Infrared thermography has proven to be an effective tool for monitoring various physiological aspects, particularly in sports and health contexts. However, this tool is also gaining relevance in studying aging and metabolic diseases.
A recent study led by Yu et al. (2024) utilized facial thermal imaging to detect indicators related to biological age and metabolic conditions. Using over 2,800 facial thermal images collected from individuals aged 20 to 90, the researchers developed the ThermoFace model. This model not only predicts an individual’s biological age with remarkable accuracy but also identifies patterns associated with diseases such as diabetes and fatty liver. This approach opens new possibilities for early diagnosis and health monitoring, enabling rapid and non-invasive evaluations.
One of the most significant findings of this study is that facial temperature reflects an individual’s biological aging, offering insights into underlying processes affecting longevity. While it is well known that core body temperature tends to decrease with age, this study identified, for the first time, that facial temperature patterns are also highly correlated with aging.
The research team developed an algorithm that analyzes changes in facial temperature and predicts biological age with a margin of error of just five years. The data shows that as people age, the temperature in key areas of the face, such as the nose, cheeks, and eyebrows, changes significantly:
ThermoFace not only predicts biological age but also identifies individuals whose biological aging is faster than their chronological age—critical for preventive interventions. Factors such as metabolism, sleep quality, and physical activity directly affect these temperature patterns. In individuals who sleep well and engage in regular physical activity, the rate of aging is slower.
In addition to aging, the model developed in this study demonstrates remarkable accuracy in detecting metabolic diseases. Researchers found that specific areas of the face, particularly the nasal and nasolabial regions, are closely associated with the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.
The study achieved a predictive accuracy rate above 80% (AUC > 0.80), suggesting that facial thermography could become an effective tool for early screening of metabolic diseases. These conditions impact the body’s ability to regulate metabolism and temperature, manifesting as pronounced temperature decreases in certain facial areas. For example, low nasal region temperature strongly correlates with high cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
To better understand the relationship between facial temperature and metabolic diseases, the physiological mechanisms at play need exploration. Infrared thermography measures radiation emitted by the skin’s surface, directly influenced by blood circulation and underlying metabolic activity. In individuals with metabolic issues such as fatty liver or type 2 diabetes, the body struggles to regulate heat, resulting in surface temperature alterations.
A faster metabolism tends to generate more heat but can also cause thermoregulation difficulties. For instance, individuals with diabetes often exhibit reduced ability to dissipate heat, reflected in lower temperatures in key facial areas.
This finding is particularly useful in clinical settings, where early disease detection is a priority. Through a facial thermal image, patterns associated with metabolic problems could be easily identified, allowing for quicker and more accurate diagnoses. Furthermore, facial thermography provides a non-invasive and low-cost approach, making it accessible for broader use in primary care.
Another innovative aspect of the study by Yu et al. (2024) is the relationship between facial temperature and individual lifestyle. The study observed that the aging rate, as measured by ThermoFace, decreases in people who maintain regular exercise routines and good sleep quality. These findings highlight the importance of lifestyle factors in regulating body temperature and biological aging.
Physical activity promotes better blood circulation and greater metabolic efficiency, reflected in a more balanced facial temperature. Similarly, adequate sleep helps regulate metabolic processes, positively impacting temperature distribution.
The research by Yu et al. (2024) opens a wide range of possibilities for future studies. The results suggest that facial thermography could be integrated into daily clinical practice for continuous health monitoring. Promising applications include:
Yu, Z., Zhou, Y., Mao, K., Pang, B., Wang, K., Jin, T., ... & Han, J. D. J. (2024). Thermal facial image analyses reveal quantitative hallmarks of aging and metabolic diseases. Cell Metabolism, 36(7), 1482-1493.
ThermoHuman has had the support of the Funds of the European Union and the Community of Madrid through the Operational Programme on Youth Employment. Likewise, ThermoHuman within the framework of the Export Initiation Program of ICEX NEXT, had the support of ICEX and the co-financing of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Thermohuman has received funding from the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), in participation with the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), for the R+D activities involved in creating a new tool, based on thermography, for the prediction and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis. See project detail.
