When it comes to clearer skin, one of the biggest struggles many Nigerians face is figuring out how to deal with fungal acne. Unlike regular pimples, fungal acne (also called Malassezia folliculitis) is triggered by yeast overgrowth on the skin. This explains why your usual acne treatments might fail, or even make things worse.
In Nigeria’s hot and humid climate, fungal acne is even more common than most people think. Sweat, heat, and the wrong skincare habits can create the perfect environment for it to thrive. To really learn how to deal with fungal acne, you need a plan that clears the bumps while protecting your skin barrier.
Understanding fungal acneÂ
Before you learn how to deal with fungal acne, it’s important to understand what it looks like. Fungal acne typically appears as small, uniform bumps that are often itchy. Unlike bacterial acne, it doesn’t form blackheads or whiteheads. Instead, it may flare up when you use heavy creams, oils, or acne treatments that aren’t yeast-friendly.
If you’ve tried every acne product under the sun and nothing works, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with fungal acne, not traditional breakouts. Recognising the difference is the first step in knowing how to deal with fungal acne effectively.
Why fungal acne happensÂ
The yeast responsible for fungal acne naturally lives on your skin, but it becomes a problem when it grows out of control. Here are common triggers that make Nigerians wonder how to deal with fungal acne in the first place:
- Sweating and not showering quickly afterwards (common after workouts or hot Lagos afternoons)
- Wearing tight, non-breathable fabrics that trap sweat
- Using heavy skincare products that feed yeast
- Taking antibiotics that disrupt your skin’s balance
Identifying and avoiding these triggers makes learning how to deal with fungal acne much easier.
How to deal with fungal acne without damaging your skin barrier
Your skin barrier is your shield. It keeps moisture in and irritants out. Damaging it with harsh scrubs or treatments can make fungal acne worse. The smartest way to learn how to deal with fungal acne is to balance yeast control with skin barrier support.
Here’s how:
- Keep your skincare routine simple
Using too many products at once can irritate your skin. Focus on cleansing, treating, and moisturising. - Choose lightweight moisturisers
Skip heavy oils like coconut or olive oil, which can feed yeast. Instead, look for lightweight hydrators with ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. - Cleanse after sweating
Showering promptly after workouts or a hot day helps prevent yeast overgrowth. - Introduce barrier-friendly actives
Salicylic acid and azelaic acid can help unclog pores. The trick is moderation, you don’t want to strip your skin barrier.
Recommended products from Perona Beauty StoreÂ
If you’re looking for barrier-friendly skincare while learning how to deal with fungal acne, these options at Perona Beauty Store can help keep your pores clear and your skin barrier strong:
Targeted serum
Anua Azelaic Acid 10% + Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum – 30ml
Hydration
Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner 250ml
Exfoliant
Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner 150ml
These products are available for retail and wholesale at Perona Beauty Store, so you can easily add them to your skincare routine.
Mistakes to avoid when treating fungal acne
Even if you know how to deal with fungal acne, certain mistakes can delay your progress:
- Over-exfoliating with physical scrubs
- Layering too many harsh actives at once
- Using heavy oils that feed yeast
- Wearing sweaty gym clothes for too long
- Skipping showers after intense sweating
Lifestyle changes that support fungal acne recovery Â
Learning how to deal with fungal acne isn’t only about skincare, it’s also about lifestyle. Some helpful habits include:
- Wearing breathable fabrics like cotton
- Washing gym clothes and towels after every use
- Reducing sugar intake (since yeast thrives on it)
- Getting enough sleep to aid skin repair
- Staying consistent with a simple skincare routine
ConclusionÂ
At the end of the day, understanding how to deal with fungal acne means treating your skin with care. You can’t scrub it away or drown it in harsh treatments. Instead, you need to balance clearing yeast overgrowth with protecting your skin barrier.In Nigeria’s hot and humid climate, that means cleansing gently, avoiding heavy oils, and using barrier-friendly products like those available at Perona Beauty Store. With patience, consistency, and smart choices, you’ll be well on your way to smoother, healthier skin.
