I Was Wrong About Red Light Masks & Skin Aging

Brad Stanfield

Mar 15, 2025

Episode description

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Here are the links to the research papers referenced in the video:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38309304/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11049838/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33594706/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4148276/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17903156/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11049838/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lsm.20107
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17566756/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36780572/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37418018/
https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202411651
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9112391/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37822045/

Thumbnail by James Kelly
Video edited by Troy Young
Script by John Milliken

The links above are affiliate links, so I receive a small commission every time you use them to purchase a product. The content contained in this video, and its accompanying description, is not intended to replace viewers’ relationships with their own medical practitioner. Always speak with your doctor regarding the content of this channel, and especially before using any products, services, or devices discussed on this channel.

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Combine daily SPF 50+ sunscreen with retinoids for youthful skin

The most powerful and inexpensive approach to maintaining youthful skin is the combination of daily SPF 50+ sunscreen and topical retinoids.

#skin

#sunscreen

Utilize red and amber light for effective wrinkle reduction

A 2023 study found that red light and amber light are almost equally effective for wrinkle reduction, with red light showing a 31.6% improvement and amber light a 29.9% improvement.

#red-light

#wrinkles

Question consumer device studies for bias in results

Studies on at-home red light masks often involve researchers connected to the device manufacturers, creating a clear risk of bias in the results.

#red-light

#risk

Experience visible skin improvements with tretinoin in one month

A massive meta-analysis of 180 studies found that the topical retinoid tretinoin can improve wrinkles, uneven coloration, and age spots in as little as one month of use.

#skin

#wrinkles

Supplement collagen peptides to enhance skin health

A February 2024 study confirmed that supplementing with collagen peptides leads to significant improvements in wrinkle size, skin elasticity, and hydration.

#collagen

#skin

Rank skin rejuvenation treatments from effective to gold standard

Skin treatments can be ranked from effective and cheap (sunscreen, retinoids) to the expensive gold standard (lasers), with red light masks fitting in the middle due to their safety but limited data.