Artificial intelligence analysis of over a million Chinese men and women reveals level of dark circle in the facial skin aging process

Abstract

BackgroundTo better compare the progression of dark circles and the aging process in Chinese skin. A total of 100 589 Chinese males and 1 838 997 Chinese females aged 18 to 85, without facial skin conditions, and who had access to a smartphone with a high‐resolution camera all took selfies.MethodUsing a smartphone application with a built‐in artificial intelligence algorithm, facial skin diagnostic evaluated the selfies and score the severity of the dark circles with four other facial indicators (including skin type, Pores, Acne vulgaris, and Blackheads). Basic information was collected with online questionnaire, including their age, gender, skin sensitivity, and dietary habits.ResultsIn users between the age of 18 and 59, the prevalence of comprehensive, pigmented, and structural type of dark circles all rose with age. However, between the age of 60 and 85, the intensity of all types of dark circles diminished. Besides, vascular dark circles progressively worsen from the age of 18 to their peak at 39, and then gradually decline with age. Females typically have more pronounced black circles under their eyes than males in China. Bad eating habits, urbanization, regular cosmetics use, and sensitive skin positively correlate with severe dark circles. Vascular, comprehensive dark circles were worse in spring. Both pigmented and structural dark circles were worse in the summer. The results indicated that the intensity of dark circles was influenced by oily skin, wide pores, severe blackheads, and severe acne.ConclusionsChinese men and women differed noticeably in the prevalence of each face aging indicator and the appearance of aging dark circles. Selfies could be automatically graded and examined by artificial intelligence, which is a quick and private method for quantifying signs of facial aging and identifying major problems for different populations. Artificial intelligence would assist in the development of individualized preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Facial adult female acne in China: An analysis based on artificial intelligence over one million

“…All subjects were required to read the online informed consent and be fully aware that the photos would be used for research purposes and that their private information would be kept strictly confidential before taking the selfie photos. Considering the difference between different smartphone cameras, only smartphones with high‐resolution rear cameras are eligible for photography as previously described 19 . Before taking the selfie, the subjects were asked to be in a room with good lighting conditions.…”

“…Considering the difference between different smartphone cameras, only smartphones with high-resolution rear cameras are eligible for photography as previously described. 19 Before taking the selfie, the subjects were asked to be in a room with good lighting conditions. Under the voice guidance of the application, subjects used the rear cameras of their smartphones from the frontal angle at a suitable distance with flashlight on, ensuring that the faces were clearly photographed.…”

“…Trained to forecast scores according to dermatological criteria, the system shows a significant correlation with dermatologists' ratings, especially among Asian people. Early studies have also shown a high level of consistency regardless of changes in lighting conditions and camera angles 17–19 …”

“…Early studies have also shown a high level of consistency regardless of changes in lighting conditions and camera angles. [17][18][19] The objective of this study was to evaluate the development of age-related acne in Chinese adult females. To gather comprehensive data, an AI-based automatic grading system was utilized across a broad population.…”