AI Helped Me Create a Skincare Routine — And These Are The Results

Could AI really get skincare right? I was curious to find out.

I am a Libra, and if you’re into astrology like me, you would know that Libras are extremely indecisive! Should I eat something healthy or give in to my cheesy cravings? Should I go on that date I’ve been planning or cancel at the last minute? Should I start a new skincare routine or just stick to my old? I am not sure! Sometimes, I feel I need someone to make these decisions for me—enter AI. As a lifestyle journalist, I have access to a fair share of dermatologists and skincare trends and even have a decent idea of what works for my skin. But since we’ve already established my inability to commit to decisions, I figured—why not outsource this one? So, I turned to ChatGPT to create my skincare routine and here’s how it went.

Step 1: Figuring Out My Skin Type

Before diving into product recommendations and a skincare regime, my AI skincare guru had a smarter approach than I expected. Instead of jumping straight into a routine, it insisted I first identify my skin type. Fair point. How could I expect an effective regimen if I didn’t know what my skin actually needed?

Like a digital dermatologist, it walked me through a series of detailed questions. How often do I experience breakouts? Does my skin feel tight after cleansing? Does it get oily by midday? Once I answered, ChatGPT analysed my responses and concluded that I have a combination skin type—meaning some areas (like my T-zone) may get oily, while other areas remain balanced or even slightly dry at times.

Step 2: Start With a Morning Routine

My skincare routine was divided into a morning and evening routine with clearly defined steps. Here’s what my AM routine looked like:

Gentle Cleanser

It suggested I use a mild, non-stripping gel or foam cleanser to remove excess oil without drying out my skin. “Look for ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, or green tea,” the bot mentioned.

GlobalSpa recommendations for a gentle cleanser:

1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser

2. La Prairie Foam Cleanser

3.Beauty by BiE Fresh Forward: Deep Hydrating Cleanser

4. Skinvest’s Clear Win Gel Cleanser

Hydrating Toner

Next, the AI recommended a lightweight, alcohol-free toner infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or rose water to keep my skin balanced.

GlobalSpa suggests:

1. Pixi Glow Tonic

2. 82°E Gotu Kola Dew

3. d’you inbalance Soothing Milky Tonic

Lightweight Moisturiser

Since combination skin needs hydration without excess oil, it suggested an oil-free, gel-based moisturiser to keep my skin nourished without making my T-zone greasy.

GlobalSpa’s picks:

1. SEREKO Hydra-Crème 100H Water Bock Formula Moisturiser

2. Skin Deli Water Glaze Face Gel Moisturizer

3. Murad Heartleaf Calming Cream Moisturizer

Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

A lightweight, non-comedogenic formula was key to keeping my skin protected and shine-free throughout the day.

GlobalSpa’s Picks for Sunscreens:

1. Brillare Zinc Powder Sunscreen SPF 50 with a Matte Finish

2. 52 Sundaze Rice Water Sun Mist SPF 50

3. Laneige Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

Step 3: Transition into Evening Routine

At night, our skin goes into repair mode, working to regenerate cells, restore hydration, and fight off damage from pollution and stress. Also, it is more receptive to active ingredients like retinol, exfoliating acids, and hydrating serums. Based on this information, here is a curated PM skincare routine:

Double Cleanse

Since sunscreen and makeup can linger on the skin, AI recommended starting with a cleansing balm or micellar water to break down impurities, followed by a gentle gel or foam cleanser to remove any residue.

Here are a few recommendations :

Quench Dirt Dissolving Daily Cleansing Balm
CAUDALIE Vinoclean Micellar Cleansing Water

Exfoliation (2-3x a Week)

To keep pores clear and excess oil under control, ChatGPT suggested using a BHA (salicylic acid) or PHA-based exfoliant. This step prevents breakouts and smoothens skin texture without over-drying.

We suggest using the following products:

1. Medik8 Press & Clear: The salicylic acid toner

2. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

? Serum or Night Cream

My AI skincare guru recommended keeping nighttime hydration simple with a light, non-greasy moisturiser—the same one from the morning routine works, or I could opt for a slightly richer formula for overnight nourishment.

GlobalSpa’s Picks for Night Moisturisers:

1. ESTÉE LAUDER Night Power Bounce Creme

2. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

3. SEREKO Vitamin C Clarifying Night Cream

? Lip & Eye Care

As the last step for my skincare routine, I had to use a hydrating eye cream and a nourishing lip balm before bed to prevent dryness and fine lines.

GlobalSpa’s Picks for Lip & Eye Care:

1. La Mer Eye Concentrate

2.SoulTree Hemp Nourish & Treat Ayurvedic Lip Butter

3. Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream

Step 4: Preventions and Precautions

With a solid skincare routine in place, I decided to push AI a little further—could it also help me avoid common skincare mistakes? Turns out, it had thoughts. Lots of them.

It stressed that great skin isn’t just about what you put on your face, but also about what you put in your body. It also mentioned the importance of staying hydrated and exercising regularly. Most importantly, it flagged common mistakes—never skip sunscreen, avoid harsh cleansers that strip natural oils, and be cautious when layering actives like retinol and exfoliating acids to prevent irritation.

Final Thoughts: Did AI Get It Right?

Surprisingly, AI did a pretty solid job at curating a customised skincare routine tailored to my skin type and concerns. While it might not replace a dermatologist’s expertise, it’s a significant starting point for skincare beginners or anyone feeling overwhelmed by product choices. Would I continue following this routine? Let’s just say my indecisiveness might take over again—but for now, my skin is definitely thanking me!