I’m Wary of Buzzy Skincare Devices, But the Solawave Officially Changed My Tune (and My Skin)

For a beauty editor, I’m quite the skeptic when it comes to new products—especially anything that lights up, buzzes, and requires a USB charging cable. As someone who believes that your best skin often comes from within (a healthy diet, proper sleep, and managed stress), it makes me a bit doubtful, and admittedly nervous, to strap on an LED face mask or glide a microcurrent device across my skin. Blasphemous, I know.

However, the Solawave Skincare Wand is one that caught my attention years ago and has slowly worked its way into my routine—experts putting my fears of close-range facial electronics at ease. “Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths of light to stimulate mitochondria, the power plants inside your cells,” Dr. Jessie Cheung tells Who What Wear. She explains that red light is often utilized to improve the healing of skin, soothe inflammation, and boost both circulation and collagen production. “A wand like Solawave makes it easy to use at home in small areas —think of it as a mini power tool for skin rejuvenation,” she added.

After several go-arounds with this handy tool, I can see why it’s amassed fans like Sydney Sweeney and Prikita Swarup. Below, a deep dive into the Solawave Skincare Wand—and my honest thoughts on if this thing works or not.

About the Solawave Wand: How it Works

Technically speaking, the wand has 14 LEDs, including 7 dual-core chips (which emit 630nm of red light) installed in the center bar, and when placed on the skin, it begins to radiate light, heat, and vibration. Though the world of red light therapy is constantly evolving, Dr. Sheila Farhang confirms that it has been clinically proven to effectively treat various skin concerns. “Red light therapy has also been shown to improve skin texture, decrease inflammation and increase the absorption of skincare products,” says Dr. Farhang. This technology, when used routinely (aka 3 to 5 times a week for at least 8 weeks) helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, scarring, and signs of aging.

The wand’s ability to activate muscles and deeper levels of the dermis stimulate the skin cells that promote repair and collagen production. In addition to emitting red light, the wand vibrates and gently warms while in contact with the skin—the physical manifestation of the skin-safe galvanic current that energizes these cells while also offering a soothing massage. These small vibrations help promote blood circulation, which temporarily reduces the appearance of dull skin, dark circles, and redness, and the warmth helps the skin absorb topical products.

You’ll Also Need: Solawave Extras

While you can technically use your favorite facial serum of choice, you’ll get the most out of your treatment (and a smoother glide) when you use Solawave’s specially designed serum.

Complete the Routine: Other Solawave Boosters

The Testing Process: What Worked, and What Didn’t

While I haven’t been able to test this wand consistently for 8 weeks, as the instructions suggest (I wish my skincare ran on such a consistent schedule, but alas, my beauty editor life calls), I have used this wand often throughout my many months of owning it. Whenever my skin needs a healthy boost in radiance, a quick treatment to spot-treat a pimple, or a bit of R&R after a day spent furrowing brows at my computer screen, this wand is a welcome treat to my dull, lackluster complexion.

Do I think it changed my skincare game long-term? No—not yet, at least. While I do believe that consistent use and working up the full 12-minute treatment will impart the most benefits (I usually use this tool for 5 minutes as a morning pick-me-up or evening wind-down), I have observed shorter-term improvements in my skin’s radiance, plumpness, and texture versus long-haul results. However, this means that my skin looks extra-great anytime I do a quick treatment before getting ready for a special event—the effects lasting for a few hours before wearing off.

Final Thoughts

If you are someone who wants to save on constant red light therapy treatments in the spa (or would rather invest in something easily portable and less expensive, compared to red light therapy masks), then this is the device for you. While it may take longer to see substantial results with this one wand versus a full-framing mask, this wand offers a beginner-friendly, lower-cost facial alternative that puts you in control of the experience.

What is red light therapy?

“LED red light therapy uses low-wavelength red light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular activity,” says Dr. Farhang. “It works by targeting the mitochondria—the energy centers of cells—to boost ATP production, which promotes cell repair, collagen synthesis, and improved circulation,” she adds. Dr. Farhang goes on to explain that red light therapy has also been shown to “improve skin texture, decrease inflammation and increase the absorption of skincare products.”

Who Should Not Use the Solawave?

While most people can safely use the Solawave Skincare Wand, there is a small number of people that should avoid use (or consult a doctor before hitting purchase). This group includes pregnant people, users under the age of 18, and anyone with medical conditions that include cancer or light sensitivity (i.e. epilepsy, those who are seizure-prone), and anyone with a pacemaker.

Is Solawave Approved by the FDA?

The Solawave can’t technically be FDA “approved” because it does not fall into that particular category. This badge is saved for high-risk medical devices, such as defibrillators and pacemakers, whereas this device is FDA cleared, which means that it has been evaluated and deemed to the acceptable standards for treatments including acne, wrinkle-reducing, texture- and tone-evening, and more.