The Science of Skincare: How Dermatology and STEM Interact

By Lakshmi I

Published 2nd March 2025

Skincare is not just beauty - it is science. Every serum, cream, and cleanser has years of research combining different elements and chemicals to protect and heal our skin. Think about it: Our skin battles pollution, UV radiation, and aging almost daily. The world of dermatology is constantly evolving, and STEM is used to fight back against these forces and unlock the secrets to healthier skin.

The Chemistry of Skincare Products

When you apply a moisturizer or sunscreen, you create a chemical reaction. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, and ceramides are not just fancy chemicals but compounds designed to help skin concerns.

• Hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge, helping moisture hold onto the skin to keep it hydrated and plump.

• Retinol from Vitamin A smoothes wrinkles and fights acne.

• SPF (Sun protection factor) acts as an invisible shield protecting against harmful UV rays, lowering the risk of skin cancer

Even the pH balance of skincare products determines how well it works. Our skin has a pH of 5.5; if a product is too acidic or alkaline, it can ruin the barrier that keeps the skin healthy.

The Technology Behind Dermatology

Dermatology uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to diagnose skin diseases faster and more accurately than ever.

Technology is leading dermatology, with faster diagnosis and more personalized treatment. Smartphone apps combined with AI now allow users to scan moles and lesions, helping in the early detection of skin cancers. Telemedicine has expanded its reach, allowing more straightforward remote consultations with dermatologists through virtual examinations. These advances improve access to care easier and offer an early enough and good detection and treatment of dermatologic conditions.

In addition to diagnosis, robotics, and 3D bioprinting are also being tested for wound healing, providing new hope for burn victims and helping individuals with severe skin conditions. These technologies enable the production of customized skin grafts that improve recovery. Wearable skincare technology is also entering the field, with smart patches and biosensors that can monitor hydration levels, sun exposure, and pH balance so users can make real-time adjustments for healthier skin.

Another development is personalized skin care, where a DNA test determines an individual's skin weaknesses and strengths. This technology helps create customized treatments for common issues like acne scarring and pigmentation. In-office treatments like laser, micro-needling, and LED therapy are also growing, providing solutions to help improve skin texture, boost collagen, and reduce inflammation. With technology leading the way, dermatology and more innovative and efficient skincare solutions continue advancing.

Conclusion

The future of skincare is not just about new products; it is about more innovative science solutions. Skincare is not just self-care—it is a mix of chemistry, technology, and medicine. From the research laboratory to our bathroom countertops, scientific discoveries are creating the future of skin care. As science improves, personalized treatments, AI-driven diagnostics, and even regrowing skin may become the new norm. For those who enjoy chemistry, medicine, or technology and are lifelong learners, dermatology offers an exciting, ever-changing frontier where science meets self-care.

Works Cited

Grieshaber, Elizabeth . “The Chemistry of Acids in Skin: Sanctuary Dermatology: Dermatologists.” Sanctuaryderm.com, 2025, www.sanctuaryderm.com/blog/the-chemistry-of-acids-in-skin. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Hawkins, Stacy, et al. “Role of PH in Skin Cleansing.” International Journal of Cosmetic Science, vol. 43, no. 4, 26 July 2021, pp. 474–483, https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12721.

Koka, Sanjay Satya-Akunuri, and Craig G. Burkhart. “Artificial Intelligence in Dermatology: Current Uses, Shortfalls, and Potential Opportunities for Further Implementation in Diagnostics and Care.” The Open Dermatology Journal, vol. 17, no. 1, 6 June 2023,

opendermatologyjournal.com/VOLUME/17/ELOCATOR/e187437222304140/FULLTEXT/#:~:text=AI%20has%20the%20power%20to, https://doi.org/10.2174/18743722-v17-e230505-2022-27.