I confess, I've been somewhat sceptical about the whole AI revolution. The idea of using tools like ChatGPT, which were touted as life-changing for journalists like me, was initially off-putting. The thought of artificial intelligence taking over my writing felt like an affront to my creativity, something I've always cherished and that sets me apart.
After all, if a robot can conceive and craft better stories than me, where does that leave me? Redundant, surely.
Despite my reservations about AI, there's one area where I've been keen to harness its power - an area where, despite being a beauty editor for over ten years, I've struggled: determining the right skincare products and their correct order of application. I've sought advice from numerous dermatologists on the ideal skincare routine for me.
While they've provided excellent guidance and product suggestions, I'm still not satisfied with my skin's appearance. Enter, ChatGPT.
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Image:
Mirror)Designing my skincare regime
Intrigued to see if this latest software could utilise its advanced data processing capabilities, I asked the app last month to devise a specific skincare regime for me. A regime that I would then adhere to for a month to see if it could enhance my blemish-prone and dull complexion.
So, how to ask the right question. If you're new to ChatGPT, it's important to be precise with your queries. Here's what I asked: Can you please create a morning and evening skincare routine that addresses fine lines under my eyes, comedonal blemishes around my jawline, blackheads on my t-zone and dull skin? You can add as many more details as you want. The more detail you give it about your skin and current regime, the better the answer will be.
The AI-generated skincare routine
Morning
- Cleanser: Start your day with a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities accumulated overnight. Look for a cleanser with ingredients like glycolic acid or salicylic acid to help with blackheads and comedonal blemishes.
- Toner: Follow up with a toner that contains ingredients like witch hazel or niacinamide to help control oil production and tighten pores. This step can also help balance the pH of your skin.
- Serum: Use a serum with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump up fine lines under your eyes. Look for serums containing antioxidants like vitamin C or E to brighten lacklustre skin.
- Eye cream: Apply an eye cream specifically formulated to target fine lines and wrinkles. Look for ingredients like retinol or peptides to help stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
- Moisturiser: Choose a lightweight moisturiser with SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Opt for a non-comedogenic formula to avoid clogging pores.
- Sunscreen: Finish off your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from further damage and prevent premature ageing.
Evening
- Make-up remover/cleansing oil: Begin your evening routine by removing makeup and sunscreen with a gentle cleansing oil or makeup remover. This step helps to ensure that your pores are thoroughly cleansed.
- Double cleanse: Follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities and thoroughly cleanse your skin.
- Exfoliation: Use a chemical exfoliant containing either alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to help unclog pores, remove dead skin cells, and improve skin texture. Focus on the areas prone to blackheads and comedonal blemishes, such as the T-zone and jawline.
- Treatment: Apply a targeted treatment containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to help treat and prevent comedonal blemishes. Dab the treatment onto affected areas and allow it to absorb fully before proceeding to the next step.
- Retinol serum (on days with no exfoliation): Incorporate a retinol serum into your evening routine to help stimulate collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve overall skin texture.
- Moisturiser: Finish off your evening routine with a rich moisturiser to hydrate and nourish your skin overnight. Look for ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Optional: Overnight mask or treatment: If you feel like your skin needs an extra boost, consider using an overnight mask or treatment containing hydrating or brightening ingredients. Apply a thin layer before bed and leave it on overnight for maximum benefits.
The results
Image:
Mirror)As a beauty editor, I already have a solid skincare routine, but I was curious to see what fresh insights the software could provide. I'm diligent about cleansing and moisturising, so no changes there, but there were a few suggestions that I either don't do at all or often forget.
I incorporated these tips into my skincare routine and followed both the morning and evening routines for a full 30 days. The outcome? Surprisingly, I'm impressed. Here's what I did from the generated routine that was new:
- Use a niacinamide toner [£26 for Paula’s Choice Pore-Reducing Toner] to help control oil production and tighten pores
- Finish off my morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF30 [£8.75 for Inkey List’s SPF30] (disclaimer: I use a moisturiser with SPF30 year-round but I didn't use additional protection in winter)
- Follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities and thoroughly cleanse your skin
- Apply a targeted treatment containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide [£9.99 for Acnecide 5% Face]
I already had most of these products on my bathroom shelves, making it surprisingly affordable to commit to – there wasn't anything particularly niche that I had to go out and purchase. The real results, I believe, came from diligently following each step every morning and night for 30 days.
Typically, if I don't see immediate results – or the glimmering promise of good results – I abandon a product. Sticking to the regime allowed my skin more time to respond positively to the skincare, which has truly paid dividends.
My skin initially was congested, slightly spotty around my jawline, dehydrated under my eyes and generally just a bit dull, but now I'm pleased to report much plumper, hydrated and overall happier skin. I still get spots, and my blocked pores haven't disappeared, but my makeup applies much smoother now and my skin feels bouncy.
On this occasion, as much as I hate to admit it, I might have to extend my gratitude to AI.
English (US) ·