Meaning, find a skin-care system that works and stick to it -- no matter what. Especially when your zits begin to disappear. That's the only thing that will keep future breakouts in check.

We like the Exposed Skin Care 60-Day 5-Piece Basic Kit, $49.95, which comes with a cleanser, clearing tonic, daytime acne treatment serum, nighttime clear pore serum and a microderm cloth for gentle exfoliation.

Where most acne products let benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid do all the work, these treatment serums contain antibacterial and acne-healing ingredients that attack breakouts from every angle. (Hello, acne Death Star.) They're also loaded with soothing botanical extracts that make the line gentle and effective.

The Acne Treatment Serum has benzoyl peroxide plus green tea extract and tea tree oil to heal the skin. And the Clear Pore Serum contains salicylic acid, green tea extract and licorice root to reduce inflammation and redness. The products are designed to work together for the best possible result, and make a lot more sense than mixing and matching. Plus, when ordered as a kit, Exposed comes with a 1-Year Guarantee.

See why our reviewers raved about Exposed Skin Care here.

Like pillowcases, a used washcloth harbors lots of acne-causing grime. After all, a warm, moist environment is the ideal place for bacteria to grow. Be sure to wash it after every use.

And when you do use a cloth, do so gently. "Don't over-wash," says New York City dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. "This can actually dry out skin and cause skin inflammation, making it more difficult to treat acne."

If you've got breakouts around your chin, jawline or the side of your cheek, ask yourself this: "Do I lean on my hands while I'm sitting at my desk? Driving the car? Sitting on the train?"

Unless your hands are freshly washed, touching your face can lead to clogged pores and aggravated acne. As with any bad habit, the first step is to know that you're doing it; the second step is to consciously stop. It takes time to retrain yourself, but a hands-free approach can do wonders for your complexion.

An angry, red pimple has a way of taking center stage. It's the only thing you see when you look in the mirror, taunting you to squeeze it. Whatever you do, don't listen. "When done improperly, picking can just cause inflammation, skin damage and scarring," says Zeichner. Instead, cover it up, and try to forget about it (yes, we know it takes serious will power).

Doctors aren't sure why drinking milk and eating cheese contributes to breakouts, but most dermatologists believe there's a connection -- they suspect it's from the hormones given to dairy cows. "There is data suggesting cow's milk and a high-glycemic-index diet promote acne in some people," says Zeichner. "Swap out the milk for almond milk, and stick to foods with lower glycemic loads. In other words, try to minimize sugary, starchy foods."

Go dairy-free for a few weeks and see if you notice a change in your skin. If you're concerned about calcium in your diet, eat more leafy greens and take a supplement.