RECENT advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping dermatology, particularly in diagnosing skin diseases like skin cancer. While AI has shown remarkable success in medical dermatology, its application in aesthetic dermatology, focused on improving skin appearance, faces unique challenges due to subjective evaluations and the lack of standardized assessment methods.
A recent review highlighted the current state of AI in both diagnostic and aesthetic dermatology, exploring traditional methods and how AI could address existing limitations. AI models have proven highly effective in diagnosing skin conditions through image analysis, with some algorithms performing at the level of dermatologists. These innovations offer new possibilities for earlier detection and more accurate diagnoses of skin diseases in primary care and mobile health applications.
However, in aesthetic dermatology, traditional evaluation methods rely heavily on subjective assessments of features like wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin laxity, factors that vary across age, ethnicity, and skin type. Unlike medical dermatology, which uses validated severity scales for diseases like psoriasis or alopecia, aesthetic dermatology lacks consistent and objective tools. This limitation has hindered efforts to standardize and improve outcomes.
AI has the potential to bring more objectivity to aesthetic dermatology by analyzing large datasets and identifying patterns undetectable to the human eye. Emerging AI applications in this field show promise, particularly in improving consistency and monitoring changes over time. However, the lack of diverse datasets and standardized evaluation protocols remains a significant barrier.
The review concludes that integrating AI effectively into aesthetic dermatology requires the development of standardized tools and broader datasets reflecting diverse populations. Educating clinicians on AI’s potential and limitations will also be essential for its adoption. Addressing these challenges could transform the field, enhancing patient outcomes and setting new standards for cosmetic skin care.
Reference: Thunga S et al. AI in Aesthetic/Cosmetic Dermatology: Current and Future. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2025;11743249.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
