Near-infrared (NIR) phototherapy is a form of light-based treatment that uses invisible wavelengths, typically in the range of 800 to 900 nanometers, to stimulate biological processes deep within the body. Unlike visible red light, which mainly affects the surface layers of the skin, NIR light can penetrate several centimeters into tissue. This allows it to reach muscles, joints, nerves, and even brain tissue. When applied appropriately, NIR light increases mitochondrial energy production (ATP), enhances local blood flow, and reduces inflammation. These effects have been shown to support recovery, relieve pain, and improve cellular health.

How to Use NIR Phototherapy Safely and Effectively

For general skin and musculoskeletal use, NIR phototherapy can be administered using LED panels, handheld wands, or light mats that emit between 810 and 850 nm. A typical session involves shining the light on bare skin from a distance of 6 to 12 inches for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the treatment area and device power. Most users start with 2 to 3 sessions per week and gradually increase to daily use if well tolerated.

When using NIR on the face, especially for skin rejuvenation or acne treatment, it's important to limit session time to about 10 to 15 minutes and monitor for signs of overheating or skin dryness. Eye protection is strongly recommended during all facial or upper-body treatments to avoid light-related irritation.

For muscle recovery and joint pain, sessions lasting 15 to 30 minutes applied directly to the affected area are commonly used. These treatments are typically performed three to seven times per week, particularly in athletic or physical therapy settings. People with melasma or darker skin types should monitor their skin’s reaction carefully, as NIR light can in some cases lead to temporary darkening or hyperpigmentation, especially if the device emits heat.

Evidence from Research

Alzheimer’s disease pilot (Liang et al., 2023)
A randomized pilot with 20 mild-moderate AD patients treated with 800–1080 nm light for 12 weeks showed an average MMSE increase of +4.4 and maintained functional improvements, with no adverse events.

Wholehead 810 nm helmet (Beijing group, 2025)
Nine AD patients received 30 min, 6×/week for 4 months. They gained an average +3.2 MMSE points and a -5 point ADAS-Cog improvement, lasting at least 2 months post-treatment.

Dementia doubleblind pilot (Berman et al., 2017)
Eleven participants (6 active, 5 control) using 1060–1080 nm helmets daily for 6 minutes over 28 sessions showed better executive function, memory, and EEG connectivity.

Depression & anxiety interventions

An 810–823 nm 8-week Helmet PBM (Cassano et al.) doubled improvements in Hamilton Depression scores versus sham in major depressive disorder.

University students exposed to 945 nm LED tPBM showed significant anxiety reduction (p < 0.001). link

Brain health reviews
A 2024 systematic review of over 100 tPBM studies (600–1100 nm) confirmed consistent benefits in clinical and preclinical settings, pointing to the need for standardized protocols.

NIR Helmets: What They Are and How They Work

One of the most exciting developments in NIR technology is the emergence of NIR helmets, also known as transcranial photobiomodulation devices. These helmets are designed to deliver near-infrared light directly to the scalp and, to a certain extent, to the brain tissue beneath. Research suggests that NIR light can penetrate 1 to 3 centimeters through the skull, which is enough to reach the outer layers of the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex.

The mechanism here is similar to that of general NIR therapy. The light is absorbed by mitochondria inside brain cells, particularly a protein called cytochrome c oxidase, which leads to increased energy production and the release of neuroprotective factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Improved blood flow and reduced inflammation have also been observed in brain tissues following NIR exposure.

What the Research Says About NIR Helmets

Clinical studies over the past decade have explored the effects of transcranial NIR light in people with cognitive or mood disorders. In one 2016 study published in Frontiers in Neurology, veterans with traumatic brain injury who used a NIR helmet for 20 minutes per session, three times a week, reported improvements in attention, mood, and sleep quality over a 12-week period.

In a 2020 study in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, people with mild Alzheimer’s disease showed measurable improvements in memory and executive function after six weeks of regular NIR helmet use. The treatment involved daily 25-minute sessions using 810-nanometer light. Another study led by Cassano et al. at Massachusetts General Hospital found that transcranial NIR therapy helped reduce symptoms of major depression in patients who had not responded to medication.

These findings suggest that NIR helmets may offer a promising non-invasive therapy for people with early-stage cognitive decline, depression, or brain fog. The cognitive benefits are often reported within the first few weeks of consistent use and appear to improve further with continued application.

Results You Can Expect

When used consistently and correctly, NIR phototherapy can deliver a range of benefits depending on the treatment target. For the skin, many users notice improvements in tone, texture, and elasticity within four to eight weeks. Collagen production increases, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and promote healing of wounds or acne scars.

For joint and muscle recovery, relief from soreness and stiffness may occur within a few sessions, especially if the therapy is used after exercise or injury. Scientific reviews have reported that NIR light helps reduce markers of inflammation and accelerates tissue repair.

With transcranial NIR helmets, improvements in mood, memory, and focus are often observed after two to four weeks of regular sessions, though some people may feel subtle changes even sooner. These devices are still undergoing clinical trials, but early results are encouraging.

Safety and Who Should Use Caution

NIR phototherapy is generally considered safe, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind. Some individuals experience mild side effects such as skin redness, dryness, or warmth, especially with prolonged sessions. These usually resolve by reducing the treatment time or allowing more rest days between sessions.

People with melasma, darker skin tones, or a history of hyperpigmentation should begin with shorter treatments and monitor their skin’s response closely. In a few anecdotal reports, NIR use led to temporary darkening of existing pigment spots, though these effects were not permanent.

Eye protection is essential during all treatments, especially with higher-powered devices or helmet systems. NIR light is invisible and can still affect eye tissue even if it causes no immediate discomfort.

Anyone with a history of photosensitivity, active skin infections, or uncontrolled thyroid conditions should consult a healthcare provider before beginning therapy. NIR helmets are not recommended for individuals with epilepsy, active brain tumors, or certain psychiatric conditions unless under medical supervision.

Final Thoughts

Near-infrared phototherapy is a scientifically supported, drug-free approach to enhancing cellular function, relieving pain, and supporting both physical and mental recovery. Whether you are looking to improve skin appearance, ease joint discomfort, or support cognitive health, NIR therapy—when used correctly—can be an effective and well-tolerated option.

NIR helmets, in particular, are showing promising results in the fields of neurology and psychiatry. While more research is needed to determine the long-term outcomes, early studies and user reports suggest that regular use of NIR light to the scalp can help improve mood, focus, and memory. With proper use and safety precautions, NIR phototherapy offers a valuable tool for personal wellness and clinical support.

References:

Liang LM, Xue J, Zhao Q, et al. A Pilot Study of NearInfrared Light Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2023;91(1):191201. DOI:10.3233/JAD220866.

Beijing Pilot Study Group. Effects of wholehead 810 nm NIR therapy on cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer's. J Neural Transm. 2025. DOI:10.1177/13872877251313819.

Berman MH, Halper JP, Nichols TW, et al. Photobiomodulation with NIR Helmet in Dementia. J Neurol Neurosci. 2017;8(1):1000176. DOI:10.21767/21716625.1000176.

Cassano P, et al. ELATED-2: Transcranial NIR PBM for Major Depression. Brain Sci. 2019;9:26.

Kerppers FKI, et al. Transcranial photobiomodulation at 945 nm improves anxiety/depression. Lasers Med Sci. 2020. DOI:10.1007/s10103020029837.

Fernandes F, Oliveira S, et al. Devices for brain PBM: systematic review. J NeuroEng Rehabil. 2024;21:53.

Zeng J, Wang C, et al. Can tPBM improve TBI cognition? Front Psychol. 2024;15:1378570.

Frontline Review, tPBM Brain Diseases. SPIE. 2024.