Did you know that an artificial intelligence algorithm can grade nine facial signs from a simple selfie?
The smartphone as an observation tool
Today’s smartphones have high-resolution cameras, and artificial intelligence algorithms are learning to recognize details that once required laboratory equipment. In dermatology these technologies are increasingly used to observe the skin in a standardized way.
This opens up an interesting possibility. Studying the signs of aging in a huge number of people, quickly and privately, and comparing different populations.
How the study was done
In the study, published in 2022, the researchers used an artificial intelligence algorithm validated by dermatologists. They analyzed selfies of 465,587 European women aged 18 to 85 and 79,016 Chinese women aged 18 to 69, all without facial skin diseases.
The photos were taken with smartphones that had a camera of at least 4 megapixels. An app scored the severity of nine facial signs, including wrinkles, sagging, vascular signs, pigmentation and pores.
What was observed
In European women, wrinkles, texture and sagging increased steadily with age. In Chinese women the same signs had lower scores and a more gradual increase in the younger age groups.
Pigmentation showed the opposite pattern. In Chinese women it increased steadily between 18 and 40, leveled off between 40 and 60 and rose again after 60. In European women scores were lower and the increase was slower. Vascular signs grew with age in European women and showed no significant change in Chinese women.
How to read the result
The number of people is enormous, which makes the comparisons between age groups and populations robust. Still, this is a snapshot at one point in time. The study compares people of different ages and does not follow the same people over the years, and the quality of each selfie also depends on light and framing.
For the authors, automatic analysis of selfies is a fast and confidential way to measure the signs of aging and to understand the priorities of each group. A score from a photo is a starting point for getting to know your skin better. For a full assessment, especially if you notice changes that worry you, see a dermatologist.
This article is for information only. It does not replace the advice of a doctor or dermatologist, whom you should consult with any question about your skin.