AI vs Dermatologist: Can AI Replace Your Dermatologist?

If you type “analyse my skin” into ChatGPT and upload a photo of yourself, within seconds you’ll receive a detailed breakdown of your skin concerns with a personalised routine, depending on your skin type, budget, and specific concerns. We know a lot of people are doing this – we see it in clinic (not always accurate). 

The appeal is obvious: AI is available 24/7, doesn’t require appointments, provides instant, often detailed responses, and costs nothing. For basic skincare education and general guidance, it’s understandable why so many people start here.

But can artificial intelligence truly replace dermatological expertise? 

We understand why people turn to AI, but it can actually often fall short when it comes to treating their skin concerns. 

We want you to feel informed, supported and comfortable in your skin, so here’s a guide to the dos and don’ts of relying on AI for your skincare guidance. 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Using AI for Skincare

AI is available 24/7, doesn’t require appointments, provides instant, detailed responses, and costs nothing. 

For basic skincare education and general guidance, it’s understandable why so many people start here.

DO Use AI For:

• Learning about ingredients: AI can explain what niacinamide, retinol, or hyaluronic acid do and whether they suit your goals (be specific about your skin, age, goals etc). 
• Building basic routines: For straightforward needs (cleanser, moisturiser or SPF recommendations), AI can provide a starting point – however, if you have specific skin concerns, sensitive skin, or any health conditions then this does miss things/there will be inaccuracies. 
• Comparing products: It can understand the differences between similar products or suggest affordable alternatives.

DON’T Use AI For:

• Diagnosing skin conditions: AI cannot reliably differentiate between eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, or skin cancer, nor can it take into account your medical history (this is true to life – in clinic we have seen many people with an AI misdiagnosis). 
• Analysing suspicious moles or lesions: This requires an in-person dermoscopy by a trained dermatologist
• Prescription guidance: AI shouldn’t advise on prescription treatments requiring medical supervision
• Severe acne or persistent problems: If over-the-counter products haven’t worked after three months, you may need a professional assessment
• Replacing medical consultations. AI is supplementary, never a substitute for dermatological expertise (15 years of medical training and real-life experience is necessary for something as complex as your skin). 

Where AI Falls Short

• AI cannot perform in-person examinations, assess skin texture by touch, or use a dermoscopy (a magnifying tool to examine moles). Or, obviously, remove moles or provide active treatment (yet!).
• The lighting, photo quality, and angles of any picture you upload can dramatically affect what the AI “sees”. For example, a concerning mole might look benign in certain lighting, or normal skin might appear problematic.
• AI also lacks the understanding of your medical history (medications, allergies, previous treatments), hormonal factors (pregnancy, menopause, PCOS), lifestyle context (stress, sleep, diet, occupation), and genetic predispositions. These factors critically inform treatment decisions.
• Diagnostic accuracy is poor; it cannot distinguish between similar-appearing conditions (rosacea vs lupus rash, eczema vs psoriasis) or assess severity, which could require urgent intervention. Most importantly, AI cannot detect early skin cancer signs that dermatologists identify through years of training.

AI provides generic advice based on common scenarios, whereas our dermatologists adjust treatments based on how your individual skin responds, prescribe appropriate strengths of medication, can combine treatments strategically, and modify approaches when initial treatments fail.

Why In-Person (or Virtual) Dermatology Matters

Skin is complex, and dermatology is both a science and a clinical experience. When you see a dermatologist, whether in person at our West London clinic or through a virtual consultation, you benefit from:

• Years of medical training 
• Physical examinations
• Personalised treatment plans 
• Prescription access 
• Thoughtful follow-up care 
• Early detection of serious conditions, including skin cancer

AI can be a useful starting point for skincare education and routine building, but it’s not a replacement for medical expertise, particularly for diagnosing conditions, assessing concerning changes, or treating persistent problems.

While AI provides information, dermatologists provide diagnosis, treatment, and care.

If you’ve noticed changes in your skin that worry you, or want to chat to an expert in a safe, judgement-free space, call us on 0203 9411815, pop into our Kensington clinic or book a consultation. We’re always happy to help – regardless of whether you book an appointment with us or not – we would rather you have the correct guidance where possible. 

Helen (PS – this post was not generated with AI – albeit the first two images were!).

CoFounder
No. 23 Skin

02039411815