The analysis is based on levels of specific proteins—which L'Oréal has been studying for 10 years, including proteins related to collagen, elastin, and the skin barrier—in the skin, according to Guive Balooch, global head of augmented beauty and open innovation at L’Oréal Groupe (he heads up L’Oréal’s tech innovations). While the device isn't available outside of trade shows just yet, it is a fascinating concept. By reading these proteins, Balooch says, the Cell BioPrint device will suggest products that may be a good fit for your skin. These products will, of course, be from the L’Oréal brand portfolio (the exact brand that the device will debut under is still TBD).

If you’re tired of playing skin care guessing games and interested in hard data, the Cell BioPrint device could be your answer—in fact, cutting out confusion is kind of the point. “People are frustrated by doing trial and error because they want the right product for them,” Balooch says. “I think that frustration comes from the fact that people don't want to audition skin care like they do today.” You could also use the device as a guide to change some of your “bad” skin care habits, then come back to it after a few months to see if things have improved.

The idea of a machine telling you what’s going on with your skin, why, and how to fix it is intriguing and cool, but also… maybe a little off putting to some? Does everyone want technology to influence so much of their beauty routine, or should that remain the job of dermatologists? And oh, is this machine calling me old?

When asked for their personal opinions on the matter, Allure editors had similarly mixed feelings about the big tech of it all. “I want to know everything! I'm someone who tracks my steps and sleep avidly. I want to know how my skin is aging—mostly because I know I'm aging well and I want scientific data to prove it!” said Allure’s editor in chief Jessica Cruel.

Others weren’t so sure they wanted to know what was going on in their skin: “What I don’t know can’t age me,” said features director Dianna Singh. "I have a mirror. That is all I need to tell me about how my skin is aging,” added executive beauty director Jenny Bailly.