"Topical cleansers and scrubs are a great first line of treatment," says Arch, though not all are created equal. She suggests opting for washes or exfoliators that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, two ingredients that can help break up the sticky, dead skin cells that clog pores (salicylic acid also has the added benefit of being lipophilic, meaning it's attracted to and will dissolve excess oil). One to try: Clean & Clear Acne Triple Clear Bubble Foam Cleanser, $5.99.

Scrubs that contain physical particles, like bead or seeds, to buff off dead skin are another option, one that can leave your complexion looking and feeling smoother and more radiant, particularly if it's naturally dry, adds Lee. One option: Garnier SkinActive Clean + Blackhead Eliminating Scrub, $7.99. But if you're dealing with more than just clogged pores -- i.e. legit red, inflamed pimples -- these abrasive scrubs can paradoxically end up causing more redness and irritation, she cautions. If that's you, stick with the aforementioned cleansers.

Either way, both are supereasy to use (it's really just washing your face, after all), and will ultimately leave you supersatisfied with smooth, clear skin... as long as you're patient. You'll need to use these for six to eight weeks in order to see a difference, notes Arch.

Ah, the classic. Pop one of these bad boys on your nose and in minutes you'll be able to yank out those blackheads. Containing a special adhesive, these adhere to and remove blackheads, dirt and oil... leaving you with a strip chock-full of nasties that you can then closely examine for as long as you'd like (#SATISFYING). The instant gratification is great, and they do clean the superficial layer of the skin, but just keep in mind that a) these won't work on whiteheads, and b) using them too frequently can cause inflammation and irritation, particularly if you're also using products with exfoliating ingredients like retinoids, warns Arch. She advises using one no more frequently than once per week.

Try: Bosica Pore Purifying Black Strips, $28.

The latest Internet sensation, there's no shortage of videos and pics popping up online of people creating their own blackhead removing masks, but this is one instance where it's best not to go the DIY route, cautions Arch, who says she's already seen patients come in with skin reactions as a result of using these. Stick with the store-bought options, like Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Peel-Off Mask, $15.99; these are usually pastes or creams that, once dry and peeled off, pull out whatever is clogging the pores, explains Lee. "Most contain charcoal, an ingredient believed to help remove impurities from the skin. As it dries, it shrinks ever so slightly, creating a little vacuum to help pull out surface oils, dirt, and blackheads," she explains. That means that, like with a pore strip, you'll get to see all the goodness on the mask once you take it off, and unlike a pore strip, it can be used all over your face.

If you want to get a little techy, try the Bliss Pore'fector Gadget, $185, or the Le Mieux Skin Perfecter, $225. These tools use ultrasonic vibrations that break up water, along with any pore-clogging gunk and grime, into smaller particles, making it easier to remove, explains Arch.

While the technique of gliding it along your skin can take some getting used to, it's not in the least bit painful, and is a nice option when you feel like standard topicals just aren't cutting it. An added benefit: "These devices can also help improve the penetration and efficacy of other skincare products you're using," adds Arch.

There are lots of different formulas out there, but most masks typically blend exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid or clay, along with moisturizing ingredients to counteract any potential irritation, explains Arch. "Because these masks are left on your skin for longer than a cleanser, the ingredients have more time to work and penetrate," she adds. While these are best used as a weekly, not daily, treatment, they're a nice way to get a quick pore-unclogging fix before a big event. Try the new Murad Pore Extractor Pomegranate Mask, $38.