In Nigeria, where the heat and humidity are ever-present, it’s easy to confuse natural radiance with excess oil. That soft, fresh look everyone admires can sometimes turn into an unwanted shine. Telling the difference goes beyond appearances; it shows you how to care for your skin properly.

What Healthy Skin Feels Like

Healthy, glowing skin looks bright without feeling heavy. It has a smooth texture, even tone, and a subtle, natural glow. When light hits it, your skin reflects gently rather than looking oily or wet. Most importantly, it feels comfortable, hydrated, and breathable, not sticky or weighed down. Simple habits like drinking enough water, eating a balanced diet, and using gentle skincare products often make this kind of skin possible.

How to Spot Greasy Skin

Greasy skin is caused by excess oil and usually shows up on the forehead, nose, and chin. Unlike natural brightness, this shine can feel oily to the touch and stay visible throughout the day. Enlarged pores or occasional breakouts often accompany it. Greasy skin is common in warmer climates; however, it can be managed with the right routine.

Quick Home Test

You don’t need fancy tools to check your skin. Press a clean tissue on your face for a few seconds. If it picks up noticeable oil, your skin is on the greasier side. If the tissue comes away mostly clean, your skin is likely healthy and glowing. Pay attention to how your skin feels too. Comfortable and soft usually signals a healthy glow, while sticky or heavy indicates oiliness.

Simple Skincare Adjustments

For a natural glow, focus on hydration. Lightweight moisturizers or aloe-based creams keep your skin soft without weighing it down. Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin and enhance brightness. If oiliness is a problem, try oil-free products and clay masks to control shine without drying out your skin.

With a little attention, it’s easy to tell radiant skin apart from greasy skin. It is even easier to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

Dark spots start small, a faint patch here, a tiny mark there, but they can linger longer than you expect. Many of us unknowingly make choices that make these spots darker or more stubborn. From over-scrubbing to skipping sunscreen, these everyday habits can quietly worsen pigmentation. Here’s how to give your skin the care it really needs.

Over-Exfoliating Your Skin

Scrubbing too hard or using strong chemical exfoliants might feel like progress, but it can irritate the skin and trigger more dark spots. Think of it like rubbing a stain on fabric; too much friction just makes it worse. Gentle exfoliation, no more than a few times a week, is enough to keep your skin smooth without causing damage.

Skipping Sunscreen

Even on cloudy days, UV rays can darken existing spots. Relying on a light moisturizer with SPF or skipping sunscreen entirely gives pigmentation free rein. A broad-spectrum sunscreen applied every morning is essential for keeping dark spots from getting worse.

Picking or Popping Pimples

Squeezing blemishes pushes bacteria deeper into your skin, leaving scars that can last for months. Resist the urge to pick, and let blemishes heal naturally. This is the best way to prevent long-lasting marks.

Using the Wrong Products

Some whitening creams promise quick results but often irritate the skin and worsen pigmentation. Instead, look for gentle ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, or licorice extract. They help fade dark spots safely over time.

Neglecting a Consistent Routine

Fading dark spots is not about a one-time miracle. A steady routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and daily sun protection works best. Consistency is the key to seeing real, lasting improvement.

Dark spots can be frustrating, but most of the time, worsening them comes down to simple missteps. Treat your skin gently, protect it from the sun, and follow a consistent routine. Over time, those stubborn marks can fade, and your skin can regain its natural, even tone.

For many Nigerians, shea butter is more than a beauty product; it’s woven into daily life. From childhood, we’ve witnessed its magic on dry skin, cracked lips, and coarse hair. Its rich, creamy texture has made it a staple in homes across the country, passed down through generations. Today, as shea butter takes centre stage in modern skincare routines, a common question arises: can this age-old balm trigger breakouts?

Why the Worry?

Shea butter is prized for its deep moisturising properties, creating a protective barrier that locks in hydration. That same thickness, however, can be a double-edged sword. For skin prone to clogged pores, heavy application may lead to pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads. The concern is particularly strong among people who experience oily or combination skin, where excess oils sit on the skin’s surface rather than absorbing efficiently.

Skin Type Matters

Not all skin responds the same way to shea butter. Dry and sensitive skin types often find it soothing, restorative, and protective against harsh weather conditions. Conversely, those with oily or acne-prone skin may notice more frequent breakouts when shea butter is applied directly to the face. The key lies in how your skin handles dense, occlusive oils: what nourishes one person might feel overwhelming for another.

How to Use It Wisely 

You don’t need to abandon shea butter entirely. Many skincare enthusiasts keep it reserved for the body, applying it to elbows, knees, heels, and other areas that need extra moisture. For the face, lighter oils or non-comedogenic creams may be a better option. If you love shea butter for facial care, try whipped formulations or products where it is blended with lighter ingredients, allowing your skin to enjoy the benefits without feeling clogged or heavy.

The Bottom Line

Shea butter remains one of nature’s treasures, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The best guide is your own skin: if your face stays clear, smooth, and hydrated, continue using it. If breakouts appear, consider limiting it to the body. Thoughtful application ensures you enjoy the nourishing benefits of shea butter while keeping your complexion healthy and balanced.