Pore substitute: can AI be trusted when it comes to skincare advice?
News Source
β’Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:00:05 GMT
π° What Happened
More people are turning to AI chatbots for skincare advice. Purpose-built apps promise to identify rashes from photos. Users send selfies to chatbots seeking 'full skincare analysis' and personalised treatment plans. On Reddit, people share before-and-after results from AI-recommended routines.
But experts warn the advice may not be reliable. Cosmetic chemist Dr Michelle Wong, who runs Lab Muffin Beauty Science, warns that AI outputs can be like 'a blurry Jpeg of all the text on the web'. She says most of the time users cannot see what sources the AI is using for its recommendations.
π The Backstory
Seeing a dermatologist in Australia costs about $230 out of pocket on average. That high cost drives many people to look for cheaper alternatives online. AI skincare apps seem like a quick and free solution.
But there are over 3,000 skin conditions in dermatology. Even experienced doctors sometimes struggle to tell them apart. AI chatbots can miss rare conditions or give advice that actually harms the skin. Medical groups have raised concerns about AI giving health advice without proper training or regulation.
π― Why It Matters
Using AI for skincare might save money now but could lead to wrong treatment or missed serious conditions. A bad skin diagnosis can cost more in the long run.
More people are turning to AI chatbots for skincare advice. Purpose-built apps promise to identify rashes from photos. Users send selfies to chatbots seeking 'full skincare analysis' and personalised treatment plans. On Reddit, people share before-and-after results from AI-recommended routines.
But experts warn the advice may not be reliable. Cosmetic chemist Dr Michelle Wong, who runs Lab Muffin Beauty Science, warns that AI outputs can be like 'a blurry Jpeg of all the text on the web'. She says most of the time users cannot see what sources the AI is using for its recommendations.
Seeing a dermatologist in Australia costs about $230 out of pocket on average. That high cost drives many people to look for cheaper alternatives online. AI skincare apps seem like a quick and free solution.
But there are over 3,000 skin conditions in dermatology. Even experienced doctors sometimes struggle to tell them apart. AI chatbots can miss rare conditions or give advice that actually harms the skin. Medical groups have raised concerns about AI giving health advice without proper training or regulation.
Using AI for skincare might save money now but could lead to wrong treatment or missed serious conditions. A bad skin diagnosis can cost more in the long run.