Disclosed herein is an image processing apparatus for extracting a characteristic point from an image. The image processing apparatus includes an image taking section configured to radiate light having a first wavelength on an image taking subject in order to generate a first photographing-result image and radiate light having a second wavelength on said image taking subject in order to generate a second photographing-result image. The image processing apparatus also includes a skin-area detection section configured to detect a skin area exposed to a skin of said image taking subject on the basis of said first photographing-result image and said second photographing-result image. The image processing apparatus further includes a characteristic-point extraction section configured to extract said characteristic point from an extraction area existing on a display image showing said image taking subject to serve as an extraction area including said skin area.