2025 Guide: Deep Clean Your Pores with Skin Gritting for Clearer Skin

Have you ever found yourself drawn to blackhead removal videos? If so, skin gritting might be the latest skincare trend to add to your routine.

Skin gritting is a deep cleansing method that combines oil cleansing, clay masks, and facial massage to effectively remove impurities from pores.

What Is Skin Gritting?

This technique focuses on extracting 'grits'—small particles of dirt, dead skin, and blackhead residue—from clogged pores.

These tiny grits are often visible after treatment, resembling minuscule specks on your fingers.

Why Try Skin Gritting?

While not medically necessary, skin gritting offers aesthetic benefits by unclogging pores and reducing their visible size.

Dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki explains that pores, especially on the nose and chin, fill with oxidized keratin, appearing as blackheads.

Removing these can improve the skin’s appearance, but squeezing pores can worsen their size over time.

Many also enjoy the satisfying visual of extracted grits, finding this method gentler than professional pore extraction.

However, experts like Dr. Peterson Pierre recommend professional care for pore extractions.

Effectiveness of Skin Gritting

The effectiveness is debated: some users report cleaner skin and visible extraction, while others question if grits are simply residual clay or dead skin.

Dr. Noushin Payravi notes that black bumps are mainly dead skin buildup, but clay masks can help remove blackheads.

Origins of the Technique

Skin gritting gained popularity around five years ago on skincare forums such as the SkincareAddiction subreddit.

Potential Risks

Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin should exercise caution, as oils, acids, and clay masks can cause irritation or dryness.

Excessive massage may lead to micro-injuries, inflammation, or broken capillaries.

Using oils might sometimes clog pores further, so product choice is crucial.

Popular Skin Gritting Methods

Oil-Clay-Oil Routine

This classic three-step method starts with oil cleansing to soften pores, followed by a clay mask to draw out impurities, and ends with an oil massage to dislodge blackheads gently.

Recommended products include DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil and Tatcha’s Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil for cleansing, plus Aztec Secret’s Indian Healing Clay or Glamglow’s Supermud Clearing Treatment for masks.

Oil-Acid-Clay-Oil Routine

This variation adds an exfoliating acid, typically a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), between the cleansing oil and clay mask to further dissolve dead skin and oil.

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a favored option.

Note: This method may increase irritation risks, so proceed carefully.

Oil-Sleep-Oil Routine

Ideal for those avoiding clay masks or short on time, this simple approach involves applying oil before bed and cleansing with oil the next morning, allowing impurities to surface overnight.

Identifying True Grits

Authentic grits are typically black or gray on one end and lighter in color on the other, reflecting oxidized blackheads.

Completely black particles may be dirt, lint, or product residue.

Grits tend to be small, waxy, and elongated or bulb-shaped, and can be flattened with slight pressure.

Frequency Recommendations

Limit skin gritting to once a week to prevent dryness.

Those with sensitive skin should consider monthly treatments, and individuals with skin conditions should consult a dermatologist before trying.

Signs You’ve Overdone It

Look out for inflammation, broken capillaries, or excessive dryness as indicators of over-massaging or too frequent treatments.

Reduce pressure and frequency or discontinue if symptoms persist.

Minimizing Irritation Risks

Use gentle massage techniques and avoid harsh scrubbing.

Choose mild skincare products and avoid combining too many active ingredients.

As Dr. Pierre advises, less is often more for maintaining healthy skin.

Final Thoughts

Approach skin gritting with realistic expectations and attentive care.

Remember, facial skin is delicate and requires gentle handling.

Results may vary, and if irritation occurs, it’s best to reconsider this method.

Lauren Sharkey is a journalist focused on women’s health and wellness. When not exploring health solutions, she highlights inspiring young activists worldwide. Follow her insights on Twitter.

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