- Customers seeking convenient and suitable products are intrigued by personalized skincare.
- Utilizing data-driven solutions for skin concerns can lead to more rapid and potent outcomes for buyers.
- AI technology may enable experts to detect bodily irregularities earlier than usual.
- This article is part of the “Build IT” series, delving into cutting-edge industrial trends in digital technology.
One of the fastest-growing sectors in the beauty and wellness industry is personalized care. A report by Grand View Research in February projected that by 2030, this sector could be valued at $48.65 billion.
While there is a growing interest among consumers in personalized skincare—products tailored to individual needs based on beauty goals, skin type, age, and other factors—finding products that truly deliver results remains a challenge.
Cutting-edge technologies such as AI and 3D printers are revolutionizing the development of customized skincare routines, streamlining the process of discovering the perfect serum, moisturizer, or cleanser.
Moreover, these technologies are bridging the gap in accessibility, making it easier for individuals who may not have access to or can’t afford a local dermatologist to receive personalized recommendations.
Empowering Buyers through Technological Advancements
Consumers generally have a basic understanding of the skincare products they should and shouldn’t use. For example, individuals with sensitive skin tend to avoid products with strong fragrances. However, without some trial and error, the average person may not always know what their skin truly needs.
Technology-driven customization is simplifying this process.
According to Melissa Snover, the CEO of Nourished, a nutrition company, personalized beauty products offer significant advantages. She emphasized that assuming everyone within a specific demographic, such as individuals of a certain age or gender, requires the same skincare regimen is “somewhat absurd.”
Earlier this year, Nourished partnered with Neutrogena to introduce Skinstacks, a range of personalized skincare products.
Customers can undergo a facial analysis using the Neutrogena Skin360 app on the company’s website to receive their customized Skinstack. This analysis considers over 20,000 unique facial and body attributes from 100,000 skin pixels.
Following the analysis, AI assigns a score to the skin based on factors like hydration levels, wrinkles, blemishes, and more, utilizing images analyzed by dermatologists. Subsequently, customers complete a brief questionnaire on the website before being recommended to purchase a bespoke 3D-printed jelly containing seven key nutrients suitable for their skin.
Snover explained that the production of small-batch supplements requires flexibility, making 3D printers a preferred choice over traditional manufacturing equipment.
Logan McGill, the global director of body tech at Kenvue, a division of Johnson & Johnson, Neutrogena’s parent company, highlighted the challenge of selecting the right products for individual bodies. He emphasized that each person’s body is unique, distinct from that of influencers, family members, or friends.
The primary ingredient in Skinstacks is pectin, a gelling agent found in fruits like apples and lemons. This ingredient is combined with beneficial nutrients such as selenium, vitamin A, and sand.
McGill noted that consumers are increasingly receptive to data-driven solutions.
According to McGill, “In the digital age, data is power.” By providing measurable justifications for a product’s efficacy, companies can better cater to consumer needs.
Recent AI advancements have enhanced the visibility of Neutrogena’s Skin360 analysis tool since its launch in 2018. The tool has been updated to include skin tone analysis, ensuring customers receive tailored recommendations based on their unique characteristics.
Snover believes that these technological advancements can enhance the consumer experience and deliver superior results.
Growing Investment in Personalized Care by Businesses
Companies offering skincare products with a broader focus are capitalizing on the trend of personalization. In March, Cetaphil, renowned for its gentle skincare range, introduced its online beauty advisor tool and AI skin analysis.
Silvina Nordenstohl, the CEO of Galderma US, Cetaphil’s parent company, described the approach as “comprehensive, systematic, and genuinely personalized.” Each customer receives a customized solution tailored to their specific needs.
Similar to Cetaphil’s AI tool, users can upload a photo to the website for analysis. Nordenstahl explained that the AI software evaluates the image against a database of over 70,000 images and recommends suitable Cetaphil products based on the individual’s skin type.
Nordenstahl noted that customers are responding positively to these new systems as they facilitate personalized skincare solutions.
Users are guided to analyze their facial features using Cetaphil’s AI tool to identify their skin tone and characteristics. The Skin360 tool from Neutrogena can also provide product recommendations based on the company’s offerings. McGill believes that these tools can expedite the process of finding the ideal skincare solution for customers.
McGill stated, “Tools like these help you identify the products that best suit your skin as you browse the shelves.”
Technological Personalization Benefits Dermatologists
AI and data systems can enhance dermatologists’ ability to assist their patients effectively.
Individuals in remote areas often lack access to skincare specialists, as dermatologists are predominantly located in urban areas and affluent neighborhoods. Moreover, there is a shortage of dermatologists in the US to cater to an aging population.
Dr. Scott Walker, a dermatologist in Denver with over 1 million TikTok followers, highlighted the potential for doctors to see more patients efficiently with the aid of AI.
Walker expressed, “AI has made a significant impact and has immense potential in dermatology.” Given the visual nature of dermatology, AI technologies can be particularly beneficial.
Primary care physicians without extensive dermatological training can utilize AI technology to upload images of their patients’ skin conditions. The AI, trained on a vast database of benign and malignant skin lesions, can help identify abnormalities that may require further evaluation.
Additionally, AI can assist dermatologists in recommending suitable products and developing personalized skincare regimens by analyzing skin characteristics like inflammation, pigmentation, and texture.
Cautionary Notes on Technology Implementation in Skincare
Despite the benefits, experts like Walker caution against excessive reliance on AI technology, as errors can still occur as the market adopts new advancements.
For instance, AI may misclassify a benign lesion as malignant if a scale is not included in the image of an unusual skin condition, according to Walker. He emphasized the importance of using a diverse image database to train AI algorithms effectively.
Technological advancements have the potential to empower consumers with knowledge about their bodies and aid in making informed product choices. Researchers like Snover and Walker believe that technology-enabled health solutions can enhance consumer education, leading to faster and more effective results.
