Fungal Acne Makeup Tips: Best Non-Comedogenic Products for Covering Malassezia Breakouts

Understanding Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Fungal acne, also known as pityrosporum folliculitis or malassezia folliculitis, is a skin condition characterized by itchy, red pimples on the face, back, chest and shoulders. It is caused by yeasts of the malassezia species that naturally live on everyone's skin.

In some people, these yeasts grow out of control and penetrate deep into the hair follicles, causing inflammation, pimples and itchy rashes. Those with overactive oil glands are at a higher risk of developing fungal acne outbreaks.

What Causes Fungal Acne?

Several factors can trigger fungal acne flare ups:

• Excess sebum (oil) production
• Hormonal changes
• Stress
• Hot, humid weather
• Heavy skin care products
• Oral contraceptives

Fungal Acne Symptoms

Common symptoms of fungal acne include:

• Small red or skin-colored bumps on the forehead, cheeks, chest and back
• Itchy, burning or stinging pimples
• Pus-filled pimples or pustules
• Whiteheads and blackheads
• Flaking, scaling, peeling skin

How to Cover Up Fungal Acne

Dealing with acne breakouts can make getting ready in the morning frustrating. The temptation to pile on heavy makeup to conceal pimples is real. However, wearing a lot of makeup can aggravate fungal acne flare ups.

When choosing makeup for fungal acne prone skin, the key is to avoid products that feed malassezia yeast. Instead, look for light, non-comedogenic makeup formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Best Makeup for Fungal Acne

Here are the best makeup products to use to cover fungal acne without making it worse:

1. Mineral Foundation

Mineral foundations made with zinc oxide, sulfur and titanium dioxide provide light coverage without clogging pores. They also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to treat acne.

Some top options include:
- Bare Minerals Original Foundation
- Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Powder
- Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation

2. Concealer

To spot conceal pimples and acne scars, use a lightweight concealer made for acne-prone skin, like:

- Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer
- Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer
- The INKEY List Kaolin Clay Concealer

Avoid thick, creamy concealers as they can transfer malassezia.

3. Setting Powder

Control excess oil and lock in your makeup with an oil-absorbing setting powder containing zinc oxide, such as:

- Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen Powder SPF 30
- Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Microfinishing Pressed Powder
- Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation with UVA/UVB SPF 20

4. Blush and Bronzer

For a sun-kissed glow, use mineral or gel-based blushes and bronzers, like:

- Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Blush
- Pacifica Coconut Blush Duo
- BareMinerals Endless Glow Highlighter & Bronzer

Stay away from shimmery and luminous blushes as the tiny glitters can get trapped in pores.

5. Setting Spray

Finish your look and keep makeup locked into place with an oil-free setting spray like:
Urban Decay All Nighter Oil-Free Setting Spray
COVER FX High Performance Setting Spray
MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting Spray

Makeup Tips for Fungal Acne Skin

Along with using FA-safe makeup products, keep these tips in mind:

1. Prep with a Cleanser

Before applying makeup, wash your face with an anti-fungal cleanser containing tea tree oil, zinc pyrithione or sulfur. This will prevent spreading malassezia from your hands to your face.

2. Use Oil-Free Moisturizer

Moisturize with a lightweight, oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer to hydrate skin without clogging pores and feeding yeast overgrowth.

3. Apply With Clean Brushes

Always use clean makeup brushes to avoid transferring bacteria and fungi onto your skin. Wash brushes frequently with an anti-microbial brush cleanser.

4. Avoid Heavy Formulas

Steer clear of makeup that feels heavy, greasy or sticky on your skin as they can exacerbate acne. Stick to light, breathable formulas.

5. Remove Thoroughly At Night

At the end of day, remove all traces of makeup with an oil-free makeup remover to prevent pore-clogging and malassezia irritation overnight.

Other Tips for Controlling Fungal Acne

While makeup can help temporarily mask fungal acne, getting to the root of the problem is most important. Here are some extra tips for clearing FA breakouts:

• Wash your face twice daily with antifungal face wash
• Use oil-free skincare products
• Take oral antifungals like fluconazole to reduce yeast internally
• Avoid triggers like humidity, greasy products, sweat
• See a dermatologist for prescription treatments if OTC methods fail

With consistent use of fungal acne safe makeup and skincare products, you can keep breakouts at bay while showing clear, confident skin.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.