Trick or Treat? 10 Skincare Myths You Shouldn't Fall For
Halloween is the season of tricks and treats—but when it comes to skincare, you don’t want to be tricked into believing myths that keep you from healthy, radiant skin. At McKay Dermatology & MedSpa, we help you separate fact from fiction so you can enjoy the “treats” of glowing, youthful, and healthy skin all year long.
Here are some of the most common skincare myths (tricks!)—and the truths (treats!) you should know:
Trick: “If I start Botox, I’ll have to keep doing it forever.”
Botox works by temporarily relaxing muscles to soften fine lines and wrinkles. If you stop treatments, your skin simply resumes its natural aging process, with a little less creases than before. Consistent Botox can help prevent deeper lines and etched-in creases from forming over time, so your skin may actually look smoother in the long run, even if you stop using it. Most patients choose to keep up with Botox not because they “have to,” but because they love the refreshed, natural results.
At McKay Derm, we offer Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Letybo — all neuromodulators that work by temporarily blocking nerve signals to muscles, causing them to relax and smooth dynamic wrinkles. Catch them on sale at our Forest of Radiance Event, October 17th.
Trick: “Moisturizer is enough for anti-aging.”
Treat: While moisturizer is an important step in any skincare routine, it can only go so far. Moisturizers hydrate the outer layer of skin and temporarily improve its appearance, but they don’t address the deeper changes that happen with aging—like collagen loss, reduced elasticity, or sun damage. That’s why a more comprehensive approach is often needed.
Treatments such as Skinvive provide deep hydration and improve skin texture from within, SkinPen Microneedling stimulates new collagen to smooth fine lines and scars, and medical-grade skincare like Alastin works on a cellular level to support skin health and protect against future damage. Combining professional treatments with good daily habits leads to results that last far longer than moisturizer alone.
Catch our article on the science behind aging here.
Trick: “Lasers will thin your skin.”
Treat: Many people worry that laser treatments will thin the skin, but the opposite is true. Lasers stimulate collagen and elastin production, which strengthens the skin’s foundation and improves tone and texture over time. Treatments like IPL, Lumecca, and CO₂ resurfacing can help fade discoloration, smooth fine lines, and restore a healthier, more radiant complexion.
Double treat: Pairing lasers with skin boosters, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or injectable hydrators can enhance results even further. These additions help the skin repair itself more efficiently, boost collagen production, and leave your skin not only stronger but also more resilient in the long term.
Learn more about laser treatments here.
Catch discounts such as BOGO CO2 treatments, $350 off Morpheus and more at our Forest of Radiance Event, October 17th.
Trick: “With cosmetic treatments you’ll look dramatically different right away.”
Treat: Most professional treatments are designed to create subtle, natural enhancements. Botox and fillers, for example, typically take a few days to settle in, while lasers and microneedling improve gradually as collagen builds. The goal is never to change how you look, but to help you look refreshed and like the best version of yourself.
Trick: “Dark spots will fade on their own over time.”
Treat: Some discoloration may lighten a little, but most dark spots caused by sun damage, hormones, or aging won’t completely disappear without treatment. Left alone, they can even become more pronounced over time. Professional options like laser therapy, IPL, or targeted skincare can safely fade pigmentation and restore a more even, radiant complexion.
Schedule a complimentary skin consultation to discuss your dark spots at our Forest of Radiance Event, October 17th.
Trick: “You can shrink your pores.”
Treat: Unfortunately, pores don’t actually open and close like doors! Their size is mostly genetic — though excess oil and buildup can make them appear larger. The good news? Treatments like microneedling, lasers, and good exfoliation can minimize their appearance and keep your skin looking smooth and refined.
Trick: “You don’t need sunscreen if your makeup has SPF.”
Treat: Makeup with SPF can provide a little extra protection, but it’s not nearly enough on its own. Sunscreen needs to be applied generously and reapplied every two hours to truly protect against UV damage. The good news is sunscreen doesn’t have to feel thick or greasy—modern formulas are lightweight, elegant, and even multitask. For example, ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless protects with broad-spectrum SPF while also delivering peptides and antioxidants to smooth and repair the skin, and the ISDIN Mineral Brush makes applying sunscreen easy on the go without disturbing your makeup.
Find a list of our favorite sunscreen tips and products here.
Catch our skincare products at 20% off during our Forest of Radiance Event, October 17th.
Trick: “Fillers make people look fake or overdone.”
Treat: When performed by skilled injectors, fillers enhance your natural beauty and restore youthful contours without having to look “done.” At McKay Dermatology & MedSpa, you get to choose the level of contour you desire, which we discuss in your complimentary beauty consultation. Our practitioners aren’t afraid to tell you when you don’t need more filler. The goal is always a refreshed version of yourself to achieve the results you desire.
Our providers specialize in natural-looking results with fillers like Restylane, Versa, and Sculptra. Catch these on sale at our Forest of Radiance Event.
Trick: “Acne is just for teenagers.”
Treat: The last time you got a breakout, did you think, “Wait a second—I thought acne was just for teenagers!” You’re not alone. Many adults deal with acne well into their 20s, 30s, and beyond, often triggered by hormones, stress, or even certain skincare products. The good news is that you don’t have to just live with it. With the right combination of professional treatments, prescription options, and supportive skincare, it’s possible to calm inflammation and restore clear, healthy skin at any age.
We offer medical and cosmetic acne treatments—including microneedling and advanced skincare.
Trick: “Skin cancer only develops in areas exposed to the sun.”
Treat: While sun-exposed areas are the most common sites for skin cancer, it can develop anywhere—even in places the sun doesn’t reach, like the scalp under hair, the soles of the feet, or beneath fingernails. This happens because skin cancer isn’t caused by UV exposure alone. Genetics play a role in how likely you are to develop abnormal cell growth, certain immune system conditions, and even some medications or chemicals can also increase risk. That’s why it’s important not to assume you’re “safe” just because a spot isn’t in a sun-exposed area. Regular full-body skin exams allow dermatologists to catch changes early, no matter where they appear.
Schedule your annual skin check with our dermatology team to stay proactive!
How to Get the Real Treats
The best way to enjoy glowing, healthy skin is with a little expert guidance tailored just for you. Maybe you’re hoping to smooth fine lines, brighten dark spots, or simply feel more confident in your skin—we’d love to help. At McKay Dermatology & MedSpa in Stuart, Florida, our complimentary skin consultations are a chance to sit down together, talk through your concerns, and explore the treatments or products that might be the best fit for you. Think of it as a friendly conversation about your skin’s future, with a plan that feels doable and personal.
Special October Highlight: Forest of Radiance Event
On October 17 from 8am–4pm, step into our enchanted MedSpa experience! Enjoy exclusive event specials, glowing treatments, raffle prizes, complimentary consultations, and more. Earn extra raffle entries by coming in costume or bringing a friend new to McKay Derm.
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About McKay Dermatology and MedSpa
McKay Dermatology and Medspa is a premier destination in the Stuart, Florida for the latest and most advanced treatments in skin cancer removal, Mohs surgery, laser treatments, skincare, wrinkle relaxers, massage, and more — all designed to rejuvenate and revitalize your skin while preventing future damage. Their team loves serving patients from all over the Treasure Coast — Palm City, Stuart, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie. Their professional, warm, and friendly atmosphere ensures you’ll receive the best personal attention as they help you look and feel your best.