AI in Dermatology: How Gen Z is Turning to ChatGPT for Skincare Advice
Teran Subasinghe (MBCS)
Teran Subasinghe (MBCS)
Computer Science Teacher KS3 to 6th Form – Hoe Valley School, Woking, UK | Lecturer in IT at Live College | Freelance Web Developer
March 18, 2025
The AI-Driven Skincare Revolution
A decade ago, skincare advice largely came from dermatologists, beauty experts, and product labels. Today, there’s a new player in the game: AI chatbots like ChatGPT. Instead of booking a dermatologist appointment or browsing through endless product reviews, Gen Z is increasingly turning to AI for instant, personalized skincare advice.
Is this a skincare revolution or a risky shift? Let’s explore how AI is reshaping the way Gen Z approaches skincare.
Why is Gen Z Turning to AI for Skincare?
Instant Accessibility – Traditional dermatology appointments can be costly and time-consuming. AI chatbots, on the other hand, provide instant responses 24/7 without waiting lists or consultation fees.
Hyper-Personalization – AI models can process individual concerns (e.g., acne, dryness, or sensitivity) and suggest products based on user input, mimicking personalized dermatological advice.
Skincare as a Digital Trend – TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have already reshaped skincare discussions. AI is the next step, integrating tech-savvy skincare recommendations into Gen Z’s digital lifestyle.
Skepticism Toward Traditional Marketing – Younger consumers are wary of influencer-sponsored content and paid promotions. AI is perceived as a neutral and unbiased advisor (though this is debatable).
How ChatGPT & AI Models Provide Skincare Advice
AI chatbots analyze skincare concerns based on user-provided information, such as:
Skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive)
Common issues (acne, dark spots, aging signs)
Preferred skincare ingredients (e.g., niacinamide, retinol, hyaluronic acid)
Budget and product preferences
The AI then suggests routines, ingredients to avoid, and even specific products. Some platforms integrate AI with e-commerce, providing direct product recommendations with purchase links.
The Pros and Cons of AI-Driven Skincare Advice
✅ The Benefits
Quick and Free – AI delivers instant answers at no cost, making skincare advice more accessible than ever.
Data-Driven Suggestions – AI learns from vast datasets, analyzing trends, ingredients, and customer reviews.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps – Many people lack basic skincare education, and AI helps them understand ingredient lists and formulations.
❌ The Risks
Lack of Medical Expertise – AI cannot diagnose skin conditions or replace dermatologists, leading to potential misguidance.
Generic Recommendations – AI provides general advice based on patterns, which may not account for individual skin reactions.
Product Bias – AI-powered e-commerce integrations may prioritize promoting products rather than offering the best solution for the user.
What This Means for Dermatologists and Skincare Brands
The rise of AI-driven skincare advice is a wake-up call for traditional dermatology and beauty brands. To stay relevant, brands and professionals can:
Integrate AI into their services – Offering AI-powered chatbots on skincare websites can blend expert knowledge with digital convenience.
Educate consumers on AI’s limitations – Dermatologists should highlight the value of human expertise while leveraging AI as an initial guidance tool.
Enhance AI’s medical accuracy – Collaborations between dermatologists and AI developers can help improve accuracy and credibility.
The Future of AI in Skincare
Will AI replace dermatologists? Unlikely. But it will reshape how people approach skincare, blending tech with beauty like never before. As AI evolves, we might see chatbots integrated with real-time skin analysis via smartphone cameras, personalized ingredient tracking, and even AI-assisted telehealth dermatology consultations.