Red Light Therapy for Men’s Skin: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

I’ve been studying red light therapy (photobiomodulation) since 2019, and its effects on the skin still amaze me. Show me a man’s face with razor burn, acne bumps, or wrinkles, and I will show you a candidate for red light therapy.

Did you know that 1 in 3 men now use skincare products regularly? It’s time to step up your game with the latest skincare trend: red light therapy.

This cutting-edge treatment isn’t just for the ladies anymore. It’s becoming a secret weapon for men who want to look their best without spending hours in front of the mirror.

Let’s dive into the world of red light therapy and discover how it can transform your skin!

Top Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Men’s Skin

Men’s skin, typically thicker and oilier than women’s, presents unique challenges when it comes to aging. Let’s look at men’s skin problems and how red light therapy helps.

Red light therapy helps with:

• Men’s lines and wrinkles
• Men’s skin tone and texture
• Men’s acne, inflammation and redness
• Men’s razor burns

Men’s Lines and Wrinkles

As men age, they lose natural collagen and elastin production. Red light therapy is a non-invasive and proven way to boost collagen and elastin production and restore skin structure and elasticity.

Unlike most collagen-boosting methods, red light therapy does not create damage to benefit from healing. Instead, it stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen.

Forehead and Under-Eye Wrinkles

In my interviews with male red light therapy users, I’ve heard consistent reports of improvements around the eyes and forehead. Those stubborn “eleven” lines between the brows seem to be a common concern, and many men have noted significant softening of these lines with regular use of red light therapy.

I interviewed a 50-ish-year-old man about his skin concerns. He is a C-suite executive who did not want to look “too done.” He was worried that dermatological procedures would show. He had deep lines between his eyebrows and wrinkles under his eyes. After exploring multiple anti-aging treatments, he settled on red light therapy. Within eight weeks of every-other-day use, his skin softened, his wrinkles faded, and he had a healthy glow.

Most men I’ve spoken to reported seeing noticeable differences after about 8-12 weeks of consistent use. This aligns with the scientific understanding of how red light therapy works to stimulate cellular processes over time.

Skincare Routines

Another advantage of red light therapy that seems to appeal to men is its ease of use. I’ve found that most men prefer skincare solutions that don’t require extensive time or complicated routines. Red light therapy fits this bill perfectly, allowing users to treat their skin while reading or checking emails.

It should be combined with a good skincare routine and healthy lifestyle habits for optimal results. Hydration, sun protection, and adequate sleep all play crucial roles in maintaining skin health and maximizing the benefits of red light therapy.

From the data I’ve gathered and the experts I’ve consulted, red light therapy appears to be one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for reducing fine lines and wrinkles in men’s skin. It offers a balance of efficacy and convenience that resonates well with male users, making it a worthwhile consideration for any man looking to maintain a youthful, energetic appearance.

Men’s Skin Tone and Texture

Men are human, too, and they want smooth skin with even color as much as women. Texture and tone skin problems are common. Many studies show that red light therapy is an excellent tool for smoothing the skin and evening out the tone.

Age Spots, Scars and Texture

Many men struggle with uneven skin tone due to sun damage, age spots, or post-acne scars. Red light therapy has been found to help address these issues by promoting cellular regeneration and increasing blood circulation. This process can lead to an even brighter complexion over time.

It penetrates the skin to stimulate the production of new, healthy skin cells, resulting in a smoother, more refined skin texture. One of the most interesting aspects of red light therapy for skin texture is its ability to minimize pore size.

Due to higher oil production, men often have larger, more visible pores. Through regular red light therapy, many men report a noticeable reduction in pore size, leading to a smoother overall skin texture.

Men’s Acne and Inflammation

Regarding men’s skincare, acne and inflammation are often overlooked issues that can significantly impact appearance and confidence. Red light therapy is a promising solution for these concerns, offering a non-invasive and effective treatment option.

Many men struggle with acne well into adulthood, contrary to the common misconception that it’s just a teenage problem. Red light therapy has shown remarkable results in combating this stubborn skin condition.

These are just some of the ways the light helps reduce acne:

• Reduces the quantity of whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts
• Reduces the severity of acne eruptions
• Reduces hair follicle clogging
• Reduces or eliminates P. acnes bacteria
• Reduces the quantity of sebum oil

A 2021 study demonstrated that near-infrared low-level laser therapy significantly reduced participants’ sebum production and acne lesions. After six treatments, the study showed significant reductions in comedones, papules, and pustules [1].

The anti-inflammatory properties of red light therapy are particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin. Reducing inflammation helps to calm angry, red breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. Near-infrared light significantly improved acne symptoms in men.

One key advantage of red light therapy for men’s acne is its ability to target the root cause without harsh chemicals or antibiotics. This is especially important for men with sensitive skin or prefer a more natural approach to skincare.

Red and blue light therapy works by exciting porphyrins, organic compounds produced by acne-causing bacteria. This excitation creates free radicals that kill the bacteria, effectively treating acne without the risk of antibiotic resistance [2, 3].

In addition to treating active acne, red light therapy can help with its aftermath. Many men struggle with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the dark spots left behind after acne heals. The collagen-stimulating effects of red light therapy can help fade these marks more quickly, leading to a more even skin tone [4].

It’s worth noting that red light therapy can be particularly beneficial for men who experience inflammation from shaving. Regular treatments can alleviate razor burns, ingrown hairs, and general skin irritation.

A 2016 study showed that after 12 weeks of twice-weekly blue light therapy treatments, participants achieved an 81.6% reduction in acne lesions [5]. Consistency is key, and most men see the best results when they incorporate red light therapy into their regular skincare routine over several weeks or months.

Experts recommend combining red light therapy with a proper cleansing routine and non-comedogenic moisturizers for optimal results. This multi-faceted approach can help accelerate the skin’s natural healing process and enhance overall health.

References

1. Szymańska, A., Budzisz, E., & Erkiert-Polguj, A. (2021). The Anti-Acne Effect of Near-Infrared Low-Level Laser Therapy. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 14, 1045-1051.
2. Choi, M. S., Yun, S. J., Beom, H. J., Park, H. R., & Lee, J. B. (2011). Comparative study of the bactericidal effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid with blue and red light on Propionibacterium acnes. The Journal of Dermatology, 38(7), 661-666.
3. McGinley, K. J., Webster, G. F., & Leyden, J. J. (1980). Facial follicular porphyrin fluorescence: Correlation with age and density of Propionibacterium acnes. British Journal of Dermatology, 102(4), 437-441.
4. Zhao, C., Jia, X., Dong, F., Zhang, M., Li, T., & Wang, H. (2022). Therapeutic effect of alternating red and blue light irradiation combined with collagen in patients with acne vulgaris and the risk factors of short-term recurrence. American Journal of Translational Research, 14(11), 7870-7879.
5. Antoniou, C., Dessinioti, C., Sotiriadis, D., Kalokasidis, K., Kontochristopoulos, G., Petridis, A., Rigopoulos, D., Vezina, D., & Nikolis, A. (2016). A multicenter, randomized, split-face clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of chromophore gel-assisted blue light phototherapy for the treatment of acne. International Journal of Dermatology, 55(12), 1321-1328.

Men’s Razor Burns

For many men, shaving is a daily ritual that can sometimes lead to skin irritation, cuts, and razor burns. Red light therapy offers a promising solution for these common skincare issues, potentially helping to boost healing and reduce inflammation.

While specific studies on red light therapy for shaving-related skin issues are limited, some theoretical benefits can be drawn based on its proven effects on hair growth and follicle health.

A 2014 double-blind clinical trial involving 146 male and 188 female subjects with pattern hair loss demonstrated that the HairMax LaserComb, a red light therapy device, significantly increased terminal hair density compared to sham treatment at 16 and 26 weeks [1]. This improvement in hair growth suggests that red light therapy may positively affect follicle health.

Theoretically, this enhanced follicle health could benefit men with razor bumps, also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae. Razor bumps occur when hair grows back into the skin, causing inflammation and irritation. If red light therapy can improve the overall health of hair follicles, it might help hair grow more normally, potentially reducing the likelihood of ingrown hairs and subsequent razor bumps.

Additionally, the general anti-inflammatory properties of red light therapy, as mentioned in the original document, could theoretically help soothe irritated skin after shaving. This could potentially alleviate the discomfort associated with razor burns and minor cuts.

However, it’s important to note that while these potential benefits are grounded in the demonstrated effects of red light therapy on hair and skin health, they remain theoretical regarding specifically addressing shaving-related issues. More targeted research would be needed to confirm these potential benefits for razor bumps and shaving irritation.

Consistency is likely key in any skincare treatment if red light therapy is used. Regular use and good shaving practices might lead to healthier, less irritated skin over time. However, men considering this approach should consult with a dermatologist, especially if they have persistent or severe shaving-related skin issues.

Reference:

• Jimenez, J. J., Wikramanayake, T. C., Bergfeld, W., Hordinsky, M., Hickman, J. G., Hamblin, M. R., & Schachner, L. A. (2014). Efficacy and safety of a low-level laser device in the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss: a multicenter, randomized, sham device-controlled, double-blind study. American journal of clinical dermatology, 15(2), 115-127.
• Couturaud V, Le Fur M, Pelletier M, Granotier F. Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation. Skin Res Technol. 2023 Jul;29(7):e13391. doi: 10.1111/srt.13391. PMID: 37522497; PMCID: PMC10311288.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy involves exposing the skin to low red or near-infrared light (sometimes green, yellow, or blue). This isn’t the same as harmful UV rays. It’s a gentle, non-invasive treatment that powers cells with photon energy.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

The science behind red light therapy is fascinating. Specific wavelengths of light in the visible and infrared range penetrate the skin where the cells’ mitochondria absorb them. Mitochondria create “biological batteries” (adenosine triphosphate, or ATP) that the cells use for restoration and repair.

When the mitochondria absorb this light, they become more efficient, producing more ATP. This boost in energy allows our skin cells to function more effectively, accelerating repair processes and stimulating the production of new, healthy cells.

What Is the Effect of Red Light Therapy on Skin?

One of the most significant benefits of red light therapy is its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Collagen is crucial for maintaining skin health and structure, and elastin prevents sagging and loose skin. Producing more proteins reduces the length and depth of wrinkles and lines and tightens sagging skin.

Red Light Therapy Dangers? It’s Not UV or IPL

It’s important to differentiate red light therapy from other light-based treatments. Unlike UV tanning beds or intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments, red light therapy doesn’t damage the skin. Blue light therapy, often used for acne, works on the skin’s surface, while red light penetrates deeper, affecting the skin at a cellular level.

One aspect I particularly appreciate about red light therapy is its versatility. It’s not just for anti-aging; it can also help with wound healing, reducing inflammation, and even managing certain skin conditions like rosacea. Of course, as with any skincare treatment, it’s always wise to consult a dermatologist before starting, especially if you have any pre-existing skin conditions.

While red light therapy isn’t a magic cure-all, it’s valuable to any skincare regimen. The science behind it is solid, and the results, while initially subtle, can be quite impressive. If you’re looking for a non-invasive way to boost your skin’s health and appearance, red light therapy might be worth considering.