A med spa doctor reveals the skin care myths you need to stop believing
Scroll through TikTok or Instagram for five minutes and you’ll find countless skin care “gurus” promising miracle results with natural ingredients, multi-step routines, or the latest viral hack. But according to this beauty expert, much of this advice is not only wrong, but could be actively harming your skin.
‘We’re seeing an explosion of skin care misinformation on social media, and it’s leading people to make choices that can damage their skin barrier, worsen existing conditions, or waste money on ineffective treatments,’ says Dr Kevin Hayavi, medical director and managing partner at Beverly Hills Physicians, a premier medical group offering comprehensive beauty and wellness services across southern California.
‘Social media has democratized skin care advice, but it’s also created an environment where misinformation spreads at lightning speed. A video can go viral in hours, reaching millions of people before any medical professional has a chance to fact-check it,’ claims Dr Hayavi. ‘What concerns me most is that these myths often sound plausible. They use scientific-sounding language and appeal to our desire for natural, simple solutions. But skin care isn’t one-size-fits-all, and what works for an influencer might be disastrous for your skin type.’
Natural means safer
One of the most pervasive myths is that products labelled natural, botanical, or organic are automatically gentler and more effective than their synthetic counterparts. The reality is far more complex. Natural ingredients can trigger allergic reactions, cause irritation, and vary wildly in purity depending on their source. Poison ivy is natural, but that doesn’t make it safe for your face. What matters most is the formulation, concentration, delivery system, and stability of ingredients, not whether they come from a plant or a lab. ‘Just because something comes from nature doesn’t mean it’s automatically good for your skin,’ Dr Hayavi explains. ‘Many of the most effective skin care ingredients are synthetically produced to ensure purity and consistency. Meanwhile, some natural ingredients can be highly irritating or comedogenic.’
Oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer
People with oily skin often skip moisturizer, thinking it will make their complexion greasier. This backfires spectacularly. When you strip your skin of moisture, it compensates by producing even more oil, creating a vicious cycle. All skin types need hydration; the key is choosing the right formulation. Oily skin benefits from lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers that provide hydration without clogging pores.
Higher SPF is better
The assumption that SPF 100 is dramatically superior to SPF 30 is misleading. While higher SPF does offer incrementally more protection, the difference isn’t as significant as people think. SPF 30 blocks about 97 per cent of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98 per cent. The bigger issue? Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen or reapply it frequently enough. Proper application and reapplication every two hours matters far more than chasing the highest SPF number on the shelf. ‘You could have SPF 100, but if you’re only applying half the recommended amount, you’re getting a fraction of the protection,’ notes Dr Hayavi.
More steps means better results
The 10-step Korean skin care routine trend convinced a lot of people that layering more products equals better skin. But more isn’t always better. ‘Excessive layering can lead to ingredient conflicts, overwhelm your skin barrier, and create inflammation’, explains Dr Hayavi. ‘A streamlined routine targeting your specific concerns often delivers superior results.’
You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days
Up to 80 per cent of UV rays penetrate clouds, and UVA rays pass through windows. If you’re skipping sunscreen because you’re indoors or it’s overcast, you’re still accumulating UV damage that leads to premature ageing and increases skin cancer risk. Daily broad-spectrum SPF is the single most effective anti-ageing step you can take,’ adds Dr Hayavi.
You need to exfoliate frequently
The idea that daily exfoliation keeps skin glowing is pushing many people toward damaged skin barriers, sensitivity, and chronic irritation. ‘We see so many patients who’ve over-exfoliated their skin trying to achieve that Instagram glow,’ Dr Hayavi says. ‘Your skin barrier is delicate. For most people, exfoliating once or twice a week is plenty.’ Over-exfoliation strips away the protective lipid layer that keeps skin healthy and hydrated, leaving you vulnerable to environmental damage and inflammation.
Misleading miracle ingredients
The latest trend sweeping TikTok involves slathering beef tallow on your face as a “natural” moisturizer and anti-ageing treatment. Dermatologists are sounding the alarm. While beef tallow contains some fatty acids, there’s limited scientific evidence supporting its skin care benefits. More concerning, it’s highly comedogenic for many skin types and raises questions about purity and quality control when sourced from non-cosmetic suppliers. ‘We’ve had people who put cooking ingredients on their faces based on viral videos, and it’s concerning,’ Dr Hayavi warns. ‘These trends spread faster than science can catch up, and by the time we’re seeing patients with adverse reactions, the damage is done.’
Beverly Hills Physicians is a premier medical group offering comprehensive beauty and wellness services, from plastic and cosmetic surgery to bariatric weight loss, gynæcology, and podiatry, across southern California. Their team of board-certified plastic surgeons and weight-loss specialists deliver exceptional care in fully accredited, spa-like facilities. With over 20 surgeons and nearly 200 years of combined experience, BHP emphasizes patient-first service, offering free consultations, financing assistance, and insurance support to make élite treatments accessible.
