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.

What Are Closed Comedones?

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:

• On the forehead, cheeks, or jawline
• As small bumps that don’t seem to go away
• In clusters but without pus or redness

What Causes Closed Comedones?

Closed comedones are classic acne vulgaris, caused by:

• Overproduction of oil
• Dead skin buildup
• Hormonal changes
• Comedogenic skincare or makeup
• Poor cleansing habits

Treatment typically involves chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, retinoids, and regular cleansing to prevent clogging of pores.

What Is Fungal Acne?

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.

Symptoms of Fungal Acne

Fungal acne can look like acne, but there are a few key giveaways:

• Itchiness: Unlike regular acne, fungal acne is usually very itchy.
• Uniform appearance: The bumps are all the same size, usually small and round.
• Location: Common on the forehead, chest, back, and shoulders—areas with more sweat and oil.
• Worsens with antibiotics: Because it's caused by yeast, antibiotics (which kill bacteria) can actually make it worse.

What Triggers Fungal Acne?

Fungal acne thrives in moist, oily environments. Triggers include:

• Sweaty workouts and not showering afterward
• Hot, humid weather
• Wearing tight clothing
• Overuse of antibiotics or steroid creams
• Heavy, occlusive skincare products that feed yeast

Fungal Acne vs Closed Comedones: Key Differences

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.

How to Treat Each Condition

Treating Closed Comedones

When it comes to closed comedones, consistency is key. Here’s what helps:

• Salicylic Acid: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates pores and removes clogs.
• Retinoids: Help increase cell turnover and prevent dead skin buildup.
• Non-comedogenic products: Avoid skincare or makeup that blocks pores.
• Gentle cleansing: Don’t overwash your skin, but make sure you remove SPF and makeup properly every night.

Treating Fungal Acne

For fungal acne, the strategy is completely different:

• Use antifungal products: Ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and zinc pyrithione can reduce yeast.
• Avoid oils that feed yeast: Fatty acids like esters and triglycerides (often found in moisturizers and makeup) can worsen fungal acne.
• Shower after sweating: Sweat feeds yeast—don’t give it a buffet.
• Simplify your routine: Yeast loves complex routines filled with rich, creamy products. Pare it down to essentials.
• Wear breathable clothing: Let your skin breathe, especially after exercise.

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.

Can You Have Both Fungal Acne and Closed Comedones?

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.

The Role of Cleansing in Both Conditions

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 Ideal Cleanser Duo

• For fungal acne, your cleanser should be non-oily, free of ingredients that feed yeast, and able to cleanse thoroughly without leaving residue.
• For closed comedones, you need a cleanser that removes buildup and oil without stripping your skin barrier or clogging pores.

Final Thoughts

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.

What We Recommend

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.

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