A device may select an individual that is a candidate for authentication by facial recognition. The device may identify a facial area of the individual and an area of exposed skin of the individual. The device may obtain a first temperature associated with the facial area of the individual and a second temperature associated with the area of exposed skin of the individual. The device may determine, based on the first temperature and the second temperature, whether an appearance of the facial area of the individual is likely altered by a face-altering technology. The device may selectively perform facial recognition on the facial area of the individual based on whether the appearance of the facial area of the individual is likely altered by the face-altering technology.