever done for my acne. I’m also highly clog-prone and have to be mindful of certain ingredients because even if they’re safe for fungal acne, they clog me up anyway e.g. any type of seaweed-derived ingredient hates my skin – Ian, if you read this, laminara in Bioderma Hydrabio serum is seaweed derived!
AM:
Vanicream cleanser
Hada labo HA lotion (will test the premium lotion at some point, but nervous about algae-derived sacrum)
Benton snail bee essence
Benton aloe propolis soothing gel + 1-2 drops of COSRX propolis ampoule
Cotz natural tint sunscreen (this product is full of dimethicone y’all)
PM:
Oil cleanse with Roccoco Pore Cleansing Oil (not fungal acne safe cuz sunflower oil, but don’t want to waste it and it DOES get plugs out like a dream)
Quickly follow with Vanicream to remove any traces of oil
Hada labo HA lotion
COSRX snail mucin + 1-2 drops of COSRX propolis ampoule (I find the COSRX snail more hydrating and sticky than the Benton snail so I use the former at night)
Benton aloe propolis soothing gel
Thin layer of Vaseline
And the actives I rotate right now are 10 min sulfur masks, Stratia mandelic (I like this a lot) and COSRX BHA (which I was on the fence about but now think I should drop it after hearing FC’s explanation). Excited to introduce Stridex this week since it should arrive anytime now!
Am also waiting to hear back from FC if this particular propolis is safe, which I want to try after the COSRX one:
Propolis extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Niacinamide, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/ Twig Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Carbomer, Arginine, Spirodela Polyrrhiza Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate.
Itβs this product, in case anyoneβs interested: https://www.glowrecipe.com/products/vita-propolis-ampoule
FC PLS TEACH US NEWBS HOW TO MAKE THAT DIY UREA CREAM PLS PLS PLS!