Seeing spots? If you're prone to blackheads and breakouts like many of us are, you're all too familiar with the frustrating (and sometimes harrowing) task of getting rid of those plugged-up pores, just for them to reappear (like an ex who can't take a hint). Perhaps you've even dabbled in the dark world of painful pore strips or irritating scrubs that are readily available on the pharmacy shelves, like so many of us have.

Blackheads form when “oxygen reacts with dead skin cells and sebum, plugging up the pore,” says Jessie Cheung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Basically, the dead skin oxidizes and turns a dark, blackish color. The good news? You can get those pesky, plugged pores under control and achieve blackhead-free skin. Look for a mask that has blackhead fighting ingredients like chemical exfoliants (AHAs or BHAs), clay, sulfur, or retinol. Here are some expert-backed picks for masks that we love.

The Best Blackhead Masks

Best For Current Breakouts: ENRIVON Focus Careᵀᴹ Clarity+ Hydroxy Acid Sebu-Clear Masque

Best Quick Fix: KATE SOMERVILLE ExfoliKate® Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

Best Resurfacing Mask: SKINCEUTICALS Clarifying Clay Mask