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.

If breakouts cluster at your hairline, your hair products may be mucking up your skin. Many styling products contain oils and silicones that can clog pores and cause pimples. Check the ingredient lists (look for anything that ends in -cone like silicone, and mineral oil is a big red flag) and consider swapping them out for better-for-your-skin ingredients -- like aloe, honey or shea butter.

If you can't part with your products, keep them away from your skin and scalp. Apply creams and serums from the mid-shaft down, and put a towel over your face when you use a spray. At night, sleep with your hair wrapped in a scarf. And when you're taking a shower, always wash your face after you wash and condition your hair -- this way, hair product residue won't be left on your skin.