What if one photo could reveal more than just your face—but also your health? Doctors are now turning to FaceAge AI as a powerful new tool for medical insights.
The idea of using technology to analyze faces isn’t new. Apps and TikTok filters claiming to reveal your age have been popular for years. But FaceAge AI isn’t just a passing trend.
This AI model has been trained on tens of thousands of photos from patients and public image databases. Its goal? To detect subtle signs of aging that could provide valuable insights into your overall health.
Dr. Raymond Mak, a radiation oncologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, co-led the study that explored this innovative tool. He told The Wall Street Journal that our faces reflect the wear and tear of a lifetime—an intricate roadmap that doctors are just beginning to decode.
This tool could be especially groundbreaking for oncologists. Physicians already rely on visual cues and gut instincts when assessing a patient’s health. With FaceAge AI, these decisions could become even more precise.
Dr. Mak shared an example of its potential impact. He treated a 90-year-old lung cancer patient who appeared much younger than his age. Trusting his instincts, Mak tailored the treatment as if the patient were younger. Later, he ran the patient’s photo through FaceAge AI, which estimated the patient’s biological age at just 66.
Concerns about bias
Despite its promise, FaceAge has raised concerns. Critics worry that predictions of shorter life expectancy could lead to biased or unequal treatment.
Additionally, experts caution that the tool still has limitations. An associate professor at Harvard told The Wall Street Journal that racial groups may be underrepresented in the datasets, and factors like cosmetic procedures or poor lighting could skew results.
If you want to explore your biological age, NOVOS offers a free version of its tool. It analyzes features like wrinkles, eyes, and pores, then provides health tips, such as cutting back on sugary foods if you score low in specific areas.
While FaceAge might offer fascinating insights—or inspire a new skincare routine—it’s no substitute for real medical advice.