Blackheads are plugged up pores that appear in the form of small black spots on the skin. Typically, they're located on the face on and around the nose, forehead and cheeks. Though blackheads are relatively harmless and do not cause pain unless picked at, many find them a nuisance and wish to get rid of them. Several at-home methods of removing blackheads exist.

Hygiene

One of the easiest ways to both prevent and remove blackheads is to practice basic hygiene. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you should wash your skin one to two times per day with a gentle cleanser. Follow up with an oil-free moisturizer. If you use cosmetics, select non-comodogenic products that are oil-free and water-based. Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with a gentle exfoliant. Doing so removes dead skin cells and prevents blemishes -- including blackheads -- from occurring.

Steaming

Face steaming is common blackhead treatment that can be done in the comfort of your home. This process opens the pores and allows build up to work its way out. To steam your skin, place your face over a hot bowl of steaming water for five to 10 minutes. For best results, place a towel over both your head and the bowl. Follow up by washing your face with a mild facial cleanser. Use your clean hands to gently scrub your face and then rinse with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.

Extraction

For extreme cases or for quick removal, you can extract your own blackheads. Before beginning, it's important to wash your hands and sterilize the affected area with rubbing alcohol. Several methods of extraction exist, but the most common is to simply use your fingers to gently apply pressure on either side of the blackhead. Wear gloves and re-clean the area after you're finished to prevent more blackheads or acne from occurring and to minimize scarring. Self-extracting blackheads should be done sparingly, warns Pace University.