What's causing my acne? Take the quiz
This free acne quiz asks nine quick questions about your timing, products, habits, and symptoms, then ranks the triggers most likely to be behind your breakouts. It won't diagnose anything, but it will tell you where to look first and how to test it.
9 questionsAbout 2 minutesNothing is saved
When did your current breakouts start or get worse?
How this quiz works
- Each answer adds points to the triggers it is linked to, using the same evidence as our acne guides.
- Your result ranks the triggers with the most points. Anything that scores low is left out.
- Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere. The quiz runs entirely in your browser.
Based on: AAD: what causes acne; AAD: adult acne; Stoll et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2001; Chiu et al., Arch Dermatol 2003; DermNet: Malassezia folliculitis
Frequently asked questions
Can a quiz tell me what is causing my acne?
A quiz can point you to the most likely triggers based on your timing, products, and habits, but it cannot diagnose you. The best way to confirm a trigger is to track it: change one thing at a time and compare photos over several weeks.
What are the most common causes of acne?
Acne forms when pores clog with oil and dead skin cells. Common triggers that tip skin into breaking out include hormonal changes, pore-clogging products, stress, poor sleep, some medications, smoking, and genetics.
How long does it take to find my acne trigger?
Usually three to eight weeks. Hormonal patterns need two or three cycles to show, and a product change needs about three to four weeks before you can judge it.
Is my quiz data saved?
No. The quiz runs in your browser, and your answers are not stored or sent anywhere.
When should I see a dermatologist?
See a dermatologist if your acne is painful, deep, leaving scars or dark marks, affecting your confidence, or not improving after a couple of months of consistent treatment.