If your skin was finally clear and now you’re breaking out again, take a deep breath. This is actually super common and you are not alone- or curse with acne forever, I promise.
When acne returns, it’s almost always because something changed. A new habit, a supplement, a product swap, a skipped step. That’s where the Acne Audit comes in.
Think of this as a gentle check-in, not a blame game. Let’s figure out what your skin is reacting to so we can get you back on track.
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Supplements & Vitamins
These are some of the most overlooked acne triggers, especially when skin suddenly flares after being clear.
Check any that apply:
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Biotin
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Vitamin B12 or B-Complex
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Hidden biotin or B12 in “hair, skin & nails” supplements
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Whey protein
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Energy drinks (Celsius, Alani, Red Bull, etc.)
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Spirulina
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High shellfish intake
Even “clean” or wellness-focused supplements can trigger acne for acne-prone skin.
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Makeup & Beauty Products
Makeup and haircare sit on your skin longer than you think, and small changes can make a big difference.
Audit the following:
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All makeup checked through an ingredient checker (like ours here)
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New foundation, concealer, powder, or sunscreen
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Makeup brushes washed weekly
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Sponges cleaned or replaced regularly
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Acne-safe haircare (shampoo, conditioner, styling products)
One new product is sometimes all it takes.
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Skincare & Routine Consistency
Acne-safe products only work when they’re used correctly and consistently.
Check in with your routine:
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Products used exactly as directed
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No skipping steps or stretching product use
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No new actives (retinol, exfoliants, spot treatments)
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No over-cleansing or over-exfoliating
More is not better when it comes to acne. Calm, consistent skin always wins.
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Hygiene & Environment
Your skin doesn’t live in a bubble. These everyday factors matter more than most people realize.
Consider:
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Pillowcases washed at least twice per week
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Scent-free laundry detergent
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No dryer sheets or fabric softener
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Phone screen cleaned regularly
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Recent chlorine exposure (pools or hot tubs)
These are easy wins that can quietly sabotage progress.
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Daily Habits
Small habits, repeated daily, can keep inflammation lingering.
Check honestly:
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Using SLS-free toothpaste
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Only Aquaphor on lips (no lip balms or glosses)
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Touching or picking at skin
These are often “I didn’t think that mattered” triggers. They do.
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Lifestyle Non-Negotiables
For acne-prone skin, some things are simply not negotiable if you want long-term results.
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No vaping
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No nicotine (smoking or otherwise)
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No marijuana
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No energy drinks
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No whey protein
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about protecting your skin barrier and hormones.
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Diet Check
Food doesn’t cause acne for everyone, but for many clients, these are major players.
Audit your intake:
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No dairy
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No eggs
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Limiting sugar and processed foods
If acne is persistent or inflammatory, diet often matters more than people want to admit.
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Final Check
If any of these factors stood out to you, your acne is likely responding to a trigger, not failing products or treatments. Acne doesn’t come back without a reason — it’s your skin communicating that something in your routine, lifestyle, or environment needs attention.
This is where personalized guidance matters. Acne is never one-size-fits-all, and identifying your specific triggers is key to getting (and staying) clear.
If breakouts have returned or you feel stuck despite doing “everything right,” booking an acne consultation with me allows us to review this audit together, assess your skin, and create a clear plan forward — from treatment strategy to product support and lifestyle adjustments.
Clear skin is possible again, and you don’t have to troubleshoot it alone.
xo,
Mandy
