I know there's more to glowing, blemish-free skin than simply applying the right products, but if I’m being completely honest, when deadlines become all-consuming or my schedule is unusually hectic, I occasionally fall behind on the hygiene routine. I'm not talking about showering - that's a non-negotiable - I'm talking about pimple-proofing my house.

By subjecting my skin to less than clean conditions, I’m practically begging for a reaction, usually in the form of a big angry zit. “It’s not always about what you apply to your skin, but what you need to avoid to keep it looking its absolute best,” says skin and lifestyle expert Scott-Vincent Borba. Here are three of the biggest complexion offenders.

1. Loofahs: This shower staple is actually a microbe magnet. "Loofahs are like five-star hotels for bacteria and mildew,” says Borba, since their web-like mesh harbors dirt and debris that doesn’t fully rinse away. What’s more, their coarse texture can also cause micro-tears in the skin that spreads around germs and contributes to body acne. Lose the loofah and opt for a soft washcloth instead.
2. Bedding: When you’re lounging in linens that haven’t been washed in awhile, you’re basically stewing in dead skin cells, sweat and sebum, all of which brews a fertile breeding ground for P. Acnes bacteria. Yikes. Launder your linens every seven days in hot water to kill creepy-crawlies, and in between cleanings, Borba suggests spritzing a naturally bacteria-blasting tea tree oil-based toner onto sheets. If you notice breakouts along the side of your face you sleep on, change your pillowcase every other day.
3. Phones: If you’re attached at the ear to your cell phone, you could be repeatedly pressing germs up against open pores. I'm guilty of this one and I often breakout along the side of my face…in the exact same spot that cradles my iPhone. To banish bacteria, wipe down your device with an alcohol swab or salicylic-based acne pad after every use. Or better yet, invest in a Bluetooth.