Shiseido Develops Tool that Predicts Future Skin Concerns by Analyzing Facial Images

In a groundbreaking stride towards personalized skincare, Shiseido has harnessed the power of facial image analysis to predict future skin conditions, including wrinkles, sagging, and internal skin issues. The key revelation lies in the intricate relationship between the nasal skeleton structure and impending skin concerns, such as fine lines and sagging.

Revolutionizing Personalized Approaches

This cutting-edge technology is anchored in Shiseido's proprietary beauty algorithms, a culmination of over a century's worth of research insights. By scrutinizing facial images, the tool can forecast potential skin issues before they manifest, offering a preemptive approach to skincare. Beyond this, it opens avenues for the development of tailored solutions, including specialized massage techniques and internal body care methods.

The findings, disclosed in part during the 28th JFACE Annual Conference (Forum Kaogaku 2023) on October 14–15, 2023, mark a significant step for Shiseido. The company plans to integrate this innovative technology into its inner beauty business, scheduled for an official launch in 2024.

Understanding a person's present skin condition involves a blend of inherent characteristics and the impact of skincare practices, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors. Shiseido has previously pioneered multiple technologies for assessing current skin conditions using facial images, deploying them in at-home self-check applications and in-store devices.

The Focus on Nasal Features

Recognizing that innate skin properties could hold the key to proactive skincare, Shiseido's recent study zeroed in on the nasal skeleton structure as a representative feature of personal characteristics.

Analyzing 12 facial shape features and 18 skin condition variables based on images from 424 Asian women aged 40–59, the study identified a strong correlation between skin conditions like wrinkles and sagging with specific nasal features, especially the root, bridge, and wings of the nose. A comprehensive analysis further unveiled connections between the shape of the nasal bridge and skin color saturation, as well as the nasal skeleton structure and internal skin conditions such as capillary density.

Challenges and Technological Breakthrough

Shiseido faced a significant challenge in accurately capturing nasal shape details from typical smartphone images. Unlike the eyes and mouth with distinct contours, the nose presented difficulties due to its three-dimensional nature and color similarity to the skin. Undeterred, Shiseido's research team overcame this obstacle by focusing on the subtle shadows cast by the nose in facial images. This innovative approach resulted in the development of image processing technology capable of precise calculations, even with standard smartphone cameras.

A Futuristic Predictive Tool

Utilizing this breakthrough image analysis technology alongside the insights into the relationship between nasal structure and skin conditions, Shiseido has categorized faces into 16 types. The company has successfully crafted a predictive tool capable of anticipating future skin problems and internal skin conditions for each face type.

With this avant-garde technology, Shiseido aspires not only to offer improvement-focused skincare but also to pioneer prevention-type care. The goal is to address potential skin issues before they arise by recommending a holistic approach, encompassing skincare, nutrition, exercise, and sleep. This aligns seamlessly with Shiseido's 2030 vision of becoming a "Personal Beauty Wellness Company," underscoring its commitment to holistic well-being.