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Fungal acne usually strikes the body, specifically on the chest and back. However, it occasionally sneaks up to the face for some. A Redditor who goes by Aphylaxis (real name: Elisabeth Chin) recently shared how she quickly dealt with a fungal acne breakout on her face on the AsianBeauty subreddit. She also revealed before-and-after photos, dated Tuesday, September 24, and Saturday, September 29, and the results were shockingly apparent. Her skin went from looking like she was visibly dealing with a breakout to smooth and clear.
"Recently moved to SE Asia with intense humidity, and I'm sweating all the time," Chin wrote. This is a prime atmosphere for fungal acne flare-ups, by the way. They usually occur when your skin experiences a buildup of excess yeast known as malassezia, which is in the same biological classification as fungi, within hair follicles. Yeast levels tend to increase during hot, humid weather or when you're sweaty.
"High yeast levels promote inflammation, which, in turn, manifest on the skin as pus bumps," explained Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, in a full explainer about the skin condition.
"But thanks to extensive research from Simple Skincare Science, an ingredients cross-checker from u/TangiestIllicitness, and some existing data on Skincarisma, I purged the products that contained stearic, myristic, and palmitic acid, polysorbates, and esters," Chin wrote. "I think it's the new cleanser the [Garnier Pure Active Sensitive Gel Wash] that has completely changed my skin, but I owe so much to Cosrx too."
Changes to her skin-care routine were also detailed in the post. Her morning regime originally included the Clean & Clear Fairness Cleanser, which isn't available in the U.S., Hada Labo Hyaluronic Lotion, and Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream. However, she took out a morning cleanser and replaced it with rinsing her face with water after the fungal acne appeared. The same lotion was layered onto her clean skin, but she subbed in the Biore Perfect Face Milk UV as her SPF.
At night, the Garnier cleanser comes in. Chin washed her face with it instead of the Clean & Clear one. Then, she dabbed on Ketoconazole 1%, a topical anti-fungal treatment. "This tends to be drying, so I apply as needed, every few days," she noted. "I apply it on affected areas, leave it for 5 minutes (probably longer because I don't time shit), and rinse off."
Next, she pat on Cosrx's AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner, which gently exfoliates skin to prevent future yeast buildup, and Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence for healing and nourishing.
The last step was kept consistent, though: the Rohto Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence, which a popular Japanese beauty product spiked with vitamin C for fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. "I have sensitive combination skin (FML), so I apply it on dry spots after moisturizing, and it's only done wonders for me," Chin wrote. I don't deal with fungal acne, but I want to try out this product ASAP.
Of course, everyone's skin is different and reacts to products differently, but Chin's routine is good to keep in mind next time you see fungal acne popping up.
Read more about types of acne and how to treat them:
Now, learn about 100 years of acne treatment history:
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