The skin of the face is a protective barrier, and it acts as such by blocking potential threats and harmful substances. However, in some cases this barrier can become compromised and let scary things in. When the skin of the face is left exposed to harmful elements like moisture, sweat or sebum, yeast can easily get in and thrive, leading to an infection called a yeast infection. A yeasty face leads to redness, itchiness, pain or pimples that you don’t really need. Luckily, there are just as many causes for these uncomfortable signs than there are remedies for them. Here are 5 common causes for a yeast infections to look out for:
Out of Products
Sometimes you might find yourself out of your usual facial cleanser. Or maybe you’ve finished up your stash and need to head to the store. Whatever the reason, if you’ve run out of your usual facial cleanser and you’ve been using the same cleanser for a while, this can turn into a yeast infection. Using the same cleanser for a while when you’ve run out of it can lead to the build-up of bacteria, which can result in an overgrowth of yeast. Bacteria on the skin can be easily killed with even a few weeks of use, but yeast can thrive because it produces a protective layer that bacteria can’t get in through. Additionally, sensitive skin can be more prone to yeast overgrowth because it’s less able to fight it off.
Stagnant Water
Your face is one of the most sensitive parts of your body. That’s why places like the shower and the tub are some of the best places to get a face peel or a facial. However, if you’re not careful, these exfoliating treatments can lead to a yeast infection. When you exfoliate your face, dead skin cells are pushed up and out of your skin. When you’re in the shower or the tub, this water can easily get inside the layers of your skin where it can lead to a yeast infection. The yeast in the water then attacks your skin cells, leading to redness, pain or itchiness. That’s why it’s important to keep your face out of the water while you’re exfoliating. Exfoliating with a wash cloth or a sponge that’s been in the sink is safer. Alternatively, you can try out a face scrub. Face scrubs are designed to leave your face even more sensitive than usual, so they’re safer to use when you’re exfoliating.
Sugar Burn
Sugar is probably one of your favourite ingredients in baking. It adds sweetness, it’s a key ingredient in many desserts and it’s even in a lot of candies. Strangely enough, it can also cause a yeast infection on your face. Sugar is a common culprit in yeasty skin. That’s because it’s the same substance that produces the protective layer on the skin of yeast. The problem is that once you’ve got yeast on your face, you want to wash it off. But since the yeast on your face is probably the same yeast that was in your mouth, washing it off with water only makes it worse, leading to redness, itchiness and pain. That’s why it’s important to be careful when you’re baking that the sugar doesn’t get into your skin. Baking obviously shouldn’t be done with a mask on your face. Instead, carefully remove the mask and wash your face before you start to eat.
Improper Baking
There are several reasons why a recipe just might not turn out as sweet as you like. Maybe you’ve been using the same ingredients for a while and they’ve gone bad. Perhaps you’ve added an ingredient that was off-limits. Whatever the reason, if you’ve been eating out of a box for a week, yeast can get into your system that way. Yeast infections on the face are most commonly caused by the same thing that can lead to yeast infections on the whole body. That’s an unprocessed diet that doesn’t have a lot of veggies and herbs in it. This can lead to an imbalance of yeast in your gut, which then leads to a yeast infection on your face. That’s why it’s so important to maintain a diet that’s rich in veggies and herbs. It can be tough to eat more veggies when you’ve been eating out of boxes for a long time, but it’s worth it. When you do, you’ll notice that your face is less prone to yeast infections.
Stress and Anxiety
Both of these can cause your skin to be more sensitive than usual. That’s because it has a higher concentration of hormones and chemicals that can lead to a yeast infection. Compared to your skin on other parts of your body, the skin on your face is more sensitive, which makes it more prone to damage. That damage is often caused by stress and anxiety. That’s because stress and anxiety can cause your skin to be more dry and irritable, leading to redness, itchiness and pain. Luckily, there are things you can do to prevent a yeasty face from happening. For starters, eat a diet that’s rich in fruits and veggies. This will help your skin stay hydrated and prevent it from becoming too dry. Additionally, you can try using a hydrating toner or a lotion.
Exfoliation and Dullness
A lot of people think that when they experience a yeasty face, it’s a sign that their face is too oily. However, that’s not actually the case. Yeast on your face can be caused by your skin becoming too dry. That’s because when your skin is too dry, it’s more vulnerable to damage, which can lead to a yeasty face. That damage is often caused by a poor skincare routine and a lack of hydration. Dullness on your face can also occur as a result of a yeast infection. That’s because yeast likes to feed off of dead skin cells, so the more dead skin on your face the infection has access too, the more it can multiply and spread.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent a yeasty face from happening. For starters, you can use a face mask once a week. This can help your skin stay hydrated and prevent it from becoming too dry. Additionally, you can use a whitening cleanser or a daily scrub that’s designed to unclog pores and remove excess oil from your face.
Final Words
Luckily, most of these are easy to avoid. And if you do run into any of the above, don’t panic. Just follow the steps above to remedy the situation and you’ll be good to go in no time. Additionally, if you’ve been feeling a lot of stress lately, it might be a good idea to talk to a counsellor or take a break from your day-to-day life. This can help you get back on track and prevent a yeast infection from happening in the first place.
FAQ
What does yeast infection on the face look like?
A yeast infection on the face typically presents as red, scaly, and itchy patches of skin. The affected areas may be swollen and sometimes have small pus-filled bumps. The skin may also appear cracked or flaky. These symptoms may be more prominent in areas with folds, such as around the nose, mouth, and ears.
Will yeast infection on the face go away on its own?
In some cases, a yeast infection on the face may resolve on its own, especially if the overgrowth of yeast is mild and the immune system is functioning well. However, if the infection is more severe or persistent, it may require treatment to prevent complications and ensure a full recovery. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect a yeast infection on your face.
How do I get rid of a yeast infection on the face?
Treatment for a yeast infection on the face typically involves the use of antifungal medications. Over-the-counter creams, gels, or lotions containing clotrimazole or miconazole may be recommended for mild infections. In more severe cases, a healthcare professional may prescribe a stronger topical antifungal medication, such as ketoconazole, or an oral antifungal medication. It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and complete the entire course of treatment to ensure the infection is effectively eliminated.
In addition to medications, maintaining good skin hygiene and avoiding potential irritants can help support the healing process. Gently cleanse the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and avoid using harsh skincare products or wearing heavy makeup. Keep the area dry and well-ventilated, and avoid scratching or rubbing the skin.
What soap kills yeast buildup on skin?
When dealing with a yeast infection on the face, it’s essential to use a gentle, fragrance-free soap or cleanser that won’t further irritate the skin. Soaps with antifungal properties, such as those containing tea tree oil or sulfur, may help reduce yeast levels on the skin. However, these soaps can also be harsh and may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you have sensitive skin. It’s best to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice on the most appropriate soap or cleanser for your situation.
