• switch cleansers: if your skin is breaking out, wash three nights a week with a cleanser that has salicylic acid. (It unclogs pores!) Then use a more gentle wash during the rest of the week to prevent irritation.
• don't wash in the A.M.: cleansing too often sends oil glands into overdrive. Just splash your face with cold water before moisturizing.
• moisturize twice a day: acne cleansers dry out zits, but they also dry out the rest of your skin. Keep your face hydrated by applying a lotion when you get up and before you go to bed.
• prevent big breakouts: pick one with L-carnitine (it prevents the production of oil in your pores) and witch hazel, which is a natural de-greaser.
• gently zap your zits: treat your blemish with a vitamin A sport treatment to speed up skin cell renewal. You won't scar and your zit will stay gone!
• get rid of blackheads: de-gunk pores and they'll be less noticeable. Apply a sulfuric clay mask once a week to absorb excess oil. The clay has amazing powers that suck out first and leave your T-zone less shiny.

(tips taken from Seventeen magazine)