Hormonal, Cystic or Fungal Acne? How to Tell Your Acne Type and Treat It Right
If you've tried every acne product and nothing seems to work, the problem may be the type of acne you have. Hormonal, cystic, fungal and comedonal acne have different causes, so they need different treatments. Using the wrong approach can waste months and, for deeper acne, increase the risk of scarring.
1. Comedonal Acne (Blackheads and Whiteheads)
What it looks like: small bumps, blackheads and whiteheads, often on the forehead, nose and chin. Usually not painful.
What helps: gentle exfoliating actives such as salicylic acid, regular medical-grade extractions and chemical peels. Read our guide on blackheads and whiteheads and chemical peels.
2. Hormonal Acne
What it looks like: tender spots along the jawline, chin and lower cheeks that flare around your period or during stress. Common in women in their 20s to 40s, and in conditions such as PCOS.
What helps: skincare alone often isn't enough. A doctor may recommend prescription topicals and, in some cases, oral treatment, alongside in-clinic treatments to calm inflammation.
3. Cystic (Nodular) Acne
What it looks like: large, deep, painful lumps under the skin that last for weeks. This is the type most likely to leave acne scars.
What helps: see a doctor early. Cystic acne usually needs medical treatment, and some painful cysts can be settled quickly in clinic. Don't squeeze them, as this pushes inflammation deeper.
4. Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)
What it looks like: clusters of small, uniform, itchy bumps on the forehead, chest, back or shoulders. Very common in Malaysia's heat and humidity.
What helps: it isn't true acne, so regular acne creams and antibiotics don't work and can make it worse. It needs anti-fungal treatment, which is why a proper diagnosis matters.
Many People Have More Than One Type
It's common to have hormonal acne on the jaw with comedones on the forehead, or fungal bumps alongside regular pimples. That's why a doctor-led plan usually combines treatments. You can learn more in our guide to acne stages and in-clinic treatments, or see how a medical facial differs from a salon facial.
Treat Early to Prevent Scars
Once acne leaves dents in the skin, those scars need separate treatment such as laser or subcision. Treating active acne early is the best way to avoid that. If you already have marks or scars, see our acne scar treatments.
Find out more about our acne treatment in PJ, including acne facials, peels and medical treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my acne is hormonal?
Hormonal acne usually appears along the jawline, chin and lower cheeks, and often flares before your period. It tends to be deeper and more tender than regular pimples.
What does fungal acne look like?
Fungal acne shows up as many small, same-sized, itchy bumps, usually on the forehead, chest or back. It often gets worse in hot, humid weather and doesn't improve with normal acne products.
When should I see a doctor for acne?
See a doctor if you have painful, deep or cystic spots, if acne is leaving marks or scars, or if it hasn't improved after 2 to 3 months of skincare. Early treatment helps prevent scarring.
Can facials cure acne?
A medical acne facial can help clear congestion and calm breakouts, but moderate to severe acne usually also needs medical treatment such as topical or oral medication prescribed by a doctor.
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