Acne Flare-Up Checklist
🌿 Acne Flare-Up Checklist
From The Skin Well™ | Drawn from the Happy Skin Leaflet Series
Acne can feel unpredictable and stubborn - but often, it’s a mix of small things building up. This checklist helps you explore possible flare-up triggers gently. It’s about spotting patterns, not being perfect.
🧴 SKIN PRODUCTS & HABITS
☐ Recently changed or added skincare, makeup, or hair products
☐ Using heavy or pore-clogging products (even natural ones)
☐ Over-exfoliating or using too many active ingredients
☐ Skipping moisturiser or using harsh spot treatments
☐ Touching, squeezing, or picking at blemishes
☐ Sleeping with makeup or not cleaning makeup tools
What might help:
→ Stick with a gentle, consistent skincare routine
→ Support your barrier and avoid harsh stripping
→ Explore more: [Happy Skincare, Happy Skin] and [Happy Sun, Happy Skin]
🍽️ FOOD, DRINK & DIGESTION
☐ High intake of sugar, dairy, or ultra-processed foods
☐ Lots of fizzy drinks, coffee, or alcohol
☐ Gut issues like bloating, constipation, or food reactions
☐ Not drinking enough water or eating many wholefoods
What might help:
→ Focus on balance, hydration, and gut-friendly choices
→ Explore more: [Happy Gut, Happy Skin] and [Happy Hydration, Happy Skin]
🛏️ SLEEP, STRESS & HORMONES
☐ Poor sleep, late nights, or lack of wind-down time
☐ Period-related breakouts or changes in hormones
☐ Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or under pressure
What might help:
→ Support your stress levels and sleep hygiene
→ Track patterns around your cycle or energy
→ Explore more: [Happy Mind, Happy Skin], [Happy Sleep, Happy Skin], [Happy Relationships, Happy Skin], and [Happy Hormones, Happy Skin]
🌦️ ENVIRONMENT & LIFESTYLE
☐ Wearing tight-fitting masks, helmets, or clothing
☐ Working out in heavy makeup or not cleansing after sweat
☐ Changes in weather, central heating, or air pollution
☐ Busy schedule with little time for skin rituals or downtime
What might help:
→ Cleanse after sweating, avoid friction, and create space for skin recovery
→ Explore more: [Happy Work, Happy Skin], [Happy Home, Happy Skin], [Happy Movement Happy Skin], [Happy Air, Happy Skin], [Happy Sun, Happy Skin] and [Happy Relationships, Happy Skin]
💡REMEMBER
Acne doesn’t define you - and it’s not always in your control. But knowing your skin’s patterns gives you power. Small changes often make a big impact.
If breakouts are painful, persistent, or affecting your wellbeing, speak to a skin therapist or GP.
The Skin Well™
A grassroots, evidence-aware initiative supporting public skin education.
👉 @theskinwell_
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice.
Version: [March / 2025]
© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well™ & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission.