Until recently, Google was the first place most of us went when we had a question about our skin. But this year, ChatGPT became the primary source of information for millions of people.
And we’re not just talking broad, generalised questions. AI trends show that ChatGPT users are particular, ask detailed questions, and offer personal information to get the most accurate response.
Many have treated ChatGPT as their personal skin coach. While it’s a fantastic tool to have access to and can be really useful for collating information, it’s important to remember to double-check information with your skincare therapist or medical practitioner.
Dr Judey Pretorius, a biomedical scientist and founder of Biomedical Emporium skincare, answers the most frequently asked skincare questions on ChatGPT in 2025:
Do I really need to reapply sunscreen – and how often?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes, no matter what your age, gender or ethnicity. And you have to apply sun protection year-round. During winter, we don’t experience sunburn, but the sun’s UVA rays (the ones that cause skin ageing and DNA damage) are still rampant, even on overcast days. Sun protection products don’t just protect against sunburn – they’re also your number one defence against the formation of lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and skin ageing. Keep your skin healthier and younger-looking for longer by applying SPF every day. Reapply after every swim, or roughly every two hours when spending time outdoors.
What’s the correct order for my skincare routine?
The general rule is to apply your skincare from the thinnest consistency to the thickest consistency, or water-based products before oil-based products. Always start your routine by cleansing, then apply your toner (if you use one), your eye cream, serum, or treatment product, and finally your moisturiser or face oil. During the day, your routine should end with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Is it safe to mix retinol and vitamin C?
Retinol and vitamin C can be used together, but it’s best not to layer them; instead, use them at different times of the day. Vitamin C is a great ingredient to apply in the morning, as it is rich in antioxidants that protect your skin from free-radical damage and pollution throughout the day. Retinol is excellent to apply at night, when the skin is in its regeneration and repair phase while you sleep. By using these ingredients at different times of the day, you minimise the risk of skin irritation and allow each one to work effectively for its intended benefits.
Try Biomedical Emporium Vitamin C Concentrate for all-day antioxidant protection and Biomedical Emporium Retinol Serum at night for improved DNA health and reduced signs of ageing.
Do I really need eye cream?
This question has garnered a lot of debate over the years. Many people have questioned whether an eye cream is an unnecessary expense when you could apply your regular moisturiser under your eyes. The truth is that the skin around our eyes is the thinnest and most delicate skin on the body. It is the first place that signs of ageing, like crow’s feet, appear. To keep it looking younger and healthier for longer, this skin requires a delicate yet potent combination of active ingredients, which is why a specialised eye cream is needed. In addition, many serums and moisturisers are not suitable for the eye area due to their ingredient combinations or potencies. I recommend investing in a high-quality eye cream specifically formulated for the eye area – with consistent use, you will see the difference.
Try Biomedical Emporium Eye Structure Gel, which improves firmness and texture and reduces the appearance of dark circles.
How do I get rid of dark spots?
Unfortunately, there is no quick solution or one-size-fits-all program for dark marks and hyperpigmentation. There are so many causes, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, side effects of medication, scarring and even genetics. The best way to address dark marks is to understand what is causing them. The dark marks experienced during pregnancy or menopause, for example, won’t necessarily be treated in the same way as dark marks caused by acne scarring will. Ask your skincare therapist or medical practitioner to help you determine the cause of your dark marks. They’ll be able to recommend the best treatment based on your unique skin circumstances. One thing that all of us can do, regardless of what caused our dark marks, is to minimise sun exposure and to apply a broad-spectrum SPF product every single day. The sun is one of the leading causes of dark marks, but it will also darken hyperpigmentation caused by other factors.
What’s the best anti-ageing ingredient?
There are many fantastic anti-ageing ingredients on the market. When you find the right combination of products to address your skin’s needs, you truly can delay the signs of ageing and improve the overall appearance of your skin. Retinol (vitamin A) is considered one of the very best anti-ageing ingredients thanks to its ability to increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen production. Hyaluronic acid adds moisture to the skin, giving it a plumper and more youthful appearance. Vitamin C protects the skin against environmental aggressors, and peptides signal collagen and elastin production. All of these are fantastic anti-ageing ingredients, but there are also many more. Talk to your skincare therapist about identifying the ingredients most suitable for your skin’s needs.
For more information, visit https://biomedicalemporium.com/.