This Weird Blackhead Removal Trick Is Every Pimple-Popper’s Dream
Interesting idea for clearing skin — but does it work?
If all those cringeworthy pore-stripping videos or gooey Dr. Pimple Popper posts give you a deep-seated burst of pleasure, then you’ve come to the right place. Behold the blackhead removal trend you wish existed when you were a teenager. (Or maybe that’s just me?) Prepare yourselves, because what you’re about to see is pretty gross — but also weirdly satisfying.
Users on Reddit, a digital conversation forum where any and every topic is up for discussion, swear by a process called “gritting” to effectively remove blackheads. The cleanse has three steps: First, you wash your face with an oil-based cleanser. Next, you apply a clay mask. Lastly, you apply another round of the oil-based cleanser, dedicating a considerable amount of time to rubbing it into your skin.
The clay works to pull out congestion deep in your pores, so when you give your face that final rinse, you will supposedly be able to see the dirt wash away. As an added benefit, Reddit users claim you won’t risk breaking capillaries or suffering from other types of skin damage associated with trying to squeeze out those unsightly blemishes.
In an interview with Refinery29, dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi argued that the technique may be effective, as the physical exfoliation of the oil cleanse, combined with the extracting properties of the clay mask, can bring congestion to the surface of your pores. But she also warned that the technique may not be suitable for all skin types.
“Clay is known to have the ability to grab the debris and then lift it out of pores,” she explained. “But people with sensitive skin should be very careful with this type of treatment, since the combination of clay (which can be drying) and rigorous exfoliation could be way too irritating.”
So, do you think you’ll be trying out this new method? We can only hope it’s as nauseatingly effective as it looks.
