Blackheads. Simply put - they are the bane of our existence. Our teen years are when our pores become defined, which is dependent on using the right skin care products and using them consistently. How we take care of our face during our teen years determines how large or small our pores will be (mainly just how much they'll hold tightly to dirt and debris as we age), but yet it is during these same years that we seem to lack the knowledge (and motivation) to implement a preventative beauty routine that will save us the grief from our older selves.

Since I can't turn back time, all I can do now is learn how to properly extract and remove blackheads, and try to minimize just how often those little skin pockets fill up with gunk. If you are younger and reading this, take heed now and do yourself a favor: keep your skin well-maintained.

There are a few ways to remove blackheads:

Get a Professional Facial to Remove Blackheads

This is your best method for extracting blackheads. An esthetician will use steam directly pointed to your face to help loosen up the hardened oil in your pores.

During this time they will also cleanse the skin, exfoliate it with a scrub, and apply a glycolic mask. Once all of that has been completed (and you may or may not be treated to a scalp, arm, hand and shoulder massage - quite the added bonus), the esthetician will cease the steam and use a magnifying mirror to begin locating the congestion in your pores.

Once identified, a blackhead extractor tool will be used. This tool has a loop on the end, that when pressed down, will push the loosened debris to the surface. The esthetician will then wipe it away with a tissue.

Facials should be done monthly, and while the extraction portion of the facial can be a bit uncomfortable at times, the entire experience is worth it.

Remove Blackheads at Home

When you don't have the time or money to have a facial once a month, you can also maintain your pores at home. For this you will need a facial steamer, blackhead extraction tool (one that does whiteheads is an added bonus), magnifying mirror and tissues.

Prior to using the facial steamer, you'll want to look at your face in the magnifying mirror. Yes, it can be a bit scary to see your skin so close up...and a bit gross looking at your clogged up pores. However, it is essential to know where the steam should be focused at so that you get the most out of your at-home facial.

Next, you'll want to cleanse your skin, especially since you'll be softening the hardened oil in your pores, you don't want to clog them with any more debris. Make sure you fully read the instructions on your facial steamer so that you don't over-fill it or burn yourself.

You'll want to have the steamer doing its job on your face for about 10 minutes. Once your steam session has commenced, use the magnifying mirror again while placing the extraction tool over each affected area and gently press down. Do not use your fingers to wipe away the debris, as your hands carry a lot of bacteria and you don't want to further spread it around your face. Instead use a tissue to wipe it away.

Once you're happy with your work, cleanse your face again, and use a toner, serum and moisturizer to complete the process. Don't forget to clean your extraction tool as well. You don't want it hanging onto any bacteria when you use it again in the future.

Sidenote: While steam from a hot shower also helps to liquifey blackheads, it does not do as in-depth a job like a facial steamer would. However, in a pinch, it is still a good option.

Check out this DIY Pineapple Strawberry Enzyme Mask, it's a great chemical exfoliant you can make for yourself with ingredients from your kitchen. We also have a great post on 5 Ways to Minimize Pores and the Benefits of a Lemongrass Facial Steam.

Now that you have the knowledge on how to remove blackheads, share this post with others so that they can properly take care of their skin as well!