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Allure, SkinBetter?s skin analysis tool brings dermatology to mobile

Condé Nast?s Allure and skin solution system SkinBetter are providing in-depth skin analysis in a new tool available online and via iOS and Android mobile applications to give consumers an at-home reference for their skincare needs.

As traditional dermatology has always required doctor visits and product testing, the SkinBetter Skin Analyzer takes a new approach to skincare with its mobile offerings. Requiring less effort, the tool provides convenience and appeals to younger audiences.

"For Allure, the SkinBetter tool strengthens our connection with a consumer who?s eager to find trustworthy, expert, personalized advice on skin care,? said Linda Wells, editor-in-chief of Allure Magazine, New York. ?It's something we?ve offered since the launch of Allure. 

?The SkinBetter tool brings more sophisticated personalized information to the consumer and allows her act on that information immediately,? she said.

How it works
Using the app version of the tool, users can snap a photo of their face and upload it. The tool then analyzes users? skin via patented technology developed by imaging engineers and scientists at Canfield Scientific. 

Special mapping software targets critical facial areas that reveal the condition of users? skin and specific complexion elements.

The technology also separates the unique color signatures of red and brown skin components for visualization of existing spots and redness, as well as emerging spots.


A questionnaire elicits a self-assessment of aesthetic skin history and areas of concern, which was developed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

After users enter their skin history, an algorithm produces a series of product choices that are specifically recommended for users? skin.

SkinBetter recommends that users snap the photo using the camera on the back of their devices, given its higher resolution capabilities.

Incorporating mobile
Allure continues to extend its knowledge of beauty to the mobile space.

Backed by content from Allure, beauty-appointment tool BeautyBooked has released an app, expanding its reach to on-the-go consumers looking to book last minute appointments in several cities around the country.

Users of the app can access editorial reviews from Allure.com and join the rewards program to reap benefits. Beauty booking apps are appearing at rapid pace in order to address women?s desire for mobile beauty solutions and to provide exposure for salons and spas (see story).

In 2012, A Condé Nast executive at the Netbiscuits World conference said as it saw more users consuming content on mobile devices, the publisher's goal was to have mobile sites for all of its brands by the end of 2013 (see story).

Since then, the media company has dived headfirst into lending mobile capabilities to its publications.

A SkinBetter executive echoes the important of mobile.

?The mobile app is extremely important,? said Jonah Shacknai, cofounder of SkinBetter, Phoenix. ?Firstly, many consumers have shifted to both browsing and shopping on mobile devices, so we wanted to be where the consumer is. 

?Secondly, high quality photographs are critical to obtaining the most accurate skin analysis,? he said. ?The excellent cameras on recent generation devices allow users to get great images and superb results. 

?We would actually prefer that consumers experience SkinBetter on mobile devices, with our completely responsive platform. Results are always saved for registered users, so they may be accesses from any device, anytime.?

Final Take
Caitlyn Bohannon is an editorial assistant on Mobile Marketer, New York