From ChatGPT to Siri, artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines and becoming more and more a part of our daily lives. In recent years, it’s made its way into the dermatology space by way of at-home skin analysis apps.

This has materialized in the form of websites that recommend a skin care routine based on a selfie, apps that claim to identify precancerous lesions and more.

With the rise of these AI tools, you’re probably wondering whether these new technologies deserve your trust. To get a professional stance on these apps, we asked Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologists, Mohs surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, to weigh in.

• What do AI skin analysis apps do?

• Should I use an AI skin analysis app?

What do AI skin analysis apps do?

Skin analysis apps use artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze your skin based on a given set of factors. Some types of apps claim to use AI to identify medical skin issues such as cancerous moles or types of acne.

Other AI skin analysis apps or so-called “face scanners” focus on identifying more cosmetic skin concerns—such as dark under-eye circles, fine lines or redness—and then provide recommendations for skin care products that could help address those concerns. For example, La Roche-Posay partnered with dermatologists to develop a tool called MyRoutine AI that makes product recommendations based on a selfie you upload to its website.

Should I use an AI face analysis app?

“The short answer is no. They simply aren’t a replacement for a visit to a board-certified dermatologist,” says LovelySkin Medical Director Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, an expert in artificial technology in dermatology who recently wrote on the topic for Practical Dermatology, a leading industry publication. “Regular skin checks with a board-certified dermatologist are still the best way to monitor your skin for signs of cancer and precancerous lesions or other serious skin issues. It’s low-tech, but it works.”

A recent study published in JAMA Dermatology concluded that AI dermatology apps can be potentially harmful for patients due to lack of FDA approval and inconsistent results.

Skin analysis apps that aren’t medical in nature may be less risky if they focus solely on cosmetic concerns, but they still may come with a “catch.”

Dr. Joel Schlessinger, CEO of LovelySkin, says, “I wish they were ‘there’, but they simply aren’t yet. Most of these apps are just a funnel for various products that are paying money to have a search end up with a recommendation for their skin care regimen. Sadly, many people think there is something magical about these apps and just receive the same exact treatment regimens as everyone else entering their information. It will take a while until there are reasonable ways to recreate human and medical intelligence.”

When trying a new skin care product or active ingredient, Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger recommend starting slowly if you have sensitive skin. “Watch for signs of irritation and discontinue use if you notice any signs of redness, itching or burning,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. If you have a rash and you think it is from a product you are using, start with a visit to a board-certified dermatologist.

There also may be privacy concerns when it comes to using AI skin analysis apps. “This is a situation where you really should read the fine print in the user agreement to see exactly what happens to your photos and data once shared with the app or website,” Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says. “Are they deleted, stored or even shared or sold with third-party organizations that may use those to track you or your health information? Knowing those details can help you make an informed decision.”

Looking for dermatologist-approved skin care advice? You can learn more about how to choose the best face wash for your skin type, how to find the best face serum for your needs and more on the LovelySkin Blog.