Every comparison is built from two cosmetic photo analyses of visible skin. Not a medical diagnosis; does not replace a dermatologist.
Key terms
- Compare tab: a tab in the Analysis Result, next to Skin Report, Routine and Products.
- Compare with: the menu where the shopper picks an earlier analysis by date and time.
- Skin Metrics Diff: the list that shows each concern before and after, the change and a tag.
- Improved / Regressed / Stable: the three tags for the direction of change on each concern.
- Summary box: the closing panel that counts the tags and names the concerns that moved most.
Why compare two scans at all?
A first scan tells a shopper where they are today. A second scan answers the question people actually come back with: "Is anything changing?" Queries such as "top tools for tracking changes in skin conditions" and "best skin tracking apps for monitoring skincare results" show the same interest.
For a store, comparison gives a returning shopper a reason to scan again, and each new result comes with an updated routine and fresh product matches. Our earlier post, compare the second scan, not just the first, explains why the second visit matters. This guide focuses on reading the result.
What does the shopper see?
The Compare tab is laid out in three parts:
- Two scans side by side, each with its date, and one overall change between them.
- The Skin Metrics Diff, with one line per concern: the earlier rating, the new rating, the change and a tag.
- The Summary box, with counts of how many concerns improved, regressed or stayed stable, the concerns that changed most in each direction and a short plain-language summary.
What do Improved, Regressed and Stable mean?
| Tag | What it means | How to talk about it |
|---|---|---|
| Improved | The concern was rated lower in the new scan than in the earlier one | "This looks less visible than in your last scan." |
| Regressed | The concern was rated higher in the new scan | "This looks more visible than last time. Check lighting, then see the updated routine." |
| Stable | The rating stayed about the same | "No clear change since your last scan." |
Keep the wording cosmetic and neutral. Regressed is not bad news about health. It only means the photo analysis rated that visible concern higher this time.
Why can results change between scans?
A photo-based comparison depends on the photos. Two scans can differ for reasons that have nothing to do with skincare:
- Lighting: daylight, warm bulbs and phone flash show texture and tone differently.
- Angle and distance: turning the head or moving closer changes what the camera sees.
- Makeup and products: foundation, concealer or a fresh moisturizer can change visible texture.
- Time of day: skin can look different in the morning and at night.
Face Age shows an Image Suitability Check badge to flag photos that are hard to analyze. You can help by adding a short note near the scan: "For a fair comparison, scan in the same light, bare-faced, facing the camera."
How do you set up comparison on Shopify?
Comparison needs earlier scans, so history comes first. In Shopify Admin > Apps > Face Age:
- Turn on Analysis History in Customization > Basic and choose a storage mode: Browser only, Server API or Both.
- For cross-device history, use Server API or Both, which need a logged-in customer or an email, and turn on "Save analysis data" under Integrations & Connect CRM > Shopify Customers.
- Open What's new on your Dashboard and choose Set Up Comparison.
- Run two test scans and open the Compare tab to check the result.
Our guide to skin analysis history on Shopify explains the storage modes in detail. The comparison feature page shows the Compare tab.
Browser only or server storage: what changes for comparison?
| Storage mode | Login needed | Compare across devices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browser only | No | No | Fastest; clearing the browser removes the history |
| Server API | Yes (account or email) | Yes | Needs Save analysis data turned on |
| Both | Optional | Yes, when logged in | Uses the server, falls back to the browser |
If most of your shoppers browse as guests, Browser only still gives same-device comparison. If you have customer accounts, Both covers guests and members.
How should a store use comparison?
- Invite a rescan at a sensible interval. Many skincare products take weeks to show any visible change, so a follow-up email a few weeks after purchase is a natural moment.
- Show the updated routine. After a comparison, the new routine reflects the latest concerns.
- Keep the PDF. Shoppers can download a report of each result, which helps them remember what they used.
- Add the history block. The Customer analysis history storefront extension lets logged-in shoppers see earlier results on your theme.
Avoid promising change. Do not write "see your skin improve" or claim a product will move a tag. Let the comparison speak for itself.
Which plan do you need?
Comparison, history and PDF reports are on Plus ($129 per month), Growth ($249) and Scale ($499). The Start plan ($59) includes the scan, Skin Age, the quiz builder and product recommendations. See Face Age pricing.
FAQ
How do shoppers compare two skin scans? They open the Compare tab, pick an earlier analysis and see both scans side by side with a line for every concern.
What does Regressed mean in a skin comparison? That concern was rated higher in the new scan than before. It describes the photo analysis, not a health finding.
Do I need analysis history turned on? Yes. Turn on Analysis History first.
Which plan includes before-and-after comparison? Plus ($129 per month) and above.
Why might two scans differ even when nothing changed? Lighting, angle, distance and makeup all affect a photo, so scan in similar conditions each time.
