Blue Light Therapy for Men: Addressing Unique Skin Concerns

DISCLAIMER: Mito Red Light devices are not clinically proven to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical conditions.  Mito Red Light devices are low / risk general wellness devices aimed at affecting the body through supporting cellular function. The scientific studies referenced in this article are for educational and informational purposes only and are meant to educate the reader on the exciting and growing field of phototherapy.  To see a list of precautionary warnings and contraindications, click here

Historically, skincare has been a female-dominated industry, but in the past few years, men have been investing heavily in grooming regimes. Changing trends among younger generations mean the male skincare industry is now worth nearly $17 billion in the US alone, and it’s projected to grow by a further $6 billion in the next five years.

As men adopt more practices previously marketed almost exclusively toward women, we’re seeing a huge increase in searches relating to how methods like blue light therapy differ for men. Male skin is certainly different, and that means men must adopt unique preparations when using blue light therapy devices. 

Male Skin Characteristics

Skin is skin, right? Well, not exactly. A man’s skin differs in everything from hair and oil formation to aging processes and hormonal influences:

• Increased oil production: Men have more pores than women, and those pores are also larger. They produce at least twice the amount of sebum, an oily substance that’s important for skin health. This means that male skin often appears shinier, but it also means they are more prone to greasy skin.

• Thicker skin structure: Male skin is usually thicker than female skin, and the differences change with age. One of the most notable differences is seen in the foreheads of older men vs older women, with the former generally being much thicker.

• Delayed signs of aging: In men, the signs of aging tend to appear a little later, but there is more of a rapid onset when they do appear. Wrinkles appear later and men are more likely to suffer from puffy/baggy eyes.

• Shaving-related complications: Coarser hair isn’t the only issue that men have when it comes to facial hair. They also indirectly damage their skin by shaving, drying it out, and making it more sensitive.

• Hormonal influences: Many of the differences highlighted above are due to varying levels of testosterone and estrogen. High levels of the former, more common in men, cause sebaceous glands to grow and produce more sebum; high levels of the latter, more common in women, thin the skin and make it more sensitive.

Common Male Skin Concerns Addressable with Blue Light

With the exception of shaving-related complications, it may seem like men have it easier when it comes to skin quality and skincare. But those high testosterone levels also cause some unique complications. Luckily, many of these could be improved with blue light therapy:

• Back and chest blemishes: Numerous studies suggest that blue light therapy may help improve the appearance of blemishes and skin irritation. 

• Beard area breakouts: Blue light wands and face masks like the MitoCLEAR® can target the whole face, including problem areas in and around the beard.

• Sports-related folliculitis: Often treated with topical antibiotics, skin irritation sometimes associated with sports may also respond to blue light therapy. It’s primarily caused by streptococcal bacteria, and blue light therapy works by targeting and killing these bacteria.

• Oil control: Specific wavelengths of blue light can force the skin to reduce its production of sebum. In combination with its anti-bacterial properties, it could clear oily buildup, reduce the risk of blemishes &  breakouts, and leave the skin looking cleaner and fresher.

Therapy Modifications for Male Skin

Although there are some blue light therapy devices targeted specifically toward men, the technology is generally the same as in female-orientated devices. The fact that men have thicker skin means they may benefit from devices that provide deeper penetration, but it depends on the goal, duration, and type of product being used.

For instance, red light therapy devices may be helpful for targeting fine lines and wrinkles, but blue light should provide many of the same benefits as it does for women. Male users may benefit from devices that combine both blue and red light therapy, such as the aforementioned MitoCLEAR® mask.

Always follow the instructions on the device, which include removing all cosmetics and sunscreen before use and protecting the skin with moisturizer after use. Refrain from using light therapy devices if you have photosensitivity disorders, and speak with your dermatologist if you are worried about sensitivities, preexisting conditions, or contraindications.

Integrating Blue Light Therapy with Male Grooming Routines

Blue light therapy is not a “one-and-done” thing. Even if you book intense sessions with a dermatologist, it works best over extended periods. That’s why at-home devices are so popular, as it’s much easier and cheaper to incorporate a mask, panel, or wand into your daily or weekly skincare regime.

It may work best when used within an hour of waking after you have washed your face. Refrain from shaving immediately after using a blue light device, keep your skin moisturized, and use sunscreen whenever you leave the house.

Device Selection for Men

Blue light therapy devices come in various shapes and styles, including wands, face masks, and panels.

Wands are usually cheaper and helpful at targeting specific problem areas, but it’s hard to get full coverage. They are ideal if you have a specific area of concern, such as chest blemishes, but are not suitable if you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to reduce oil build-up on your face.

In such cases, face masks are more preferable. Look for an option that combines various wavelengths so you can adjust your regime. It should be comfortable and easy to use, with fast charging and a durable design. The MitoCLEAR®, for instance, comes with several different modes, fits comfortably over your face, and charges quickly. It also comes with eye protectors.

Finally, blue light panels are helpful at covering large, hard-to-reach areas, and dealing with back blemishes.

Always look for trusted manufacturers and certified devices. There are a lot of options out there, and while many of them are certified and safe, a number have slipped through the gaps. A low-quality device may be ineffective or unsafe, and it also won’t last as long. Blue light therapy devices should be a regular part of your skincare regime, so you need something that will last for months and even years to come, and not something that will break after a few uses.

Results Timeline for Male Skin

You may notice a difference in the texture and appearance of your skin after a few sessions, but it can take a couple of weeks before you notice any real differences. Many of the studies that have successfully used blue light therapy to treat mild-to-moderate cases of blemishes used regular sessions over 4-8 weeks, proceeded by follow-ups in which the results were studied. These follow-ups occurred anywhere up to 12 weeks from the first session.

It takes time to work, but if you use the device as instructed, stay patient, and keep your expectations in check, you should notice some big improvements after a few months.

We recommend taking a few “before” pictures and then monitoring your progress, paying special attention to changes in the feel of your skin, as well as peeling, scabbing, swelling, and changes in moisture levels. After a few weeks, you can check back on your notes and pictures and see just how much your skin has changed.

Conclusion

Men can benefit from blue light therapy just as much as women, and often for the same reasons, as it may help with everything from wrinkles and fine lines to blemishes. However, it can also help with problems that are more common in men, including oily skin that results from excess sebum production.

Male users should follow the same safety protocols and preparations, including refraining from use if they have photosensitivity disorders, washing and lightly cleansing before a session, moisturizing the skin between sessions, and applying sunscreen before going outside.