Are you struggling with fungal acne and wondering if marula oil is safe to use?
It’s no secret that many skincare products can exacerbate this condition, making it difficult to find the right products for your skin. Fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia, which feeds on certain ingredients commonly found in skincare products.
This can make it tricky to navigate the world of skincare, especially when it comes to oils like marula oil. In this article, we’ll explore whether marula oil is safe for fungal acne and provide some tips on how to choose the best skincare products for your skin type.
So, let’s dive in!
Is Marula Oil Safe For Fungal Acne?
Marula oil has gained popularity in recent years for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. However, for those with fungal acne, it’s important to consider whether marula oil is safe to use.
As mentioned earlier, fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia, which feeds on certain ingredients commonly found in skincare products. Unfortunately, marula oil happens to be one of those ingredients.
While marula oil may have antimicrobial properties that can help fight against the bacteria that contribute to the formation of pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads, it can also feed the fungus that causes fungal acne. This means that using marula oil on your skin could potentially worsen your condition.
Understanding Fungal Acne And Its Causes
Fungal acne, also known as Malassezia folliculitis or pityrosporum folliculitis, is a common skin condition that is often misdiagnosed as traditional acne. Unlike traditional acne, fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of yeast within the hair follicles, rather than oil and bacteria in pores. This yeast, known as Malassezia, is naturally present on the skin but can become imbalanced and overgrow, leading to inflammation of the hair follicles and the development of pimple-like bumps.
Several factors can upset the natural balance of bacteria and fungi on the skin and contribute to the development of fungal acne. These factors include trapped moisture from wearing sweaty workout clothes for too long or regularly wearing non-breathable clothing that encourages extra sweat and moisture. Medication, such as antibiotics, can also reduce the bacteria on the skin and allow for the overgrowth of fungus. People with a suppressed immune system may also be more susceptible to developing fungal acne, as well as those who live in hot climates where sweating is more likely. Diet changes may also play a role, as fungi and yeast feed on carbohydrates.
It’s important to note that fungal acne is not contagious or an indicator of poor skin hygiene. It can be treated with antifungal medications and prevented by avoiding skincare products that feed the fungus, such as those containing ingredients like marula oil. By understanding the causes and contributing factors of fungal acne, individuals can take steps to prevent and manage this common skin condition.
What Is Marula Oil And Its Benefits For The Skin
Marula oil is a multipurpose oil that has gained popularity in the beauty industry due to its numerous benefits for the skin. It is extracted from the kernels of the Marula tree, which is native to Southern Africa. The oil is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and amino acids, making it a great ingredient for skincare products.
One of the most significant benefits of marula oil is its ability to moisturize and hydrate the skin. It is lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin, making it an excellent choice for those with dry or cracked skin. Marula oil also contains amino acids, such as L-arginine and glutamic acid, which have anti-aging properties that can help repair damaged skin cells and maintain healthy skin.
In addition to its hydrating properties, marula oil also has anti-inflammatory effects that can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin. It contains fatty acids, such as oleic acid and linoleic acid, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and redness in the skin.
Marula oil is also effective at preventing damage from environmental factors such as pollution and UV rays from the sun. Its antioxidant properties, which include vitamin E and vitamin C, can help fight free radicals that can damage skin cells and cause premature aging.
For those with acne-prone skin, marula oil can be a great addition to their skincare routine. It has antimicrobial properties that can help fight against bacteria that contribute to the formation of pimples. However, as mentioned earlier, it’s important to note that marula oil may not be safe for those with fungal acne.
Does Marula Oil Trigger Fungal Acne?
Yes, marula oil can trigger fungal acne. This is because it is a type of oil that contains fatty acids, which are known to feed the Malassezia fungus. When you apply marula oil to your skin, you are essentially providing the fungus with the food it needs to grow and spread.
It’s important to note that not all oils are bad for fungal acne. Some oils, such as squalene, mineral oil, and capric triglycerides, are safe to use because they do not contain the fatty acids that feed the Malassezia fungus.
If you have fungal acne, it’s best to avoid using skincare products that contain marula oil or any other oils that are known to trigger the condition. Instead, opt for products that are specifically formulated for fungal acne and do not contain any ingredients that feed the Malassezia fungus.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Skincare Products For Fungal Acne-Prone Skin
When choosing skincare products for fungal acne-prone skin, it’s important to consider the ingredients in the product. As mentioned earlier, certain ingredients can feed the fungus Malassezia, which can exacerbate fungal acne. Here are some factors to consider when choosing skincare products for fungal acne-prone skin:
1. Look for fungal acne-safe ingredients: When choosing skincare products, look for ingredients that are safe for fungal acne-prone skin. Some examples of fungal acne-safe ingredients include urea, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera.
2. Avoid ingredients that feed Malassezia: Avoid using skincare products that contain ingredients that feed the fungus Malassezia. Some common ingredients to avoid include oils like marula oil, rosehip oil, and coconut oil.
3. Check product labels: Always check the product label before purchasing a skincare product. Look for products that are labeled as “fungal acne-safe” or “Malassezia-safe.”
4. Patch test: Before using a new skincare product on your face, it’s important to patch test it first. Apply a small amount of the product to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to see if you have any adverse reactions.
5. Consult with a dermatologist: If you have severe or persistent fungal acne, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist. They can recommend prescription-strength treatments and provide guidance on which skincare products are safe to use.
Other Skincare Ingredients To Avoid For Fungal Acne-Prone Skin
In addition to marula oil, there are several other skincare ingredients that should be avoided if you have fungal acne-prone skin. These include fatty acids and oils, esters, polysorbates, fatty alcohols, and yeast ferments.
Fatty acids and oils are a no-go for those with fungal acne because the fungus feeds on them. This includes lauric acid, myristic acid, tridecylic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid.
Esters are a combination of a fatty acid and an alcohol or glycerol and should also be avoided. Look for ingredients that end in ‘ate’ on the product label, such as isopropyl palmitate, decyl oleate, and glyceryl stearate.
Polysorbates are another ingredient to avoid as they can feed fungal acne. Look for any ingredient with ‘polysorbate’ in its name on the product label, such as Polysorbate-20, Polysorbate-40, Polysorbate-60, and Polysorbate-80.
Fatty alcohols may come from vegetable sources like coconut or palm oil but can clog pores and hair follicles, leading to more fungal acne. Avoid ingredients like lauryl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and oleyl alcohol.
Yeast ferments should also be avoided as they add extra bacteria and/or yeast to the skin. Fermented ingredients like berries, seaweed, tea, and yeast should be avoided if you have fungal acne.
It’s important to note that coconut oil should also be avoided for both fungal acne and regular acne sufferers because it’s highly comedogenic and made up of 47% lauric acid.
Tips On How To Incorporate Marula Oil Into Your Skincare Routine For Fungal Acne-Prone Skin
If you have fungal acne-prone skin and still want to incorporate marula oil into your skincare routine, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Patch test: Before using marula oil on your face, it’s important to patch test it on a small area of skin first. Apply a small amount of marula oil on the inside of your wrist and wait for 24-48 hours to see if you experience any adverse reactions.
2. Use in moderation: If you decide to use marula oil, make sure to use it in moderation. Only use a few drops at a time and avoid applying it too frequently. Overuse of marula oil can exacerbate fungal acne.
3. Use it as a booster: Instead of using marula oil as your main moisturizer, try using it as a booster to add extra hydration to your skincare routine. Mix a drop or two of pure marula oil with your regular moisturizer or serum.
4. Avoid using with other problematic ingredients: To avoid exacerbating fungal acne, avoid using marula oil with other problematic ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and heavy waxes.
5. Apply gently: When applying marula oil, make sure to apply it gently by patting or dabbing it onto your skin instead of rubbing it in. This will help the oil penetrate into your pores and provide maximum benefits without exacerbating fungal acne.
