How We Build Your Skincare Protocol

Everything starts with your skin type. Whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, normal, or sensitive, the algorithm selects a foundation of products that work with your skin rather than against it. An oily skin profile, for example, receives lightweight, non-comedogenic formulations, while a dry skin profile gets richer, barrier-repairing products.

Age plays a significant role in product selection. If you are under 25, the focus is on prevention and gentle actives. From 35 onward, retinoids become a cornerstone of the routine. After 50, peptides and ceramides take priority to support the skin barrier and address structural changes.

Biological sex is also considered because hormonal differences affect oil production, skin thickness, and how ingredients are absorbed. These factors together form the baseline upon which all further personalization is built.

Example: A 42-year-old woman with combination skin receives a baseline that includes gentle retinol, a hydrating serum, and a lightweight moisturizer.

Once your baseline is established, the algorithm maps each of your skin concerns to specific, evidence-backed ingredients. If you report hyperpigmentation, for example, ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin are introduced. For acne, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may be added depending on severity.

Severity levels matter. A mild concern may receive a lower concentration or a gentler alternative, while a severe concern triggers higher concentrations or more potent actives. This graduated approach helps avoid overwhelming the skin while still delivering results.

DermaWise currently supports 14 distinct skin concerns, each with its own ingredient mapping drawn from published dermatological research.

Example: Selecting "dark spots" and "fine lines" adds vitamin C serum (AM) and retinol (PM) to the protocol.

Your environment and daily habits shape how your skin behaves. The algorithm considers your climate and typical sun exposure to adjust SPF strength and hydration levels. If you live in a hot, humid environment, lighter textures are favored. In dry, cold climates, richer emollients and occlusives are added.

Stress levels, sleep quality, and hydration habits also influence product selection. Chronic stress and poor sleep increase inflammation markers, which may lead to the inclusion of soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients like centella asiatica or green tea extract.

Hormonal factors receive special attention. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the algorithm automatically excludes retinoids, salicylic acid in high concentrations, and other ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy. Smoking status triggers additional antioxidant support.

Example: A user who reports high stress and lives in a dry climate receives extra hydrating layers and calming ingredients.

Some active ingredients are highly effective on their own but can cause irritation, reduced efficacy, or adverse reactions when combined. Retinol and AHA/BHA acids, for example, both increase skin sensitivity and can damage the barrier when layered. Retinol and benzoyl peroxide can deactivate each other. Vitamin C at low pH can destabilize niacinamide in certain formulations.

The algorithm checks 8 known conflict rules and automatically separates incompatible ingredients into morning and evening routines. When separation is not sufficient, one ingredient may be scheduled on alternating days. This happens silently so you receive a safe, optimized routine without needing to understand the chemistry yourself.

The conflict rules are reviewed periodically and updated as new research becomes available.

Example: If your protocol includes both retinol and glycolic acid, retinol is assigned to the evening and glycolic acid to the morning routine.

Not everyone wants a 10-step routine, and not every budget accommodates luxury products. Your routine preference -- minimal, moderate, or comprehensive -- sets a cap on the number of products in your protocol.

When the cap is reached, the algorithm uses a priority-based selection system. Products are ranked by their impact on your specific concerns, and lower-priority items are removed first. Essential products -- cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF -- are never removed regardless of the complexity setting.

Budget preferences further refine product recommendations, favoring cost-effective options when a lower budget is indicated while still maintaining ingredient quality and efficacy.

Example: A "minimal" routine preference caps the protocol at 4-5 products, keeping only the highest-impact items plus the essential three.