Reddit How to Skin Grit

There are many things I associate with Reddit but skincare is not one; that's not to say there isn't forums full of great advice, it is more to do with the fact I tend to read up on unresolved mysteries over all else. Well perhaps topping the weirdest-things -list -of -Reddit -discoveries is skin gritting - a new and novel way to eradicate blackheads, that many are currently heralding as the ultimate quick fix for the problem once and for all.

To the best of my understanding, there are two methods to skin grit:

A, what I've affectionately dubbed as the cleanse sandwich: first you cleanse, dry skin with an oil cleanser, rinse, dry and apply a clay based mask before following up with another oil based cleanse.

B, or the AHA/BHA cleansing method: you use either a AHA or BHA cleanser, allow to dry and then double cleanse with an oil based cleanser.

What both methods have in common is: a deep cleanse, a lot of oil and skin massage - simple but apparently effective. The idea is that by doing employing such steps, you bring any trapped dirt, grime and sebum, to the surface of the skin via the mask or cleanser, and by combining the emollient quality of the oil you will loosen and free such trapped "grit".

Now I know you are have two questions: did I try skin gritting out for myself and was it effective? You can bet your Reddit-browsing-ass that I gave it a whirl; I decided to try the more traditional approach of using the mask and oil combination in the hope of removing any blackheads on my face. I'd love to tell you it was a hugely successful operation but the truth is not much happened (not a single "grit" in sight) other than my skin was treated to a papering evening of cleansers and general tender, loving, care.

Admittedly just about every article - including the original Reddit thread - states that you do have to apply the second oil cleanse with a certain amount of vigour, but -and this is a huge but (a lot like my own) - from fear of bursting callipharies, I was reserved in terms of pressure. I did work against the grain of my skin but may not have been as firm as I needed, to properly benefit from the technique. I also should mention I do go for regular facials and double cleanse every single evening, so perhaps I'm not the best candidate on that aspect alone.

All things considered I can't say I'm mad at the technique; my skin was left feeling softer and had a peachy, plump appearance and glowed - much like after a pricey skin treatment. I'm guessing the thorough massage is to credit here? If you decide to try either method of skin gritting out for yourself, please ensure your skin is not easily sensitised; and please for the love of all things good, do not overly exert your complexion; broken calipharies are no joke and will require pricey laser treatment.

The things we do in the quest for better skin huh?

I do apologise that my photo has been created to suit this article, I promise I have "gritted" on more than one occasion with no avail, and a photo that does not make.