Dr. Andrew Huberman: How UVB to skin raises testosterone

Through melanopsin retinal cells, UVB drives key hormonal cascades. Testosterone rises, melatonin falls at night, and pain tolerance shifts via endorphins.

Andrew Hubermanhost

Feb 26, 202638mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: February 26, 2026
Duration: 38m
Channel: Huberman Lab
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explore how different wavelengths of light affect the human body and how light exposure can improve sleep quality, mood and daytime alertness while supporting healthy hormone regulation. I also discuss the therapeutic use of ultraviolet and infrared/red light for a wide variety of benefits, including improved skin health and offsetting age-related vision loss. I explain the biological mechanisms behind these light-based therapies and offer practical tools that listeners can use to improve both their mental and physical well-being. Show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/HDM1kqz Watch more Huberman Lab Essentials: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPNW_gerXa4OGNy1yE-W9IX-tPu-tJa7S&si=a1_sA7rUT-fE0OM5 *Timestamps* 00:00:00 Light 00:00:47 Physics of Light 00:01:57 Light & Body, Rods & Cones, Skin, Seasons & Melatonin 00:05:01 Melatonin Supplements?, Tool: Seasonal Sun Exposure; Reduce Night Light 00:09:15 Light, UVB, Skin Exposure, Testosterone & Estrogen, Fertility 00:12:38 UVB Light & Improved Pain Tolerance 00:14:54 Tool: Daily Sunlight Exposure Protocol; Blue Blockers 00:17:08 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Year-Round Sunlight Exposure 00:19:16 Enhanced Immune Function & UVB Light, Tool: Winter Light Exposure 00:21:37 Light, Wound Healing, Hair & Nail Growth 00:23:03 Tool: Mood, Dopamine & Avoid Nighttime UVB Light 00:25:38 Red Light Therapy, Infrared Light, Acne, Wound Healing & Scars; Mitochondria 00:29:19 Offset Age-Related Eyesight Decline, Red Light 00:33:35 Tool: Red Light Protocol, Frequency & Timing 00:36:15 Red Light for Shift Workers 00:37:55 Recap #HubermanLab #Science Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer

SPEAKERS

Andrew Huberman
host

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Huberman Lab, featuring Andrew Huberman, Dr. Andrew Huberman: How UVB to skin raises testosterone explores how sunlight and red light shape hormones, mood, immunity, healing Light is electromagnetic energy that different tissues absorb at different wavelengths, allowing it to alter neural activity, hormones, and even gene expression across the body.

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