💡 How I Used AI to Make Smarter (and Cheaper) Skincare Decisions – A Marketer’s Journey

As someone who thrives on strategy, I’m always seeking more innovative ways to approach things, especially when it comes to investing in my health and well-being. Lately, I’ve been focused on my skin.

At 55, my skin is showing signs of dryness, dullness, and aging that I can no longer ignore. And like many women in this phase of life, I found myself bombarded by product recommendations, expensive facial treatments, and flashy marketing.

So, I decided to flip the script.

Instead of booking another overpriced treatment or falling into the latest skincare trend, I took the same strategic thinking I apply to business and used it to my face, with the help of AI.

Step 1: Visual Diagnosis (Getting Real with My Skin)

I started with a professional Observ 520x skin analysis—essentially an X-ray for your skin that shows dehydration, pigmentation, and textural issues beyond what the eye can see.

The results confirmed what I felt: dry, sensitive, and aging skin with mild pigmentation and fine lines.

I had a skincare recommendation PDF from a trusted clinic, but before blindly purchasing everything, I thought—“What would I advise a client to do? Evaluate. Compare. Justify.”

So, I uploaded my images and report into ChatGPT and asked:

“Review this recommendation and my skin photos—what’s realistic, what offers real results, and what’s worth my money?”

Step 2: AI-Powered Review (Why It’s a Game Changer)

ChatGPT didn’t just regurgitate product descriptions. It evaluated:

✅ My current skincare condition

✅ The clinic’s recommendations

✅ Ingredient lists

✅ Price vs value

✅ Global alternatives

It then delivered a personalised summary based on science, not hype. For example:

• It confirmed that Aspect’s Hydrating Cleanser was gentle and well-suited for dry skin.

• But it showed me a cheaper, equally effective alternative (CeraVe) at ¼ the price.

• It flagged the retinol choice as potentially irritating and suggested encapsulated retinal or bakuchiol as gentler anti-aging options.

• It recommended adding LED light therapy at home as a long-term hydration investment, and even broke down the best masks on the market.

Suddenly, I had clarity, confidence, and a plan that saved me hundreds of dollars.

Step 3: Comparing Treatments Like a Strategist

Then I asked ChatGPT to compare the clinic’s facials with other treatments available in Melbourne and globally. I wanted to know:

• What would hydrate my skin?

• What would you say is the best bang for the buck?

• What are the high-impact, low-effort options?

It returned a professional-grade comparison table (which I downloaded into Excel) of in-clinic facials, at-home devices, and even injectables like Profhilo. Each included:

• Benefits

• Frequency

• Cost

• Ideal skin types

• Access options

I learned that:

• A HydraFacial or Glo2Facial monthly was just as effective as more expensive sculpting facials for hydration.

• A quality LED mask was a no-brainer investment for mature skin.

• Combining monthly facials with at-home tech would deliver better long-term results than any one-off splurge.

Step 4: Creating a Realistic Routine

With all the insights gathered, I asked ChatGPT to help me create:

📋 A personalised daily skincare routine

🧴 A shopping list with budget-friendly options

📆 A monthly tracker for facials or at-home LED use

It was like having a dermatologist, marketer, and budget planner all in one.

How You Can Use ChatGPT for Your Skincare Too

You don’t need a marketing background or a connection to a skin clinic to do this. Here’s how you can use ChatGPT for better skincare decisions:

1. Start with Your Skin Goals

Please share your age, skin type (e.g., dry, oily, sensitive), concerns (e.g., fine lines, pigmentation), and budget.

💬 “I’m 45 with dry, sensitive skin and want to reduce fine lines on a budget. What’s a simple, effective routine?”

2. Upload a Skin Report or Products

If you have images or a facial recommendation, upload them. Ask:

💬 “Review this skincare plan—are these products worth it? Can I get similar results for less?”

3. Ask for Product Comparisons

Want a cheaper dupe or better value?

💬 “Compare DermaQuest Retinal Serum with Jeuneora Renewing Booster—what’s more effective and better for sensitive skin?”

4. Request a Routine

Ask for AM/PM routines tailored to your skin type, goals, and budget. Get shopping lists and even suggestions by retailer (e.g. Priceline, Adore Beauty).

5. Evaluate Treatments Like a Pro

Whether it’s microneedling or a $400 facial, you can ask:

💬 “Is this treatment worth the cost for dry, aging skin? What are more affordable alternatives?”

Final Thoughts

In business, I always say: Strategy beats guesswork.

Your skin deserves the same.

Thanks to AI, I now have a clear, science-based routine that works, without overspending. I’ve empowered myself to make smarter, more confident choices about my skincare, and the results are already showing.

If you’re tired of wasting money on products or treatments that overpromise and underdeliver, try using AI as your skincare coach.

You might find the glow you’ve been looking for.