If you are always searching for the latest skin care trends, you might have heard of skin gritting. This deep pore cleansing method has taken the beauty world by storm and has quickly found its way into beauty routines. This method involves multiple steps to dislodge dirt from your skin pores and minimize breakouts. Keep reading to understand the benefits of skin gritting, learn the step-by-step process, and precautions to take.
Popularized by Skincare Addiction Community on Reddit in 2015, skin gritting is a method of removing blackheads from your pores.
Gritting combines a number of techniques, such as oil cleansing, applying clay masks, and facial massaging, to help dislodge the grits buried deep in your skin. Grits form due to your pores being clogged with dirt, dead skin, or leftover makeup. Once these clogged pores come in contact with air, they oxidize and become blackheads. People with oily skin tend to have larger pores which fill up with sebum. This can make your skin more prone to developing blackheads, acne, or blemishes. Other than removing blackheads, it gives your skin a shinier and smoother appearance. While people are still not sure if this method works, let us look at the possible benefits gritting may offer.
With the internet still confused about whether to try it or not, fans of this method claim that gritting may benefit you in the following ways:
Stephanie Bailey, a YouTuber, shares her experience of skin gritting in the video. Despite high hopes, the results are underwhelming; the blackheads didn’t “slide out” as claimed. However, the combination of oil and charcoal left her skin feeling smoother and clearer. She says, “My skin feels like is a lot more rejuvenated from the oil going in after the clay mask so I feel like it really opened up my pores and then you know putting the oil and just really made it feel lovely it feels incredibly smooth and healthy right now which is a good thing but at the end of the day it didn’t do what it said it did I feel like I’m on like Mythbusters right now (i).
With the benefits of gritting listed above, let’s read now about the different methods of gritting.
These are the three methods popularly used to get rid of skin grits. They are:
This method involves two products— pure carrier oil and clay mask. It can be done in three steps.
This method involves adding one extra step to your gritting routine— exfoliation. Consumers who use this method suggest incorporating an exfoliating acid solution, preferably one with beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) into the routine. BHAs, especially salicylic acid, have been used as an exfoliating agent which stimulates the exfoliation of the skin cells. This results in the removal of dead cells from your skin and promotes cell renewal (3), (4).
Pro Tip
For clay masks, look for ones with exfoliating beads that help remove blackheads. And use a silicone scrubber to remove the mask easily.
If you are someone with little time on your hands or sensitive skin, this routine is the one for you. This method requires just two things— oil and sleep.
You can choose and try any of the above methods according to your convenience and your skin type. In the next section, we look at some of the precautions to consider before you start skin gritting.
You must keep these tips in mind before you go for gritting.
Wondering if you should follow his procedure every day? Let’s find out
It is highly recommended that you only do skin gritting only once a week. More than that can result in dry skin. Using oil or an exfoliating agent may result in skin irritation or inflammation. If you feel any discomfort or see your skin drying too often, stop it altogether. How do you know what is coming out from your skin are grits and not anything else? Let’s look into the next section to figure that out.
According to Reddit users, grits will have a black or grey top with a yellow or white bottom. If you see that both ends are black, then it is not a grit. Followers of this method claim that chances are that it is dirt. Another thing to keep in mind is that not all grits will be big in shape. Some can be small, thin, and waxy in texture. This means if you try to flatten them and they don’t, then chances are they aren’t grits. While skin gritting may have its benefits, there are a few risk factors that you need to keep in mind.
These are a few risks you must keep in mind before you opt for gritting.
Pro Tip
Pay attention while massaging your face! Too much pressure can result in broken capillaries and micro-cuts, from clay residue, that may lead to hyperpigmentation.
Skin gritting is a deep pore cleansing method that involves decongesting the pores by removing dirt, makeup, or dead skin. While there is no scientific evidence to support the efficacy of skin gritting, proponents of this method claim it helps remove dead skin, promotes blood circulation, and improves overall skin health. As per your skin needs, you can opt for the oil-clay-oil, oil-sleep-oil, or oil-acid-clay-oil methods. Remember to remove the exfoliating agent completely to prevent dry or red skin. If you have skin conditions like eczema or sensitive skin, consult your doctor before trying skin gritting.
Can you use coconut oil for Skin gritting?
No. Coconut oil can clog your pores more. It is ideal to use specially formulated oil cleansers made for this method (5).
Can skin gritting shrink pores?
No. While gritting can help get the dirt and grime out of your skin, it does not reduce the size of your pores.
It is time to conquer blackheads! Here is a comprehensive tutorial and a step-by-step guide on skin gritting and achieving a clearer complexion. Click here to watch the video now!
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
(i). SKIN GRITTING // CRAZY Blackhead Removal Method!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA-O6KDhmQ5
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Bianca Lorena Saldes is a Registered Cosmetic Nurse and Esthetic Educator with over five years of experience in the field. Her expertise lies in anti-aging treatments, and she aims to help individuals feel confident and look their best.
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Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
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Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
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Swathi holds a postgraduate degree in English Literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam. With over three years of experience writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle, she is also a certified skin care coach.
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