More People Are Asking AI What They Should Look Like – But Should You Trust it?
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If social media has already shaped our idea of beauty through flawless images of supermodels and celebrities, what happens when artificial intelligence starts weighing in too?
As AI becomes a bigger part of everyday life (and with 16th July marking AI Appreciation Day), more people are beginning to use it for everything from skincare advice to recommendations for cosmetic treatments. But while AI can be a useful educational tool, experts warn it could also reinforce narrow beauty ideals and encourage people towards procedures that aren’t actually right for them.
“Just yesterday I saw a patient who came in for her appointment and had used AI to give her advice about what treatment she needed,” explains asethetics doctor Dr Sabika Karim. “It wasn’t the first time this has happened, and it’s something that is happening with increasing frequency now.” So, the question on everyone’s lips – particularly my own – was: was the advice any good?
“Interestingly, the AI had given good advice on this occasion, as the patient had asked for a recommendation for a proactive ageing treatment for skin and the place to go to get it.” However, Dr Karim says this isn’t always the case. “People can be led to wanting treatments that aren’t appropriate.”
Image – Nabitang/Stocksy
And it’s not just treatments that people are asking about. Increasingly, they’re turning to AI for skincare advice, product recommendations and even opinions on their own appearance. So, is this the future of beauty – or are we handing too much influence to an algorithm?
Here, we’ve spoken to dermatologists, plastic surgeons and a psychologist to find out how AI is changing our approach to beauty – and where its limitations lie.
How people are already using AI in beauty (and how it can genuinely help)
It’s not just Dr Karim who has noticed people utilising AI as their digital beauty advisor, US double board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Careaga Plastic Surgery, Dr Daniel Careaga has seen his patients using it pre-surgery too. “I am noticing an increase in AI being used by patients to research their condition and explore cosmetic surgery options before an appointment,” he says.
So what does he think AI is best used for in this field? “I encourage patients to come with questions, but I remind them that AI is for information only – not medical advice tailored to the individual. The best use of AI is as an instructional guide,” he explains. “Educating patients on common procedures and skincare concepts while also giving them an understanding of recovery expectations.”
Facial plastic surgeon Dr Patrick Davis also has patients who use AI before a consultation. “Some patients come to me with an AI-generated treatment plan of what procedures or treatments they believe will get them the results they desire,” he says.
“For the most part, bits and pieces of these treatment plans are great. They’re educational and helpful as a foundation. [AI] can explain complex verbiage and approaches in a way that is much more approachable. Still, I would advise anyone to take it with a grain of salt as just like the internet, it isn’t perfect.”
Where AI falls short
Of course, with any digital tool, the lack of human interaction will no doubt become a roadblock eventually, according to the experts. “At the end of the day, there is no substitution for an in-person consultation with a physician who specialises in facial treatments,” says Dr Davis.
“The limitations show when evaluating skin quality, anatomy of the face and medical history or whether a patient should or should not be eligible for a treatment as these require clinical judgment of a physician,” warns Dr Careaga. “That is the most dangerous risk: treating AI as if it were a diagnosis or treatment protocol. By keeping in mind that cosmetic treatments are individualised, what may benefit one person can be dangerous or not effective for another.”
Image – Valbarstudio/Stocksy
“No two people’s skin is the same and so often there are nuances that aren’t picked up by AI, and other factors which could be impacting the skin which the patient may themselves not realise until they speak to a trained medical professional,” adds Dr Karim.
“The treatment plan depends on many factors, not just age and medical history, but also goals, costs, downtime and also patients coming to terms with what they need rather than just what they thought they wanted. It’s not about following trends, it’s about skin health and harmonisation, a treatment plan and a relationship. So whilst AI can be a helpful tool, it’s no substitute for an in-person skin analysis and bespoke treatment plan.”
Could AI affect how we see ourselves?
And it’s not just the medical side of things that could be compromised. Some use AI to analyse their appearance which can apparently warp confidence and self-image, according to experienced healthcare leader and therapist, Stephanie Lewis.
“People go to AI for the same reasons they go to other digital tools – they provide quick feedback and do not require the risk and vulnerability of asking someone else,” she explains. “This can be particularly appealing to individuals who are uncertain about their appearance and have become accustomed to making comparisons to unattainable standards presented by social media.”
She continues, “the real concern arises when AI begins to replace a helpful resource, which offers support and direction, with a source of validation. If someone consistently uses an AI tool to check out how they appear, requests consistent ratings of how they look, and does not feel confident in their own image until they receive positive feedback from outside themselves, this could lead to reinforcing negative self-perceptions rather than promoting healthy self-esteem.”
And whilst Lewis encourages people to by all means use AI tools to explore new ideas, “I do not believe they should ever serve as a primary means through which one defines their self-worth,” she says. “Healthy self-image is developed from a broad base of personal identity that includes how you interact with others, your values, skills/abilities and relationships; it cannot be solely defined by an algorithm’s evaluation of your physical appearance.”
The takeaway
There are two sides to this story – one being that AI tools can be hugely helpful to educate consumers on cosmetic procedures, skincare concepts and understanding things like post-surgery recovery processes. It can also assist people with treatment plans and answer generic questions in preparation for a skincare or cosmetic consultation.
The other side is that AI is just a tool. It will never be able to replace a personalised in-person, professional consultation or diagnosis and, whilst of course it can sometimes provide impressive results to help people better understand skin health, it can never substitute actual human interaction.
Meet the experts
Stephanie Lewis is the VP of Clinical Operations of Epiphany Wellness
Dr. Daniel Careaga is a US double board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Careaga Plastic Surgery
Dr Sabika Karim is an award-winning aesthetic doctor, global educator and founder of Skin Medical
Dr. Patrick Davis is a facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills
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