Objective To explore the application effect of case-based learning (CBL) in the teaching of cosmetic dermatology. Methods A total of 42 advanced training physicians in cosmetic dermatology who received training at Anning Chinese Medicine Hospital from September 2023 to May 2024 were selected as the research subjects, and they were divided into the control group and the observation group according to different enrollment dates, with 21 physicians in each group. The control group received conventional teaching, and the observation group received CBL teaching. The critical thinking ability, assessment scores, teaching quality and autonomous learning ability were compared between the two groups. Results The CTDI-CV score of the observation group after teaching was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The theoretical score and clinical skill score of the observation group after teaching were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). The teaching quality of the observation group after teaching was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The scores of all indicators of autonomous learning ability and total score in the observation group after teaching were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The CBL teaching mode effectively improves the theoretical level, clinical skills and autonomous learning ability of advanced training physicians in cosmetic dermatology, and simultaneously enhances teaching quality and critical clinical thinking.