Blackheads (blackheads) in the nose area often make you feel self-conscious. Recently, the trend of removing blackheads using the oil gritting method has become popular on social media such as TikTok. What is the oil gritting method like, and what are the benefits and side effects for the skin? Check out the review in the following article.
What is the Oil Gritting Method?
The oil gritting method, also known as skin gritting, is a technique for cleaning the face using a combination of oil-based facial cleanser, clay mask, and facial massage to remove blackheads. To do this method, you only need to apply cleansing oil all over your face, leave it for 5 minutes, then massage gently. The results of the massage will produce blackheads and dirt that can be seen with the naked eye.
Some people continue the skin gritting method by using a clay mask. However, many also continue by washing their face with facial soap to clean the remaining oil stuck to the skin.
Read more: Difference Between Sebaceous Filaments And Black Comedo
Is the Oil Gritting Method Effective?
In the oil gritting method, black remains of dirt come off the face. Many people think this dirt is sebaceous filaments, fine hairs that cover skin pores that have an appearance similar to blackheads. However, as reported by Byrdie, this dirt is actually a buildup of dead skin cells. Sebaceous filaments themselves are actually normal things experienced by anyone because they come from the oil glands and cannot be removed permanently.
According to dermatologists, the oil gritting method can clean excess oil on the skin and help the skin exfoliate from piles of dead skin cells. However, this method is actually not much different from other facial cleansing methods because it cannot penetrate the oil glands. The particles that come out when using this method are actually small clumps of dead skin cells, not sebaceous filaments. So, while rubbing in oil may help exfoliate the skin, the claims made in this viral TikTok video are not supported by any scientific evidence.
For those with sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or those who currently have acne, this method is not recommended by experts. Massaging the facial area for too long and vigorously can worsen acne inflammation and trigger irritation. However, if you have normal skin or don't have problems with the oil balance levels on your face, you can probably apply this method every day.
When using oil for oil gritting, it is best to choose a type of oil that is formulated as cleansing oil. Currently, there are many vegetable oils on the market that are also used for skincare, but you should choose an oil that is safe to use on facial skin. For example, if you want to use olive oil for your face, choose olive oil that is formulated for facial skincare.
Read more: Is It Effective To Use Pore Packs To Repel Comedys?
How to Remove Blackheads on the Face
Blackheads can be divided into two types, namely whiteheads and blackheads. Whiteheads are pores that are blocked by a buildup of oil and dead skin cells, while blackheads are blackheads that have undergone oxidation so that they have a blackish appearance at the tips. Unlike blackheads, clogged pores remain open, and dead skin and inhibiting oil remain exposed to the air.
To remove blackheads, you can use skincare products made from salicylic acid, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol. Apart from that, you can also do home treatments such as using tea tree oil, scrubbing with sugar or salt, and using green tea leaves for exfoliation.
You can try the oil gritting method, which is popular on social media, to help cleanse your face of blackheads. However, if after trying it signs of irritation appear, you should stop the method.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Monica Salim
Deng, D. (2024). Oil Gritting Is Trending on TikTok—But Is It the Real Deal?. Available from: https://www.byrdie.com/oil-gritting-8431875
Sharkey, L. (2019). Everything You Need to Know About Skin Gritting. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/gritting
Cleveland Clinic. Sebaceous Filamenst. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24571-sebaceous-filaments
Berry, J., Barrell, A. (2020). Sebaceous filaments: What to know. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sebaceous-filaments
Cleveland Clinic. Blackheads. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22038-blackheads
WebMD Editorial Contributors. (2023). How to Remove a Comedo. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/how-to-remove-a-comedo