The truth is that when most people think of skincare, they think of women. Does that mean it’s exclusive to men? No. But it’s female-dominated for sure. It’s also a competitive space that’s difficult to break into, partially because of the complexity of the products and routines. Still, some people manage, utilizing a bit of grit and a good idea to shake things up. At least, that’s how Murat Bazarov pushed his way in, leveraging artificial intelligence to personalize skincare solutions for every skin type and gender — men included.
To discuss his journey, Bazarov sat down with Leonard Kim, the host of Grit Daily Startup Show. They shared a conversation about his entry into the industry and his vision for his company, Nubio AI.
Bazarov grew up in Turkmenistan, a country and culture not too focused on skincare, especially for men. But even then, there were small, personal moments of self-care. One example he gave was watching his father and grandparents tend to their feet after long days at work. Those small moments were major influences on his path to entrepreneurship and skincare.
“I wanted to focus on something practical, something that helped people with issues they face daily but don’t always address,” Bazarov said. His passion translated well into success, with his initial foray into foot care seeing success. But he also realized something during that time: the world of skincare, particularly for men, was complex and intimidating. Nubio AI was born out of a desire to simplify things and make it easier for men to engage with skincare.
“Everyone has skin, right? And yet a lot of men don’t engage with skincare because it’s not marketed to them in a way that resonates,” he noted. By integrating AI, Nubio aims to bridge that gap with personalized suggestions that adapt to an individual’s changing skin over time.
The platform works by analyzing a user’s skin and coming back to them with product suggestions and tailored routines. “There are so many products and skin types out there. What works for one person might not work for another,” Bazarov explained. The AI not only adapts but can even predict skin changes due to environmental factors.
Of course, while there is a growing awareness around skincare for me, it’s not commonplace. Not yet. But Bazarov thinks the shift will only intensify, with the market potentially surpassing $16 billion by 2028. He has evidence to back it up, too, considering 40% of Nubio’s user base is men.
However, Bazarov refuses to simply wait for that to happen. He has plans for Nubio that extend beyond skincare, with a vision to make it a complete wellness platform that includes nutrition and mental health. “When your skin feels good, you feel good,” he said, emphasizing the connection between self-care and mental well-being.
The platform also fosters a community where users can share their journeys, product recommendations, and tips. “People love to help. You don’t know how many others might have the same issue you’re facing,” Bazarov shared.
For those looking to explore Nubio, the app is available through the company’s website, providing an easy-to-use interface for users at any stage of their skincare journey. Whether you’re dealing with foot issues, eczema, or simply looking for a routine that works, Nubio AI promises a personalized approach to help you feel confident in your own skin.
