Soon, Robots — Not Doctors — Might Be Scanning Your Body For Skin Cancer (2025)

A world where a robot quickly scans your body for skin cancer or your forehead lines stay frozen with just a treatment or two a year isn’t some far-away dream — the future is already here.

And while you might be excited about the possibilities, dermatologists themselves are most eager for the latest advancements. Experts convened earlier this year in Paris at the IMCAS World Congress, where industry leaders across dermatology, plastic surgery and aging sciences gathered to share breakthroughs and innovations.

Dermatologists see firsthand what patients are looking for, and where their current available options for helping them fall short. “There’s a need for a range of different approaches to tackle visible and cellular signs of aging, as well as correct damage and boost our cellular ability to function as we slow down from aging,” said Dr. Jeanine B. Downie, a board-certified dermatologist and director at Image Dermatology PC. “Skin needs for toning and tightening, lifting, collagen elastin and fibroblast function are higher in demand,” she shared.

The latest (and forthcoming) advancements in treatments don’t just make us look better, but are truly life-saving improvements, too — like in the aforementioned skin cancer scan. “These technologies highlight the growing role of AI, automation and advanced imaging in reshaping dermatology,” said Dr. Arisa Ortiz, a board-certified dermatologist and president at American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

We spoke to dermatologists who attended IMCAS World Congress and who stay at the forefront of dermatological innovations about the advancements they’re most excited about.

VICTOR HABBICK VISIONS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images

Swan By Squaremind

You’ll still need to make an annual skin check appointment with your dermatologist, but next time, it might be a robot that’s checking for suspicious moles.

“The Swan is a fully robotic device that performs automated full-body skin exams using dermoscopic resolution to evaluate pigmented lesions,” Ortiz explained. “It uses AI-driven analysis to assess the images post-scan to assist in skin cancer detection and treatment planning. This reduces the need for unnecessary biopsies while improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, marking a major step forward in non-invasive skin assessment,” she said.

It takes less than 5 minutes for the device to scan the body and take images. Then, it analyzes those images for potential areas of concern (your doctor can see and review the images, too). This should lead to more efficient skin screenings, not only for the patient, but also for busy healthcare providers.

According to Ortiz, the Swan will be available in the near future.

PRX Derm Perfexion

Your next facial is about to be a lot more effective. “I was most excited about the PRX technology,” said Downie, who is a partner with PRX. “This treatment is a noninvasive topical collagen biostimulator product from Italy based on two decades of research that is clinically proven to help tighten, tone and lift the skin for visible rejuvenation of the face and body.” The treatment is made with hydrogen peroxide and trichloroacetic acid, which work together to create a wound-healing response in the skin, and kojic acid, which evens skin tone. It’s applied to skin in layers by your dermatologist or esthetician, and, unlike your typical peel, the burn is minimal, and skin won’t slough off after.

“It is designed to stimulate natural collagen production through a one-of-a-kind mechanism of action and delivery system that bypasses the upper layers of epidermis, penetrating to the deeper layers of dermis, avoiding the shedding of a traditional peel,” Downie explained.

Unlike other procedures, PRX Derm Perfexion improves the look of fine lines, stretch marks, scars, pigmentation and more anywhere on the body without discomfort or downtime, with results in just one treatment (and significant results after four). “Equally as exciting for my patient population is that PRX Derm Perfexion is safe for all seasons, skin types and genders and ethnicities regardless of their number on the fitzpatrick scale,” Downie said.

PRX Derm Perfexion is available now.

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Relfydess By Galderma

Gone are the days of a week for Botox or Dysport to kick in, only to need a treatment again a few months later. “I think everyone is looking for a neuromodulator that has a faster time of onset and lasts longer,” said Dr. DiAnne Davis, a board-certified dermatologist. Soon, that’s exactly what will be available.

“[Relfydess is] a new neuromodulator ... that eliminates the need for reconstitution, offering consistent dosing and immediate application,” Davis said. Relfydess is the first to use Pearl Technology, which preserves molecular integrity and allows the active ingredients to remain effective throughout the manufacturing process, lending itself to the product’s long-term effectiveness. And while other neuromodulators require the injector to reconstitute it by mixing the product with saline, Relfydess is the only neuromodulator that comes ready to use.

Relfydess is not yet available in the United States and a launch timeline has yet to be revealed. In the meantime, you’ll have to head to Europe for the treatment, where approval is in the final stages.

CherryPics

Next time your doctor takes before and after images to track your progression, they may be using new technology.

“This technology allows for detailed tracking of treatment progress over time, thereby improving patient engagement and satisfaction,” Ortiz said. With it, you and your dermatologist can determine exactly what treatments are working and how well, track injectables and more. It can also be used to track skin conditions, like acne or eczema.

Current skin analysis technology is dominated by the brand Visia. While effective, it requires purchasing new machines and software. With the latest options, all you need is a phone. “Cherry Imaging offers an app on your phone that captures thousands of high-resolution 3D images of the face and body within seconds. Their proprietary software analyzes these images to provide precise measurements of skin morphology, including wrinkle depth, volume loss and pigmentation changes, with an accuracy of up to 100 microns,” Ortiz said. The resulting images are surprisingly lifelike, and give a much better and more accurate representation of the face than 2D images.

CherryPics is available now.

Exosomes

Exosomes aren’t new, but the potential in how we use them is. “Exosomes in skin rejuvenation and regenerative medicine continue to be a hot topic,” Davis said.

Exosomes are tiny vesicles produced by cells in our body that transfer messages and crucial molecules like proteins, lipids and DNA between other cells. They’re present in all cells, but are often derived from stem cells. Because of their potential for delivering drugs, there’s a wide range of uses, including cancer treatment and immunotherapy. Exosomes can go a long way to repair skin, too.

“Their benefits are still being discovered, but some include accelerated wound healing, possibly promoting hair growth, and aiding in scar remodeling. As someone who treats a lot of acne scars, I am excited to see how far we can utilize this technology for our patients,” Davis said.

Products with exosomes are currently available, with varying efficacy. Many of the exosome skin care products available in store use plant-derived exosomes, but it’s questionable whether they have the same regenerative power as mammalian-derived exosome products. Human-derived exosome products are available for purchase, but it comes with a high price tag and in some cases requires professional licenses to purchase. Some of the most effective treatments combine exosomes with in-office treatments like microneedling and lasers, but overall it’s an area where more research is needed.