In the age of social media beauty gurus and viral skincare trends, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction when it comes to caring for your skin. At Bahtivo, we believe that effective skincare should be based on science rather than hype. That's why we've partnered with a panel of dermatologists and skincare experts to address some of the most persistent myths circulating in the beauty world today.

Let's dive into these misconceptions and uncover the evidence-based truth behind them.

Myth #1: Natural Ingredients Are Always Better and Safer Than Synthetic Ones

The Myth: Many people believe that "natural" or "organic" ingredients are inherently safer and more effective than their synthetic counterparts. This has led to the rise of "clean beauty" marketing that often demonizes synthetic ingredients.

Expert Reality Check: "The distinction between natural and synthetic ingredients isn't particularly meaningful from a safety or efficacy perspective," explains Dr. Sunisa Chaikul, a board-certified dermatologist who works with Bahtivo. "Poison ivy is natural, but you wouldn't want it in your face cream. Conversely, many synthetic ingredients have excellent safety profiles and have been extensively tested."

What matters most is:

  • The specific properties of an ingredient, regardless of source
  • The concentration and formulation of the ingredient
  • How the ingredient interacts with your unique skin

At Bahtivo, we prioritize natural ingredients because of Thailand's rich botanical tradition, but we evaluate each ingredient based on scientific evidence, not marketing categories. When necessary for stability, effectiveness, or preservation, we thoughtfully incorporate safe synthetic components.

Myth #2: You Need a 10-Step Routine for Healthy Skin

The Myth: Popularized by K-beauty influencers, elaborate multi-step routines have convinced many people that more products equal better results. This has led to consumers using multiple serums, essences, ampoules, and treatments daily.

Expert Reality Check: "Most people don't need more than 3-4 steps in their skincare routine," says Kannika Phongsathon, cosmetic formulator and skincare scientist. "When you layer too many active ingredients, you risk irritation, barrier damage, and product inactivation as ingredients can neutralize each other."

A science-backed routine typically includes:

  1. Cleansing with a pH-balanced cleanser
  2. Treatment with 1-2 targeted active ingredients
  3. Moisturizing appropriate to your skin type
  4. Sun protection during the day

"Consistency with a few well-formulated products will almost always outperform rotating through dozens of products," Kannika adds. "It's also better for your skin barrier and your wallet."

Myth #3: Pores Open and Close

The Myth: Many beauty rituals suggest using hot water or steam to "open pores" and cold water to "close them." This belief has led to recommendations about washing with specific water temperatures for better cleansing or product absorption.

Expert Reality Check: "Pores don't have muscles, so they physically cannot open and close," clarifies Dr. Chaikul. "What actually happens is that warm temperatures can soften the sebum (oil) in your pores, making it easier to remove during cleansing, while cold temperatures can cause temporary vasoconstriction that makes pores appear smaller."

Instead of focusing on temperature extremes, experts recommend:

  • Using lukewarm water for cleansing (avoid hot water, which can damage your skin barrier)
  • Regular exfoliation with BHAs like salicylic acid to keep pores clear
  • Retinoids for long-term pore regulation
  • Oil-control products if you have naturally larger pores due to sebum production

Myth #4: Higher SPF Numbers Provide Significantly Better Protection

The Myth: Many consumers believe that SPF 100 offers twice the protection of SPF 50, leading to a false sense of security with very high SPF products.

Expert Reality Check: "The relationship between SPF number and protection is not linear," explains Dr. Chaikul. "SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, SPF 50 blocks about 98%, and SPF 100 blocks about 99%. The difference between 50 and 100 is marginal, and focusing too much on high numbers can be misleading."

What's more important than an extremely high SPF is:

  • Applying enough sunscreen (most people use less than half the recommended amount)
  • Reapplying every two hours when outdoors
  • Ensuring your sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB)
  • Complementing sunscreen with protective clothing and shade

Myth #5: You Don't Need Moisturizer If You Have Oily Skin

The Myth: People with oily or acne-prone skin often avoid moisturizers, believing they'll make their skin greasier or cause breakouts.

Expert Reality Check: "Oil and hydration are two completely different things," says Kannika. "Your skin can be both oily and dehydrated simultaneously. In fact, when oily skin becomes dehydrated, it often produces even more oil to compensate, creating a vicious cycle."

For oily skin types, experts recommend:

  • Lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers
  • Formulations with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin
  • Gel or lotion textures rather than heavy creams
  • Ingredients like niacinamide that can regulate sebum production

"Skipping moisturizer can actually worsen oiliness and trigger inflammation," adds Dr. Chaikul. "The key is finding the right formulation for your specific skin."

Myth #6: Expensive Products Are Always Better

The Myth: There's a widespread belief that higher price tags correlate directly with better quality and results in skincare.

Expert Reality Check: "Price often reflects marketing budgets, packaging costs, and brand positioning rather than superior formulations," explains Kannika. "I've analyzed luxury creams that use essentially the same base formula as much more affordable products with slightly different fragrance and packaging."

When evaluating products, experts suggest focusing on:

  • Active ingredient concentrations and positioning on the ingredient list
  • Evidence-based ingredients with published research
  • The overall formulation and delivery system
  • Whether the product addresses your specific skin concerns

"Some of the most effective ingredients in skincare—like niacinamide, certain peptides, and antioxidants—don't need to be expensive to work well," says Dr. Chaikul. "What matters is the quality of the formulation and the evidence behind it."

Myth #7: Anti-Aging Products Can Erase Wrinkles

The Myth: Marketing often suggests that topical products can "erase" or "reverse" wrinkles, leading to unrealistic expectations.

Expert Reality Check: "No topical product can permanently erase established wrinkles—that's simply not how skin biology works," says Dr. Chaikul. "What good skincare can do is improve skin texture, boost hydration (which temporarily plumps wrinkles), increase cell turnover, and stimulate collagen production for gradual improvement."

The most evidence-backed ingredients for age-related concerns include:

  • Retinoids (prescription retinoids have the strongest evidence)
  • Vitamin C (especially L-ascorbic acid at 10-20%)
  • Peptides for collagen signaling
  • AHAs for surface exfoliation and renewal
  • Sunscreen (the most effective anti-aging product by preventing further damage)

"Setting realistic expectations is important," adds Kannika. "Good products can make a significant improvement over time, but they work gradually and have biological limits. For more dramatic results, in-office procedures are necessary."

Myth #8: Natural Oils Make Great Moisturizers for Everyone

The Myth: Single-ingredient natural oils (coconut, olive, argan, etc.) are often promoted as perfect moisturizers for all skin types.

Expert Reality Check: "While natural oils can be beneficial, they're not universal solutions and can actually exacerbate certain skin conditions," explains Dr. Chaikul. "For example, coconut oil is highly comedogenic (pore-clogging) and can trigger breakouts in acne-prone skin, while olive oil can damage the skin barrier with long-term use for some people."

When considering oils, experts recommend:

  • Understanding your skin type and specific needs
  • Recognizing that oils provide occlusion but not hydration (they trap moisture but don't add it)
  • Considering formulated products that balance oils with other beneficial ingredients
  • Patch testing new oils before applying to your entire face

"Some oils like squalane, jojoba, and rosehip tend to work for a wider range of skin types, but there's still no one-size-fits-all solution," says Kannika. "What works wonderfully for one person might cause problems for another."

Myth #9: You Should Switch Products When Your Skin Gets "Used To" Them

The Myth: Many people believe skincare products stop working over time because the skin "gets used to them" or builds tolerance.

Expert Reality Check: "This is largely a misconception driven by initial results versus maintenance," explains Dr. Chaikul. "When you first use an effective product, you might see dramatic improvement as it addresses existing concerns. Once those issues improve, you move into a maintenance phase where changes are less noticeable—but that doesn't mean the product stopped working."

Rather than constantly switching products, experts suggest:

  • Giving products adequate time to work (at least 4-12 weeks for most actives)
  • Understanding that maintenance is success, not failure
  • Adjusting routines seasonally or as your skin's needs change
  • Taking progress photos to objectively track results

"The exception is if you develop irritation or a new skin concern that your current products don't address," adds Kannika. "Then it makes sense to reevaluate your routine."

Myth #10: Facial Exercises Prevent Wrinkles

The Myth: Facial yoga and exercises are often promoted as natural ways to tone facial muscles and prevent or reduce wrinkles.

Expert Reality Check: "The evidence for facial exercises preventing wrinkles is extremely limited, and they might actually contribute to wrinkles in some cases," says Dr. Chaikul. "Dynamic wrinkles form precisely because of repeated muscle movements. While some gentle massage techniques may temporarily improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, exercises that involve repetitive creasing of the skin could potentially accelerate wrinkle formation."

For evidence-based wrinkle prevention, experts recommend:

  • Consistent sun protection
  • Topical antioxidants
  • Retinoids
  • Adequate hydration and barrier support
  • Avoiding smoking and minimizing pollution exposure

The Truth About Skincare: It's Personal

After addressing these common myths, perhaps the most important takeaway is that skincare is highly individual. What works beautifully for one person might irritate another, and the "perfect routine" varies dramatically based on skin type, concerns, climate, age, and even genetics.

"The biggest myth of all might be that there's a universal solution for everyone," concludes Dr. Chaikul. "Great skincare comes from understanding your unique skin, learning about ingredients and their functions, and patiently observing how your skin responds to different approaches."

At Bahtivo, we embrace this philosophy by offering customization options and education to help you build a routine that works for your specific needs. We believe that informed choices, not trending fads, lead to the healthiest skin.

What skincare myths have you encountered or questioned? Share your experiences in the comments below!