From Acne to Glow: Woman Shares How ChatGPT Transformed Her Skin, Internet Debates If It’s Safe

Artificial intelligence is stepping into nearly every corner of our lives, and now it’s even making its way into skincare. A 37-year-old woman recently shared on Reddit how she used ChatGPT to design her skincare routine. Her before-and-after photos sparked discussion online, showing a visible change in her skin. While some people praised the results, others raised concerns about relying on AI for medical-like advice.

How It All Started

The woman shared her story on the popular subreddit 30PlusSkinCare. She explained that she had been struggling with “little bumps” on her face, which she later learned were called closed comedones. Instead of visiting a dermatologist, she turned to AI for help.

In her own words, she wrote: “After doing research online and on Reddit, I discovered that the little bumps I was dealing with on my face were called closed comedones. I then asked ChatGPT to act like a professional dermatologist and help me create a skincare routine to get rid of my closed comedones and acne, minimize pores, tighten skin, and reduce fine lines. I also shared photos of my skin at that time.”

Products Suggested by ChatGPT

The woman didn’t just ask for advice, she also uploaded photos of all the products she already owned. She wanted ChatGPT to work with what she had and suggest only non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) options.

She said, “I took photos of all the products I already had so ChatGPT could incorporate them into my routine. The most important thing was to only use products that wouldn’t cause clogged pores. New products I added based on ChatGPT’s recommendations that made the biggest difference include vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and tretinoin (though I was already using that).”

I used chat GPT to create a custom skin routine. Two months in this is how it’s going!
byu/General-Implement83 in30PlusSkinCare

Adding Makeup Advice Too

Interestingly, the woman also asked the AI to guide her makeup choices so that her overall routine wouldn’t undo her skincare progress.

“I also had ChatGPT recommend new makeup products, so I knew I was only using non-comedogenic items to help clear my skin,” she explained.

She acknowledged that the process was not entirely cheap but still found it affordable compared to a doctor’s consultation. “It was quite an investment, but compared to a consultation with a dermatologist, this wasn’t bad. I might have ended up spending $300–$400 on new skincare and makeup products total.”

How Her Routine Changed

Before trying AI, she admitted to following only a night routine. But after ChatGPT’s advice, she added a proper morning routine as well. She shared, “Previously, I only followed a night routine, but I’ve now added a morning routine as well, and so far, I’m very happy with the results!”

Mixed Reactions Online

Her post quickly drew reactions from other users on Reddit. While some were impressed by her skin transformation, others warned against depending on AI for health-related needs.

One user commented, “Thank you! I was thinking about seeing a dermatologist, but then thought I would give this a try first.”

But another strongly disagreed, writing, “Omg, please don’t do this for most medical needs. Go see an actual doctor rather than consult a plagiarism machine (which often plagiarizes misinformation).”

A third person raised a practical question, saying, “One question, my understanding is that GPT does not actually know what it is looking at. How is it able to provide advice ‘based’ on images? Can somebody ELI5?”

The Bigger Question

This case highlights both the potential and the risks of using AI tools like ChatGPT for personal care. While it can give tailored suggestions and work with the products people already own, it is not a substitute for professional expertise, especially when it comes to health and skin issues.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The story reflects one woman’s personal experience shared online. It should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a licensed dermatologist or healthcare professional before starting or changing any skincare or health routine.