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Fungal Acne-Friendly Skincare That Actually Works (keeping this list updated with my latest favorite finds)

Purple Star emoji 17 items
For almost 4 years, I struggled with what I thought was stubborn acne. I tried countless products marketed for sensitive and acne-prone skin, but nothing seemed to work. My skin would improve for a while, then break out all over again. It was frustra...
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Facial Wash + Second Cleanser

For me, I always look for something gentle but effective — a cleanser that removes leftover sunscreen, makeup, and daily dirt without making my skin feel tight or stripped. Especially if you have acne-prone, sensitive, or combination skin, the right ...

 
Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
I use Bioderma every night, and it's one of my favorite second cleansers. It cleans thoroughly, feels gentle on the skin, and doesn't sting my eyes like many other cleansers do.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
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Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
Honestly, this is one of my favorite cleansers. It gets my skin clean without drying it out, and it's so gentle that it never irritates my sensitive, acne-prone skin. If you're looking for a simple cleanser that just works, this is definitely worth t...
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser Pump 8oz
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Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
Love this product - was gentle enough without needing an adjustment period as is often the case with other salicylic products, or to change/increase the amount (or type) of moisturizer I use. It has definitely helped me keep my flare-ups to a minimum...
HERBIVORE Aquarius BHA + Blue Tansy Cleanser
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Moisturizer

A good moisturizer is a must-have to keep your skin barrier healthy, hydrated, and comfortable. I love formulas that feel lightweight but still give enough moisture, especially for combination and acne-prone skin.

 
Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
Kiehl’s moisturizer is one of my go-to moisturizers that I still use until now. I have combination skin, and this formula feels just right for me — not too heavy, but not too light either. It keeps my skin comfortable, especially during the day, and ...
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Moisturizer Gel
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Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
I really love Purito Oat moisturizer! It gives enough hydration for nighttime, especially if you sleep with the AC on low temperature like me. What I love most is how fast it sinks into the skin — no heavy or sticky feeling, just comfortable hydratio...
PURITO Oat Calming Gel Cream 100mL
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Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
At first, I didn’t expect much from LRP, but after using it for around two months, it became one of my favorite moisturizers. It gives me a similar hydrated feeling to Purito Oat, but with an extra glass-skin finish that makes my skin look healthy an...
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide
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Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the one skincare step I refuse to skip, especially when my skin is already dealing with acne marks and uneven tone. For me, the best sunscreen is the one that feels invisible: no heavy feeling, no white cast, no greasy finish — just comf...

 
Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
I really love EltaMD sunscreen, especially this one. It feels very light on the skin, sinks in quickly, and doesn’t leave a white cast. Perfect for daily use when you want sunscreen that feels comfortable and easy to layer.
EltaMD UV Clear SPF Oil-Free Zinc Oxide
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Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
If you’re looking for a matte sunscreen that can also double as a primer, Cotz is one of my go-to sunscreens. I especially love using it when the weather is really hot because it feels even lighter on my skin than EltaMD. It helps keep my skin lookin...
Cotz Face SPF 40
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Toner + Essence

Toner and essence are my “calm down” step before moisturizer. I love formulas that feel light but still give my skin that extra soothing boost — especially when my skin looks red, irritated, or acne-prone.

 
Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
Hands down, one of the best essences I’ve ever tried. I really love this one, especially when my skin gets acne-prone around my period. I like to layer it before moisturizer, and it helps calm my skin while reducing the look of redness. A must-have i...
I'm From Mugwort Essence Vegan Toner 5.41oz
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Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
HOCl spray became a must-have for me when I started getting a LOT of acne during my first trimester. I love using it when my skin feels irritated or angry because it helps calm my acne and makes my skin feel cleaner and more comfortable. It’s such an...
Hypochlorous Acid Face & Skin Spray 8oz

Mask

Face masks are my extra-care step when my skin needs more attention. I love masks that can calm redness, help with acne marks, or make my skin feel smoother without leaving it dry or irritated.

 
Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
This mugwort mask feels like the twin sister of the essence. Honestly, you need to try them together because the soothing effect is so real. When I use both, my acne looks calmer, the redness tones down, and my skin feels much more comfortable. Such ...
[I'M FROM] Mugwort Mask 3.88 fl oz, Soothing
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Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
This mask actually works really well for reducing the look of acne marks on my skin. It also smells so good and feels calming every time I use it. Perfect for a little self-care moment while helping my skin look clearer and more even.
EILEEN GRACE - Perfectly Moisturize Rose Jelly Mask | YesStyle

Chemical Exfoliation + Serum

Chemical exfoliation and serum are the steps I reach for when my skin starts looking dull, bumpy, or full of stubborn acne marks. I love products that work slowly but surely — smoothing texture, evening out tone, and making my skin look more alive wi...

 
Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
It’s so frustrating to find a retinol or retinoid that’s fungal-acne friendly, but Herbivore Bakuchiol has been amazing for my skin. I personally don’t use vitamin C and bakuchiol together. For my skin, they work better when used separately — one wee...
HERBIVORE Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum
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Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
It’s hard for me to find a vitamin C that actually works, but Dr. Brenner really did it with this one. It feels lightweight, doesn’t dry out my skin, and helps reduce the look of my PIE over time. A really good option if you want a vitamin C that fee...
Vitamin C Serum 20% Pure L-Ascorbic Acid
 
Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
I can’t get my skin off this AHA. It gives my skin a really good exfoliation without stripping away hydration, which is exactly what I need. My skin feels smoother, looks more even, and my overall skin tone looks brighter over time. A great pick if y...
Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant | Paula's Choice
 
Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
I use this as an acne spot mask, and it’s really good for helping prevent future breakouts. The smell is not really my favorite, to be honest, but the result makes it worth it. It helps keep my acne at bay and makes my skin feel more under control wh...
De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment - Cystic Acne Treatment 2.6 OZ
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Elizabeth Elysia profile picture
Such an underrated and affordable product if you’re looking for something effective with salicylic acid. It really helps when my skin feels congested or breakout-prone, but don’t forget to layer it with moisturizer after, so your skin doesn’t feel to...
Stridex Medicated Acne Pads, Maximum, 55 Ct