Innovation in technology advances humanity in a multitude of ways. While trends in skincare come and go, advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, hair loss, skin cancer and more are improving the quality of life for millions of people. Dermatological diagnostics is an important part of medical research and is key to identifying the underlying causes of skin conditions. Healthcare professionals are increasingly hopeful about the future of dermatology with breakthroughs in skincare technology.
Amazing technologies that are changing the future of dermatology are rooted in digital technologies. These include telemedicine, skin checking apps, robotics, artificial intelligence, artificial skin with 3D printing, regeneration, health sensors, and nanotechnology and nanoparticles. Telemedicine has become an increasingly popular and convenient way for patients to connect with their doctors and skin concerns. Patients and doctors alike save time. With ten billion online searches aimed at hair, nail and skin issues, Google launched an artificial intelligence-based app to diagnose skin conditions. Other tech companies around the world including Skin Vision, Derm Assist and Advanced Human Imaging all have apps capable of screening skin conditions in over a hundred different categories with a simple touch on a smartphone.
Naturally when we think of technology, we think of computers. Robotics have been coming alongside doctors for some time now as robotic arms have been proven superior to manually guided treatments, specifically in laser therapies. There are currently whole-body skin lesion mapping systems that can take 360-degree scans of the entire body to identify lesions on the skin. Artificial intelligence has seemed futuristic, but the future is now. Researchers at Stanford University created an AI diagnosis algorithm for skin cancer, developed by Google, to identify 1.28 million images representing over 2,000 different diseases. Artificial skin and 3D printing in collaboration with engineering are paving the way to create synthetic skin and helping to ensure that critical tissue shortages would not interfere with treatments offered by dermatologists. Skin regeneration is necessary for healing injuries to the skin including cosmetic treatments that cause injury to the skin by means of promoting skin cell turnover to fight the effects of aging. Researchers are working toward various innovations for regeneration. Health sensors encompass tiny gadgets that measure vital signs and health parameters. While these can benefit in the treatments of all kinds of disease, when it comes to the skin, sensor-like materials such as a wearable sensor created by Loreal can measure sun exposure and notify the user when they are about to get a sunburn, warning against skin cancer. Nanotechnology and nanoparticles have a lot to offer in the fight against cancer as well as UV-light absorbing sunscreens, anti-aging products and the topical delivery of retinoids, antioxidants and medicines for skin rejuvenation.
Evolving technology is just scratching the surface of the wonders to behold in the future of dermatology. To stay updated on breakthroughs in skincare technology, subscribe to our WEBSITE. For your own personalized skin assessment, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546.