Can Red Light Therapy Improve Mood Naturally?

What clinical research says about red and near-infrared light for emotional well-being—without pills or invasive treatments

Red light therapy is well known in the skincare industry, but a growing body of research suggests it may also support mood—particularly when used consistently and at the right wavelengths.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• What red light therapy is and how it works

• How it may support mood naturally through biological pathways

• What the science says about its effect on depression, anxiety, and stress

• How to use it safely and effectively

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT), also known as low-level light therapy or photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of visible red (around 660 nm) and near-infrared (around 850 nm) light to stimulate biological activity at the cellular level.

When absorbed by the skin, this light interacts with the mitochondria—the energy-producing centers of cells—to increase ATP production, modulate inflammation, and improve circulation. In the brain and nervous system, these effects are linked to improved neurotransmitter function and better regulation of stress responses.

Unlike blue or white light therapy—which can sometimes disrupt sleep or overstimulate—the gentle red/NIR range supports cellular balance without suppressing melatonin.

For a deeper dive into how red and near-infrared light work, see our full Red Light Therapy Guide →

Can Red Light Therapy Help with Mood?

Yes. Evidence from medical and clinical sources supports the idea that red and near-infrared light therapy may help regulate mood, especially in people experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or low emotional resilience.

📊 What the Research Shows

1. 2023 Systematic Review on Red/NIR Therapy for Depression

A review published in Frontiers in Psychiatry analyzed studies using red and near-infrared wavelengths to treat mood disorders.

• Found moderate to large improvements in depression scores

• Studies used LED therapy at wavelengths around 660 nm and 850 nm

 

Read the full study →

2. Photobiomodulation for Major Depression (2018, PMC)

This peer-reviewed study explored how red/NIR therapy improves metabolic activity in mood-related brain regions.

• Found improvement in depressive symptoms over several sessions

• Used non-invasive LED sources; reported high tolerability

View study on PubMed →

3. How It Works

The mechanism of action is believed to involve:

• Improved blood flow to key brain regions (like the prefrontal cortex)

• Enhanced cellular metabolism and ATP production

• Modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress

• Possible increase in serotonin and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)

These effects may collectively help regulate mood and emotional response—naturally and gently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Therapy and Mood

Does red light therapy help with anxiety?

Research suggests red and near-infrared light may reduce anxiety symptoms by improving circulation and calming overactive brain regions involved in stress response.

How long does it take for red light therapy to improve mood?

Some studies report mood improvements after a few sessions, while most benefits appear with consistent use over several weeks (3–5 sessions/week).

Is red light therapy better than antidepressants?

It’s not a replacement for medication in clinical cases but may complement existing treatments. Always consult your healthcare provider first.

Does red light therapy affect serotonin levels?

Preliminary research suggests it may support serotonin and other mood-related neurotransmitters through improved cellular energy and reduced inflammation.

How to Use Red Light Therapy for Mood Support

While more research is ongoing, current findings suggest the following best practices:

• Wavelengths: Use 660 nm (red) and 850 nm (NIR)

• Session length: 10–30 minutes

• Frequency: 3–5x per week

• Placement: For mood, consider face or forehead placement (check with device safety instructions)

• Consistency: Regular use over multiple weeks yields best results

Always consult a medical professional if you are using light therapy alongside treatment for diagnosed mental health conditions.

Sources

1. Cassano, P. et al. (2018). Transcranial photobiomodulation for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Journal of Psychiatric Research, PMC7864111

2. de Souza Costa, D. et al. (2023). A systematic review of transcranial photobiomodulation for depression. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1267415