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.

For supremely stubborn clogs, seeing a pro for extractions is a smart move: "If you have blackheads or whiteheads that aren't going away, no matter what you're doing, this is the best solution," advises Arch. And while it can be tempting to start squeezing and picking at your skin yourself (trust us, we get it), please leave it up to the experts. Derms and aestheticians keep everything clean and sterile, and know the proper technique to use to minimize the risk of infection and scarring, points out Lee. If you want to up the satisfaction level on this one, ask to see what they squeezed out after the fact. Hey, we're not judging.

See the best pimple popping videos here.

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