One of the most frequently asked questions I receive as an esthetician is, "What can I do (or what product can I use) to make my pores smaller?" Pore size is determined genetically and depends on the amount of oil an individual's skin naturally produces. The more oil the skin produces, the larger the pore size. Regardless of skin type, the build up of dead cells and debris can get trapped in your pores; this build up then stretches out the pores and makes them appear larger.

Toners and certain masks or serums can temporarily shrink pores, but they don't solve the problem. More aggressive treatments such as acid peels and microdermabrasion can also make pores appear smaller for a longer period of time. Proper cleansing, exfoliation and regular extractions are the best remedy to keep pores clean and therefore, smaller in appearance.

The first and most important step in taking care of your skin is cleansing. Proper cleansing takes time and must be done twice a day for beautiful, healthy skin. Don't skip it because you are too tired or too busy.

Night-time is the right-time to invest in your home care routine. As we sleep, our bodies are designed to repair, rejuvenate and regenerate. You can assist this natural process with proper cleansing and treatment creams. Every night before you go to bed, you should spend two minutes massaging in a cleanser suited for your specific skin type. It takes time to emulsify the dirt, oil, makeup and debris deposited throughout the day off our faces and out of our pores.

When you take the time at night to properly cleanse, any products you then use on truly clean skin will perform and penetrate that much better than they will on almost clean skin. You can then do a quick cleanse in the morning to remove drool, sweat and anything else you may have picked up from your hair or pillow case.

The second most important step in treating and preventing large pores is regular facial treatments. Getting facials on a monthly basis for the professional level exfoliation and extractions will greatly benefit the health and appearance of your pores. Our follicular walls lose collagen over time and can collapse. If pores are left clogged with sebum, debris and dead cells (those notorious blackheads) they tend to fill up and stretch out, and if left clogged too long, the pore may no longer be able shrink back to its normal size once cleaned out.

There is nothing more important for your skin than a good home care routine. Daily skin care at home with professional products is actually more beneficial for your skin than getting facials on a regular basis. Regular facials greatly enhance your daily skin care routine and make your skin care goals more achievable. But if you get facials on a monthly basis and then use over the counter, pore-clogging products on a daily basis, you defeat the purpose and the best efforts of your esthetician.

Combining great home care with regular, professional skin care treatments is your best strategy for beautiful skin and healthy (i.e. unnoticeable) pores!