There seems to be a new skin-care hack circulating social media each week, but rarely are these trends actually good expert-approved techniques. Oil gritting has become popular among people trying to clear out pores with oil on oil combat. Before rubbing oil on our face for 15 minutes in hopes a blackhead unearths itself we asked board-certified dermatologists for their take on the trend.
While two experts had heard about oil gritting, another was shocked. “I didn’t know about this oil gritting, but oh my goodness, when I looked it up…this is ridiculous,” says Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby. Hear what else the experts had to say below.
Featured experts
- Dr. Janet Allenby is a board-certified dermatologist in Delray Beach, FL
- Dr. Deborah Longwill is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- Nina Hartman, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Washington D.C.
What is oil gritting?
“Oil gritting is a skin-care technique that involves massaging the skin with an oil, such as cleansing oil, and then using another product to help draw out impurities from the pores,” explains Miami, FL dermatologist Deborah Longwill, MD. “The name ‘gritting’ comes from the small, grainy texture that people claim to feel when impurities like sebum plugs or blackheads are lifted from the pores.” Washington D.C. dermatologist Nina Hartman, MD notes that massaging the oil tends to take 10 to 15 minutes and is sometimes followed by a clay mask.
What are the proposed benefits of oil gritting?
Dr. Hartman says oil gritting is “thought to be a way to remove blackheads, unclog pores and decongest the skin,” but she’s not totally sold. Dr. Longwill says “deep cleansing and improved skin texture” are potential benefits, but she’s just as skeptical. “If somebody really does have acne, the only benefit I can think of is that using oil to dissolve oil can sometimes be the best way of removing it,” says Dr. Allenby, but she notes there are better options.
What are the potential risks of oil gritting?
Longwill warns that “if you use the wrong products you may cause skin irritation, breakouts and skin barrier damage.” Dr. Hartman notes that some “oil-based products can worsen acne and blackheads, especially in those with acne-prone skin.”
Even with the right products, things could go wrong. “Oil gritting can be too rough for some people and cause more harm than good. The products used and the massage itself can cause irritation, redness, inflammation and even dehydration of the skin,” says Dr. Hartman.
Do you recommend oil gritting?
“If you’re prone to acne, blackheads and pimples, this would not be an ideal way of treating your face to me. This is a big thumbs down,” says Dr. Allenby. Dr. Hartman agrees, noting that “given the risk of irritation and the lack of evidence that this technique actually improves blackheads or comedonal acne, I do not recommend oil gritting to my patients.”
However, Dr. Longwill says it’s possible oil gritting could be beneficial for those with oily or combination skin who are dealing with clogged pores. She notes that if you try the technique, you should always use a non-comedogenic cleansing oil and finish with hydration. She recommends people with sensitive skin skip oil gritting altogether and recommends double cleansing with a moisturizing cleanser instead.
What should someone do instead of oil gritting?
“We have many other products and devices that have been clinically studied to help with skin congestion. I often prescribe topical retinol and/or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) for exfoliation/decongestion of the skin,” says Dr. Hartman. “There are also lasers and devices to help minimize the appearance of pores. It is best to see a board-certified dermatologist to ensure you have a personalized treatment plan that works for you and your skin type.”
