Ever stared into the mirror wondering if that cluster of tiny bumps on your forehead or cheeks is acne or something else entirely? You're not alone. The skincare world is filled with terms that can be confusing, and two of the most commonly mixed-up conditions are fungal acne and closed comedones. At a glance, they can look eerily similar—but the causes, treatments, and even the products you should use can be very different.
In this post, we're diving deep into fungal acne vs closed comedones—how to spot the difference, why it matters, and what to do if you're dealing with either (or both). Whether you're battling stubborn breakouts or just trying to make sense of your skin, you're in the right place.
Let’s start with closed comedones, also known as whiteheads.
Closed comedones form when a pore becomes clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria, and the opening at the surface of the skin closes over it. This creates a small, flesh-colored or white bump beneath the skin.
They are non-inflammatory, meaning they don’t usually hurt or become red unless they become infected or irritated. You’ll often see closed comedones show up:
Closed comedones are classic acne vulgaris, caused by:
Treatment typically involves chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, retinoids, and regular cleansing to prevent clogging of pores.
Despite the name, fungal acne isn’t really acne at all. The proper name is Malassezia folliculitis or pityrosporum folliculitis. It’s caused by an overgrowth of yeast (a type of fungus) that naturally lives on your skin.
When this yeast grows out of control—often due to humidity, sweat, antibiotics, or a compromised skin barrier—it can infect hair follicles, leading to inflamed, itchy bumps that look a lot like acne.
Fungal acne can look like acne, but there are a few key giveaways:
Fungal acne thrives in moist, oily environments. Triggers include:
Here’s a quick comparison to help you tell them apart:
If your breakout is itchy, appears in areas where you sweat a lot, and doesn’t respond to regular acne products, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with fungal acne.
When it comes to closed comedones, consistency is key. Here’s what helps:
For fungal acne, the strategy is completely different:
If you're unsure what you're dealing with—or suspect you might have both—it’s best to consult with a dermatologist. Sometimes, you may need a prescription antifungal if OTC options don’t do the trick.
Yes—unfortunately, it’s very possible to deal with both at once. In fact, some acne treatments may even cause fungal acne by disrupting your skin’s microbiome. For example, prolonged use of antibiotics for acne can kill the bacteria that normally keep yeast in check, allowing Malassezia to flourish.
That’s why it’s essential to listen to your skin, keep an eye on how it reacts to new products, and avoid overly complicated routines. Simplicity, gentle cleansing, and the right ingredients go a long way.
Whether you’re dealing with fungal acne, closed comedones, or both, one step that remains non-negotiable is proper cleansing.
Many people use harsh cleansers thinking they’ll dry out their acne, but these often do more harm than good. Instead, gentle, effective cleansing helps remove sweat, oil, SPF, and makeup—all things that contribute to both types of breakouts.
The battle of fungal acne vs closed comedones isn’t just about knowing the difference—it’s about giving your skin what it really needs. While they may look similar, these two conditions have completely different root causes and treatment paths. Misidentifying them can lead to months of frustration and wasted products.
Take a step back. Observe your skin. Ask yourself: Is it itchy? Are the bumps uniform? Does your acne flare up in humid weather or after antibiotics? Or are you seeing stubborn whiteheads that don’t seem to go away with normal cleansing?
Once you understand what you're dealing with, you can start to build a skincare routine that truly works for you.
For both fungal acne and closed comedones, we recommend starting with a clean, simple cleansing routine.
Incellderm's Moisture Cleansing Oil is a gentle, non-comedogenic cleansing oil that removes SPF, makeup, and excess oil without leaving residue or feeding yeast. It's lightweight, soothing, and rinses clean—ideal for those trying to avoid pore clogging while still deeply cleansing.
Follow up with the Snow Enzyme Cleanser, a mild exfoliating foam cleanser that supports cell turnover and helps reduce buildup. It’s formulated to be safe for sensitive, acne-prone skin and is free from ingredients that worsen fungal issues.
This simple two-step cleansing system supports clear, balanced skin—no matter what kind of breakout you're fighting.