Is oil gritting an effective method for getting rid of blackheads?

In the past few months, the beauty industry has seen a surge in the popularity of a new skincare technique known as oil gritting. With claims of delivering glowing, blemish-free skin, this method has captured the attention of skincare enthusiasts worldwide. But what exactly is oil gritting, and can it truly deliver on its promises?

In simple terms, oil gritting typically refers to a skincare technique that involves using oil-based products to cleanse the skin deeply and remove impurities, such as blackheads and clogged pores. The process usually consists of massaging a specific type of oil, often mineral oil or oil-based cleansers on the face for 10 to 15 minutes in circular motions until you feel these oil grits coming out. Once you’re done cleansing, it is recommended to apply a clay mask as massaging your face continuously for more than 10 minutes can potentially strip away some of the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness or irritation. 

This oil massaging technique is believed to offer several benefits for the skin. Read on: 

Deep cleansing: Many believe that oil gritting deeply cleanses the pores by dissolving and removing excess oil, dirt, and impurities that can lead to blackheads and clogged pores, resulting in clearer, smoother-looking skin. 

Exfoliation: The gentle massage involved in oil gritting can also help to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, which helps improve the skin’s texture and tone. 

Pore minimising: By effectively cleansing the pores and removing debris, some believe that oil gritting may help minimise the appearance of enlarged pores and remove sebaceous filaments gently. 

Hydrates your skin: Many oil-based cleansers used in oil gritting contain nourishing ingredients that are believed to help hydrate and moisturise the skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and refreshed. 

While many swear by oil gritting as a blackhead-busting miracle and a technique that gently gets rid of sebaceous filaments on your skin, the jury’s still out among skincare experts.

How to do oil gritting? 

Start by selecting the right oil suited to your skin type. You can select from jojoba or almond oil or opt for an oil-based cleanser. These choices are gentle on your skin and won’t clog pores. Once chosen, thoroughly cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser to remove any make-up, dirt, or impurities. Follow it up with a few drops of your selected oil and massage it onto your skin, focusing on congested areas like the nose and chin. Continue massaging your face in circular motions for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then, exfoliate your skin with a gentle exfoliator, to lift away the softened impurities. Finally, wipe off the oil and exfoliator using a soft, damp cloth. You will notice tiny beads of dirt and as mentioned by many, sebaceous filaments or blackheads coming off your skin. 

Does it work?

Recent discussions with skincare experts and dermatologists have shed new light on these gritty and grainy particles that are associated with oil gritting. Contrary to popular belief, these granular remnants are not necessarily blackheads or sebaceous filaments. Instead, these are just clusters of dead skin cells. While it does cleanse excess oil from the skin’s surface and can be used to remove make-up, it may not penetrate deeply enough to target and remove sebaceous filaments.

Some experts suggest that similar results to oil gritting can easily be accomplished by regularly cleansing your face with any gentle cleanser or even massaging for an extended period. These methods effectively slough off dead skin cells and help to get that fresher, smoother skin you desire.

Those with sensitive skin need to approach his technique with caution as the massage involved in oil gritting can be too harsh for sensitive skin, leading to irritation, redness, and discomfort. As they tend to have a compromised skin barrier, extended massage sessions and frequent exfoliation during oil gritting may strip away too much natural oil from the skin which often leads to dryness, tightness, and further sensitivity. Some experts even recommend using a cleansing oil or beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, and topical retinoids to help unclog pores instead. 

If you're looking to try oil gritting, ahead we have curated a list of some of our favourite products that will help you achieve that blemish-free skin you desire.

Mary Cohr Brightening Cleansing Oil, ₹3,200

 

Pixi Clarity Cleanser With Salicylic Acid, ₹1,674

 

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, ₹1,200