Red bumps on your forehead?

You see red bumps on your forehead. You try to squeeze them, but nothing comes out. Sometimes these visible bumps also itch. Is it acne? And what's the best way to deal with it?

What I just described are yeast pimples (also called fungal acne). If you Google "yeast pimples", you might also come across the word "malassezia" – this is the same thing.

What exactly are yeast pimples?

Yeast pimples do not fall into the category of acne, but the method for treating acne usually works for yeast pimples. They are not caused by sebum buildup and bacteria, but by an overgrowth of a yeast that naturally lives on our skin: Malassezia.

This yeast is normally harmless, but under certain circumstances, it can become unbalanced and cause inflammatory reactions around the hair follicles. Yeast pimples on your forehead are the most common, but sometimes they can also appear on your cheeks or jawline.

The balance on your skin

Many yeasts, fungi, and bacteria live on your skin – and they should be there. They ensure a strong skin barrier, provided they are in good balance. And this balance is precisely what is lacking with yeast pimples.

What causes yeast pimples?

This yeast feeds on oils present on your skin. Humid and warm conditions, prolonged use of antibiotics, pore-clogging creams, and excessive sweating are all factors that promote yeast pimples.

Not all oils in your yeast pimple cream are a problem. We primarily look at oils with fatty acids in the carbon chain C11 to C24. Think of oils like avocado oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, broccoli seed oil, argan oil, and shea butter, to name a few. These oils feed yeast pimples.

Treating yeast pimples: the right approach

You might think we should tackle the bacteria, but unfortunately, this doesn't work because it's not a bacterial problem. Heavy exfoliation combined with an antibacterial yeast pimple treatment is therefore useless.

The approach is simple: ensure the yeast pimples don't get their food, and they will gradually disappear. You do this by gently cleansing and avoiding all oils in your care cream that feed these yeast pimples.

Sometimes you have a combination of yeast pimples and inflamed acne. In that case, it's best to first restore your skin barrier by gently cleansing and moisturizing with a moisturizer that restores your skin barrier. Most of your problem might already disappear with this routine. Do you still suffer from inflamed acne? Then you can always continue to build up with active ingredients that also work on inflammation. ( article: How to choose your skincare for pimples ) 

Treating yeast pimples on the forehead in summer

Do you notice that your yeast pimples worsen in the summer? This is because sebum provides a protective layer on your skin. Incorrect creams cause this protective layer to become unbalanced, and if you then sweat a lot, you create ideal conditions for yeast pimples.

That's also why you are more prone to this in summer than in winter. You especially notice it after exercise, on your back and chest, and under the hairline.

Practical approach during warm months

Cleanse your skin after heavy activities and a lot of sweating. This means gentle cleansing, not degreasing, but bringing the skin barrier back into balance. Rinse with lukewarm water, not too hot or too cold, and certainly do not scrub or treat aggressively. Wear breathable clothing instead of synthetic tight clothing, and avoid body butters and greasy creams.

Choosing the right products for yeast pimples

When choosing products for yeast pimples, it's important to avoid products with nourishing oils such as coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter. Instead, opt for light, non-comedogenic formulas. Use mild cleansing products that respect your skin barrier and choose moisturizing products without pore-clogging ingredients.

Summary: effective treatment for yeast pimples

Yeast pimples don't require a harsh routine, but an approach that limits warmth and removes moisture and sweat in a timely manner. Avoid pore-clogging creams and use products that respect your skin barrier. With the right yeast pimple treatment and consistent care, you can effectively tackle these red bumps. Focus on gentle cleansing, avoid nourishing oils in your yeast pimple cream, and keep your skin cool and dry. This way, you can treat yeast pimples on your face and forehead effectively without damaging your skin.

Author: Sofie Dewitte