Q My daughter has big open pores and always breaks out before her period. She is 19 years old. Her pimple scars heal slower than her next breakout. What must she use to remove the blackheads and whiteheads and to refine her pores?

A If your daughter finds her acne problems very perplexing, the best course of action might be to visit a dermatologist for a proper consultation.

But if the breakouts are still fairly manageable, there are a few simple things she can consider.

The first step is simply to be extremely consistent with her skincare regimen. Thorough cleansing twice a day and the use of a clay mask to suck out impurities at least once a week should help to keep those pores unclogged.

Here are some recommendations from Neha Thomas, the international account representative from niche New York-based skincare brand Mario Badescu, which is well-known for its anti-acne products.

The brand's Acne Facial Cleanser ($58) should be used twice a day (morning and evening), while its Orange Tonic Mask ($68) can be used three times a week to help cleanse and tighten pores.

Its Healing & Soothing Mask ($68) can be used on areas of the face affected by acne - it helps to speed up the healing process after breakouts have subsided. The Drying Lotion ($68) is meant to help with diminishing whiteheads.

Two other masks I find pretty helpful are Kiehl's new Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque ($45) and Burt's Bees' Pore Refining Mask ($18). The latter is a bit unusual but very fun: It comes in a powder form and you make the mask yourself by adding water, toner or even tomato juice, depending on your skin type.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.