AI is advancing at an astonishing rate, touching almost every aspect of our lives. Whether it’s art, schoolwork, finding quick fixes, or discovering new recipes, AI has become an integral part of our daily routines. At Radiance, we wondered: could AI help us discover the “perfect” skincare routine?

To explore this, we set out to test whether AI could offer personalized skincare advice. We decided to focus on a specific skin type and condition to see how AI would respond.

The skin type we chose was combination skin, which is often considered the most sensitive of all skin types. Acne and oily T-zones are the most common issues that accompany this skin type. For reference, the T-zone refers to the area from the forehead down to the center of the nose and chin, forming a “T” shape. It’s a tricky combination of oily and dry areas that requires careful attention in skincare.

We chose ChatGPT for the first round of testing as it is one of the most well-known AI tools available. Since many people may not have access to the premium version of AI tools, we decided to use the free web version. The AI suggested splitting the skincare routine into two distinct parts: a morning routine and an evening routine.

For the morning routine, ChatGPT recommended starting with a cleanser, followed by a toner, a serum, a moisturizer, and, of course, sunscreen. In the evening, it suggested using a cleanser again, followed by an exfoliant, a targeted treatment, and a moisturizer to finish.

ChatGPT also included budget-friendly product recommendations for each step and explained what each product would do. Interestingly, it went a step further, suggesting the addition of masks to enhance the routine. It even provided a final breakdown of how much each product would cost individually and the total cost of the entire routine.

To verify the quality of the advice ChatGPT provided, we turned to Healthline UK, a trusted source for expert skincare guidance. Upon reviewing their advice, we found that ChatGPT’s routine was largely consistent with what Healthline recommended. However, there were a few notable differences. Healthline not only included the standard product advice but also delved into the importance of a healthy diet and specific foods that can improve skin health—something AI did not cover.

Healthline also provided more detailed explanations of the ingredients in products, describing how each one works to treat acne and balance skin. Additionally, Healthline discussed the differences between men’s and women’s skin, offering more tailored advice, whereas AI did not make any such distinctions.

We also noted that while ChatGPT provided great product recommendations, it didn’t discuss the importance of lifestyle habits such as diet, sleep, or stress management, which are just as critical to maintaining healthy skin.

Read more about navigating skincare in Singapore here: https://radiancemag.co.uk/2025/06/02/glowing-in-the-tropics-navigating-skincare-in-singapores-humid-climate/

Curious about how other AI models would perform, we decided to test DeepSeek AI using the same skin type and condition.

DeepSeek offered a more detailed breakdown of the products recommended, including not just their costs and ingredients, but also additional tips for skincare. The variety of products it suggested was also broader, providing more budget-friendly options than ChatGPT.

Despite the differences in product recommendations, the overall routine provided by DeepSeek aligned closely with the advice on Healthline UK, confirming that both AIs were on the same page in terms of core principles for treating combination skin with acne.

Then, we decided to test a third AI: Google’s Gemini. We were intrigued by how this tool might perform, and the results were eye-opening.

While Gemini also recommended a similar skincare routine to ChatGPT and DeepSeek, it stood out by offering more comprehensive advice. Gemini went beyond the products and suggested lifestyle habits and triggers that people with acne should avoid. For example, it emphasized not over-cleansing and cautioned against using overly harsh products that could irritate the skin. This added layer of advice made Gemini’s guidance the most complete and consistent with Healthline UK’s expert recommendations.

Across all three AIs, the suggested products were fairly common, and the overall advice was very much in line with expert opinions found online. However, the AI models differed slightly in their depth of information, with Gemini providing the most holistic approach to skincare, while ChatGPT focused mainly on products without delving into habits or triggers. Despite these differences, all three AIs suggested similar treatments for combination skin, confirming the consistency of expert skincare advice.

So, what can we conclude from this experiment? While AI is certainly useful in providing general skincare recommendations, we can’t call it the “perfect” solution. It offers helpful insights and can guide you through a basic skincare routine, but it lacks the personal touch and the comprehensive advice that experts bring, especially when it comes to lifestyle changes and skin health habits.

AI can’t replace the expert understanding of a dermatologist or an expert skincare source, and as we saw, there are often gaps in its advice. The bottom line is that while AI is a helpful tool, it should never be the sole resource for skincare. As we always say at Radiance, do your own research and consult professionals when necessary to ensure your skin gets the best care possible.