A CPU 411 divides image data GD into a plurality of areas (pixel data groups), analyzes the data in image data area units, and determines the color value and dispersion value of the image data areas. When the determined color value is within a flesh toned color area and the dispersion value is at or below a reference dispersion value, the CPU 411 determines the target image data area to be a flesh area. The CPU 411 carries out a smoothing process on the image data area determined to be a flesh area.