New app offers skin diagnosis via photo

US beauty magazine Allure has launched an app to help consumers diagnose skin condition and recommend products.

The app, called SkinBetter, uses an algorithum to diagnose skin condition from a picture, as well as asking users some basic questions about their skincare concerns and skin type.

It then shows the user any damage to the skin, in a similar way to skin analysis cameras used by brands such as Murad and Dermalogica.

Afterwards, the app recommends different products for the user tailored to their skincare problems, including cleansers, moisturisers and serums. Products listed on the app have been selected by SkinBetter’s expert advisory board, which includes dermatologists and plastic surgeons

Allure's editor in chief Linda Wells said, “Most women are confused about their skin type and its needs. When they shop for skincare products, they’re overwhelmed by the excess of choice and the dearth of reliable guidance to make that choice.”

Co-founder of SkinBetter Jonah Shacknai said that he hopes the app will allow consumers to become better educated about their skin health.