October 2020 – Veronika Marie

What is fungal acne, and how to treat it?

Fungal acne is a struggle for many because it’s hard to not only diagnose but also treat. The challenge with fungal acne is that it looks very similar to regular acne. Fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of yeast also known as pityrosporum folliculitis. This shows on the skin in a form of small bumps similar to pimples.

So what exactly is fungal acne? Fungal acne is a specific type of papular acne. Although fungal acne can seem very similar to regular acne luckily there are a few ways you can differentiate the two. Firstly fungal acne typically shows up in clusters rather than on its own as well as this typically regular acne shows up in different shapes and sizes while fungal acne typically appears as small uniform red bumps. Fungal acne typically shows up on the back or chest but it can appear on the face. When it is on the face it is typically on the forehead or near the mouth area. It is also typically itchy even more so than regular acne.

So what exactly causes fungal acne and how do you prevent it? Luckily it’s once you know how it’s quite easy to avoid fungal acne. One of the number one causes of fungal acne is heat and humidity. People who live in hotter climates are more likely to have fungal acne, this is because the yeast that causes fungal acne thrives in humid environments.

Another big cause of fungal acne is sweat. It’s pretty common knowledge to shower after a workout but your sweat isn’t just making you feel gross it could also be causing fungal acne. Since yeast can be contagious, contact with others who have fungal acne can also cause you to gain it.

Unfortunately, normal acne treatments don’t typically work on fungal acne. The good news is that once you spot it there are a couple of different ways you can treat it. One of the most popular treatments for fungal acne is actually dandruff shampoo. As surprising as it is many people have actually had great results treating their fungal acne by using anti-dandruff shampoo on their faces. This is because most anti-dandruff shampoo includes an ingredient called selenium sulfide. Selenium sulfide has antifungal properties. Another somewhat odd treatment for fungal acne is honey. Honey also has strong anti-fungal properties, putting straight honey on your face in areas with acne is a super-easy way to help fungal acne. Showering/washing your face more regularly can also help to prevent the yeast build-up that causes fungal acne. Other over the counter antifungal treatments are also a great way to treat fungal acne.

A Complete Guide To Almond Oil In Skincare.

Almond oil as it seems is an amazing ingredient made from almonds. It is a great ingredient not just for skincare but also for general health. Almond oil has been used for centuries in ancient Chinese culture, primarily for skin care. Almond oil can treat dry skin/soothe skin and clear scars and imperfections in the skin. There are two types of Almond oil, sweet almond oil and bitter almond oil. Sweet Almond oil is the type that is advised for skincare. The difference between the two almond oils is that sweet almond oil is considered to be a fixed oil, meanwhile bitter almond oil is considered an essential oil.

Almond oil is a great soothing product for the skin. It reduces things like itchiness, scarring, swelling, or even clinical issues such as eczema. Almond oil also contains anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties almond oil can also benefit your body’s cholesterol. Cosmetically almond oil can also reduce puffiness, improve complexion/give your skin a glowing look, clear up and prevent acne and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. It can also even be used as a cleanser. This is because almond oil breaks up dirt and makeup and also gets rid of toxins in the skin and opens the pores.

Almond oil has tons of different nutrients that make it so wonderful for the skin. Almond oil contains Vitamin A which contains retinol helps skin regeneration and production of new skin cells, Vitamin E which helps protect skin against harmful UV rays and prevents skin cell damage, zinc which is great for clearing acne and acne scars which is great because it is less harsh than most acne treatments, and lastly Omega 3- fatty acids which prevent sun damage and premature aging. Although almond oil has little disadvantages it is important to avoid almond oil if you have a nut allergy as putting it on your skin is just as bad as consuming it.

Along with being good for the skin almond oil also has many benefits for the hair. Much like the skin almond oil has great hydrating benefits for the hair. This helps the hair look shiny and feel soft. It can also help hair grow stronger, become less likely to break and become less prone to split ends.

Another great thing about almond oil is that it works for all skin types. Almond oil is even good for oily skin. This is because not only is almond oil lighter than most oils but also as stated before almond oil can clean out clogged pores. It is also amazing for dry skin because it is so hydrating and soothing. But that’s not all almond oil is also great for acne prone and normal skin.

Using sweet almond oil is also super easy. Almond oil is great because you can just use it on its own rather than buying a product with the ingredient in it. Using almond oil is as simple as dropping some on your hands and rubbing it on your face when you would use the moisturizer in your routine once or twice a day.