12.12.2020
Fungal Acne Skincare Routine *2025 UPDATE
It's been about 6 months since my skin has been mostly under control. I wanted to share a list of my favorite products to help fight fungal acne. Sulfer and Nizoral weren't the best choices for me. My routine has changed and I've tried a bunch of new products.
Moisturizers:
Hada Labo Premium Lotion *2025 reformulated and unsafe
Hada Labo Gel Cream *It's only a trigger if you use products with fatty acids
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one cream
Occlusive:
Cerave Healing Ointment
EltaMD Intense Moisturizer
Cleansers:
Vanicream Facial Cleanser
Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo
2025 PRODUCT UPDATE:
My skin is mostly clear, but my biggest trigger now is my own sweat. I still get small bumps around my hairline and the occasional rouge spot on my face. Retinol has helped keep fungal acne under control though it hasn’t completely eliminated it. I try to keep my skincare products FA safe.
I currently use:
COSRX snail 92 all in one cream
Torriden Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Toner
Vaseline/Aquaphor.
Eye Makeup Remover:
Swan Mineral Oil
Body Wash/Shampoo/Face Mask:
Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo
Head & Shoulders shampoo
Selsun Blue shampoo
Swan Mineral Oil
Body Wash/Shampoo/Face Mask:
Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo
Head & Shoulders shampoo
Selsun Blue shampoo
Conditioner:
Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Conditioner (*contains fatty alcohols)
Sunscreens:
DRMTGLY Broad Spectrum 45
DRMTGLY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46
Cotz Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
2025 PRODUCT UPDATE:
I now use Garnier - SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-In-1 Waterproof for makeup removal. I use generic Zinc shampoo as body wash. I use whatever hair products and try to keep my hair off my shoulders in the shower. I always wash hair first then use body wash after.
I will use any sunscreen at this point whether it's safe or not: Walgreens and Dollar Tree. My FA safe sunscreen is COSRX - Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++ though!
Note: EltaMD clear is safe and the tinted sunscreen is NOT safe. A tinted dupe is supposedly DRMTGLY Anti Aging Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46. Retinol:
Retino A 0.025% (Tretinoin, not FA safe)
Differin
My Retinol Routine & Experience
Starting Out: The First 6 Months
I began my retinol journey with Differin (Adapalene) twice a week. My nighttime routine looked like this:
- Wet face and apply a moisturizer all over.
- Use healing ointment or Vaseline on sensitive areas—under the eyes, sides of the nose, and corners of the mouth.
- Apply a dime-sized amount of Differin, dotting it all over my face.
Optional: If dryness occurred, I would layer moisturizer and ointment/Vaseline all over before bed for extra hydration.
Transitioning to Tretinoin
Once my skin adjusted, I introduced Tretinoin 0.025%, following a similar application method:
- Apply moisturizer and let it dry for at least 30 minutes before applying Tretinoin.
- Use a pea to dime-sized amount of Tretinoin.
- After at least an hour (or right before bed), reapply moisturizer and a layer of ointment/Vaseline for added protection.
Sunscreen in the morning is a must. I've had some bad irritation that felt like a chemical/sun burn when I forgot to use it.
How I Incorporated Both Products
I alternated between Differin and Tretinoin to prevent irritation:
- Differin: 2 times a week
- Tretinoin: 1 time a week
The key is listening to your skin—if you notice redness, burning, or peeling, pause retinol use and focus on moisturizing and healing before resuming. Spacing out applications and using a heavier moisturizer when needed can help prevent irritation.
Reminder: Retinol works over time. You don’t need to apply it daily! If you’re experiencing burning every day, something is wrong.
When starting Tretinoin, begin with 1-2 times a week and gradually increase usage. You can bump up the percentage after your skin adjusts, whether that means increasing frequency or after 1-2 years of consistent use. Once you switch to a higher strength, restart the process with once-a-week applications and build up slowly.
***2025 Update: My Current Routine
I’m still using both Differin and Tretinoin, but I’ve adjusted based on my skin’s needs.
- During colder months, my skin becomes drier and more sensitive, so I use Differin if my skin needs a break.
- I no longer need moisturizer with every application. I'll do it for colder months if needed!
- I now regularly use Tretinoin 0.05% and 0.1% gel versions.
Tretinoin: Cream vs. Gel
I've noticed better results after switching from cream to gel. It’s less irritating but can be very drying if overused. With Tretinoin, less is more!
- 0.1% Micro Gel: Works best for me! It’s drying and has a grainy texture, but I prefer it.
- Cream Formula: Smoother application and less drying—good if the gel feels too harsh.
I’ve been using retinol for five years nowmand if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that patience is key! Even after all this time, using too much can still irritate my skin. A pea-sized amount is truly all you need.
2020: I try to use Differin daily and throw in 1-2 days a week of just Tret. I’m using a nonsafe Tret for anti-aging purposes. If I got a purge or breakout then Differin takes care of it. I’m still in my first year of Tret and I’m working my way up to being able to use the safe product: A-Ret Gel 0.1%
I developed angular cheilitis on both sides of my mouth, which appeared as dry, irritated patches. To treat it, I applied Monistat 7 twice a day and it cleared up within a week. Any antifungal cream can help, but it’s important to stop using it once the issue is resolved.
I’ve also used Monistat 7 to prevent bad fungal acne breakouts from spreading, like the time I had it overtake on my earlobe. However, I don’t recommend it for daily use! Only as a targeted treatment when needed.
Shower Routine:
I apply zinc shampoo to my dry skin on my problem areas: face, neck, and chest as a 5-minute mask. I also apply it to my scalp and upper shoulders as a ‘barrier’. I apply conditioner and try to keep it off my neck/shoulders until I rinse.
Shower Routine:
I apply zinc shampoo to my dry skin on my problem areas: face, neck, and chest as a 5-minute mask. I also apply it to my scalp and upper shoulders as a ‘barrier’. I apply conditioner and try to keep it off my neck/shoulders until I rinse.
Diet
I briefly considered going on the candida diet but it’s really restricting and not sustainable. I always thought dairy was a trigger for me but after reintroducing that into my diet- I had no noticeable reaction. It turns out gluten makes me break out the most. A day of pizza really helped me pinpoint it and any time I ever had beer had caused breakouts. Cutting back on that has helped keep my skin clear.
Fungal acne safe sunscreens with supposedly no white cast*:
DRMTGLY Broad Spectrum 45
Cotz Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
Robot Skin Lab Gokujun UV White Gel (or Hada Labo UV White Gel)
Nivea - Sun Protect Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++
Missha - All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk- (GREEN CAP ONLY)
*These were recommendations I found throughout reddit
DISCLAIMER~
As always!! I’m a regular person, not a dermatologist. I went on the Simple Skincare Science blog to learn about fungal acne and chose products from the massive list. You can ask me questions about any of the products I’ve used but anything else that’s not listed...I’m not knowledgeable about it. I also can’t tell you if what you have is fungal because bumps are bumps. The ONLY way you can figure out if it's fungal is by eliminating products and only using FA safe products.
As always!! I’m a regular person, not a dermatologist. I went on the Simple Skincare Science blog to learn about fungal acne and chose products from the massive list. You can ask me questions about any of the products I’ve used but anything else that’s not listed...I’m not knowledgeable about it. I also can’t tell you if what you have is fungal because bumps are bumps. The ONLY way you can figure out if it's fungal is by eliminating products and only using FA safe products.
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5.27.2020
Retinol for Fungal Acne
I had "fungal acne" for 2 years before knowing what it was and how to treat it. Last year, I shared my experiences in 2 parts: Fungal Acne Skin and Fungal Acne Products. It's been over a year since and I still use some of the products! I decided to look into retinol because I'm in my late 20's now. I wanted to see if that would help with FA too.
I no longer get bad breakouts especially on my neck, back, or chest. I can't completely avoid that because it thrives off the humidity and sweat.
I used it every 3 days for the first month. I wet my skin, applied Hada Labo premium lotion and Cerave Healing ointment to the thin areas (corner of eyes, sides of nostrils, and corners of lips). I applied Differin immediately on top. I would apply moisturizer either the same lotion or Hada Labo Gel cream plus a light layer of Cerave healing ointment over it before bed.
I was shocked at how well behaved my skin became. There was a small purge for me but it was nothing terrible. My skin was tolerating it fine. No dry patches or peeling. I eventually stopped applying the extra moisturizers afterward. I still use a buffer before applying it.
Differin Purging
I noticed a difference with texture as soon as 2 weeks. Very soft, smooth, and glowing. Scars were fading faster than usual. I never kept up a skincare routine before. It made me realize how dull and dry my skin was.
Differin results at 2 weeks
Like I mentioned earlier, my skin was tolerating this very well and I started using it every 2 days. I've heard many stories on Reddit about the dryness and peeling. I eventually stumbled upon Tretinoin. I was interested in trying something for anti-aging purposes. So... I'm actually using both right now.
Tretinon at 0.025%
This is really strong so the routine is different. I wet my skin, use my Hada Labo Premium Lotion and Cerve Healing Ointment on the thin areas. I let this dry completely in about 30 minutes. I apply a very small amount of Tret then wait 30 minutes up to an hour before applying my layers of moisturizers. It really depends if I'm going to bed soon. You can't skip the moisturizers at the end. I've accidentally used a little more than a pea-size amount and became a peeling lizard for 1-2 days.
Clear skin who dis
I've been using retinol for almost 4 months now. 5-6 weeks were just Differin then the rest have been Differin and Tret. I split it up across the week. At least one day in between each application. I do Differin, Tret then back to Differin.
It's obviously not a cure but my skin has become a lot more manageable. I'm careful with the products I use on my skin now. I have more clear skin days than anything else. I still get breakouts occasionally because of the humidity/sweat issue but one application of retinol takes care of it.
Before & After
I no longer get bad breakouts especially on my neck, back, or chest. I can't completely avoid that because it thrives off the humidity and sweat.
Differin
I used it every 3 days for the first month. I wet my skin, applied Hada Labo premium lotion and Cerave Healing ointment to the thin areas (corner of eyes, sides of nostrils, and corners of lips). I applied Differin immediately on top. I would apply moisturizer either the same lotion or Hada Labo Gel cream plus a light layer of Cerave healing ointment over it before bed.
I was shocked at how well behaved my skin became. There was a small purge for me but it was nothing terrible. My skin was tolerating it fine. No dry patches or peeling. I eventually stopped applying the extra moisturizers afterward. I still use a buffer before applying it.
I noticed a difference with texture as soon as 2 weeks. Very soft, smooth, and glowing. Scars were fading faster than usual. I never kept up a skincare routine before. It made me realize how dull and dry my skin was.
Clear skin who disI've been using retinol for almost 4 months now. 5-6 weeks were just Differin then the rest have been Differin and Tret. I split it up across the week. At least one day in between each application. I do Differin, Tret then back to Differin.
It's obviously not a cure but my skin has become a lot more manageable. I'm careful with the products I use on my skin now. I have more clear skin days than anything else. I still get breakouts occasionally because of the humidity/sweat issue but one application of retinol takes care of it.
Before & After
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