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What is oily skin and how to identify it correctly

← Back to blog August 5, 2026 · 7 min read What is oily skin and how to identify it correctly

  Oily skin is one of the most common skin types, but also one of the most misdiagnosed. Many people think they have oily skin when they actually have dehydrated skin, or vice versa. In this article we explain how to identify it correctly and why natural artisanal soaps are the best option for caring for it.

How to identify oily skin?

  Oily skin is characterized by **excess sebum production** due to overactive sebaceous glands. The clearest signs are:

  • Visible shine on the forehead, nose, and chin (T-zone) hours after washing

  • Enlarged pores, especially on the nose and cheeks

  • Acne tendency — blackheads, whiteheads, or inflamed pimples

  • Makeup “slides off” or looks greasy by midday

  • Thick skin to the touch, with irregular texture

    **Quick test:** Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, dry it well, and wait 2 hours without applying anything. If your forehead and nose are shiny, you have oily skin. If only your nose shines but your cheeks feel tight, you probably have combination skin.

Oily skin vs combination skin vs dehydrated skin

  These three conditions are constantly confused:
  • Oily skin: Shines in the entire T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and cheeks also produce oil. Pores are generally large.
  • Combination skin: Shines only in the T-zone, but cheeks feel dry or tight. It’s the most common type.
  • Dehydrated oily skin: Shines but feels tight or flaky. Many people apply anti-oily products and worsen the problem because the skin produces EVEN MORE oil to compensate for dehydration.

Why does oily skin need natural soaps?

  Conventional industrial soaps often contain **sulfates (SLS/SLES)**, which remove oil aggressively. Paradoxically, this causes the skin to produce EVEN MORE oil to compensate — a vicious cycle.

  Natural artisanal soaps, like those from **Natura Glow**, use selected ingredients that:
  • Clean without aggression — vegetable oils that respect the skin barrier
  • Balance sebum production — ingredients like rice, turmeric, or activated charcoal
  • Contain no sulfates or parabens — clean formulas with real ingredients
  • Traditional curing — 6 weeks of curing that make the bar more durable and gentle

The best natural ingredients for oily skin

  • Coffee: Natural exfoliant that stimulates circulation and controls excess oil
  • Rice: Regulates shine, brightens skin, and leaves a velvety texture
  • Turmeric: Natural anti-inflammatory that evens skin tone and controls oil
  • Activated charcoal: Draws out impurities and toxins without stealing moisture
  • Oregano: Powerful antifungal, ideal for acne-prone skin

Basic routine for oily skin

  • Cleansing: A natural artisanal soap (like Coffee or Charcoal) — twice daily

  • Toner: Rose water or green tea (optional but recommended)

  • Light moisturizer: Yes, even oily skin needs hydration — use an oil-free gel or cream

  • Sunscreen: SPF 30+ daily, regardless of weather

    **Key tip:** Don't wash your face more than twice a day. Excess washing stimulates oil production.

Why start with an artisanal soap?

  The soap is the most important step in your routine. If you use an aggressive soap, everything you apply afterward won't work well. A natural artisanal soap like Natura Glow's gives you a clean, balanced base free of aggressive chemicals — without needing a 10-step routine.

  If you want to try it, our **Complete Ritual Kit** includes everything you need to start: artisanal soap, body scrub, hand cream, and sisal bag.