This Red Light Therapy Wand From Solawave Reduced My Fine Lines in 21 Days
Updated: Apr. 23, 2024
This 4-in-1 red light therapy wand delivered the results of a spa-like facial at home.
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Whether we make the conscious choice to age gracefully or not, the ravages of time tend to show themselves eventually. Fine lines, puffy eyes, dark circles—you catch my drift. Of course, maintaining a healthy lifestyle replete with habits that keep you looking and feeling vibrant helps, but consider stepping things up with a bit of technology using some of the most cutting-edge devices available to consumers.
As a licensed esthetician, I’ve worked with all sorts of products and devices designed for professional use only. For example, I’ve been a longtime fan of using a galvanic tool to aid with product permeation, gua sha and other massage tools that stimulate circulation, and I’m a huge advocate of proper exfoliation and never skipping a good eye cream.
I recently tried the Solwave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand for 21 days and was impressed with the results. Beyond myriad rave Solawave wand reviews from online shoppers and celebrities alike, I was moved by Solawave’s mission statement. It shares, “Skincare shouldn’t be about disparagement. Each one of us is navigating our skincare journey with our own unique aspirations.”
Co-founder and CEO Andrew Silberstein’s passion for skincare was informed by his own lifelong struggle with dermal issues. He shared, “At Solawave, we empower people to take charge of their skin by placing modern, proven technology into tools and topicals that not only feel fantastic to use but deliver amazing results.”
What is the Solawave red light therapy wand?
The Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand is a non-invasive, portable, compact handheld tool. It allows you to experience spa-like facial LED (light-emitting diode) therapy in the comfort of your own home or on the go. Combining red light therapy, galvanic current, facial massage and therapeutic warmth, it promises to yield brighter, plumper and replenished skin in a matter of weeks. It’s a tiny dynamo that’s designed to stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation and puffiness.
Astonishingly, my skin was juicier and hydrated after just one use. It’s worth noting that I used Solawave’s clinically proven Renew Complex Activating Serum, which contains aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and soothing blue tansy each time I used the wand.
VIA MERCHANT
WE TRIED IT
Solawave Red Light Therapy Wand
The Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand is a non-invasive, compact handheld tool.
Solawave red light therapy wand features
The wand I tested is the latest iteration of Solawave’s top-selling red light therapy wand. Upgrades include a snazzy magnetic charging feature, travel case, water resistance and 180-degree head rotation. This rotation allows you to easily move around more of your face’s surfaces. The box also includes a printed instruction manual and quick start guide, replete with a QR code leading to an easy-to-follow tutorial.
A few takeaways
- Works for all skin times
- No downtime
- Boosts serums and creams
- Helps reduce inflammation
- Noninvasive and painless
- Fades blemishes
- Soothes under-eye puffiness
- 3-minute timer included
- Quick-charging and long-lasting
How we tested it
I loved the fact that I could jump right in after using a gentle cleanser, patting my face dry and applying the Renew Complex Activating Serum, which arrived with my bundle. According to Solawave, you can use their wand with any water-based serum or lotion you choose. I stuck with the combination of their scientifically proven coupling.
“We advise using our activating serum—the Renew Complex Serum—to help glide the wand across the skin smoothly and allow the current to flow through your skin and penetrate the layers for better product absorption,” advises Silberstein. “Once you’ve completed your wand session, layer on your creams and thicker products.”
Using the device
Within minutes of charging the device, I could take it out for a test drive. The first thing I noticed was how good it made me feel. Over the past few weeks, I’ve found that I look forward to the nightly ritual of winding down and giving myself a little bump in the skincare self-care department. As you move the wand across your face in upward and outward strokes, being careful not to push or pull too aggressively, it builds a gentle warming sensation coupled with a pleasant massage.
I glided the sleek wand all over my cheeks, forehead, brows, upper lip, under eyes and chin for just a few minutes per session. My dark under-eye circles and puffiness improved, and perhaps even more surprisingly, some of my fine lines appeared less pronounced. An unexpected perk: a recent scar from a blemish seems to be fading with the help of my new nightly routine with this wand. Results will vary from person to person, but I observed noticeable improvements each time I used the device.
Timing
I followed Solawave’s recommendation for spending three minutes per region of the face, being careful to keep my skin coated with the serum so that the wand would glide easily. My skin is pretty alipidic these days, soaking up serums and lotions quicker than ever. So I had to set the wand aside a few times during each session to re-apply more serum, but your skin may be less dry than mine.
On a side note, I played around with adding another serum and lotion under the Solawave activating serum but would advise against it, opting instead to layer those on after completing your wand treatment. The reason? It felt like adding other products to the treatment messed with the glide. The wand dragged and pulled, moving less effectively across my face. So a word to the wise: layer your other serums and creams after using the Solawave wand.
As of late, I’ve added slugging with a non-petroleum-based product, such as a beeswax cream or a thick, retinol-based lotion, to my pre-bedtime skincare ritual, and it works well after using this device.
Pros
- Immediately helped with under-eye puffiness
- Faded blemish scars
- Brightened and firmed skin after one use
- Skin is noticeably more hydrated
- Fine lines less pronounced after 2 weeks
Cons
- Pricey
FAQ
Do red light therapy wands really work?
As far back as the 1980s, NASA explored the benefits of red light therapy. Since then, we’ve come a long way in understanding the many healing benefits pertaining to skin health. Experts in the medical and scientific communities have consistently agreed that red light therapy has been clinically proven to benefit the skin.
Pennsylvania-based board-certified dermatologist Erum Ilyas, M.D., touted red light therapy’s positive effects, noting the “absence of trauma and discomfort, healing downtime and possible reactive swelling compared to more invasive treatments via intense pulsed light (IPL) and lasers.” He also noted that while red light therapy penetrates up to 6 millimeters beneath the surface, it doesn’t have to cause damage in order to boost cell activity.
Tyler Fish, the co-founder of Sun Home Sauna, noted that “Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red light to improve the health and appearance of the skin,” and continued, “Also known as photobiomodulation, it penetrates the skin at a cellular level [and] stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential proteins for healthy skin.”
On Solawave’s site, dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang, MD, says red light therapy is good for smoothing fine lines. She also notes that the wand’s combination of facial massage and warmth promotes circulation.
How quickly should I expect to see results?
According to Solawave, the wand offers numerous cosmetic benefits, which become noticeably improved over time. They share that visible results typically take two weeks of regular use, and recommend implementing their products into a “consistent skincare routine“. Standing proudly by their product’s efficacy, they even offer a 30-day trial/return policy with no questions asked.
After my own very positive experience after just a few weeks with the 4-in-1 wand, I wanted to see what other folks had to say. I learned that most users experienced an overall glowing complexion, smoother, more plump skin and less pronounced under-eye circles within a two-week period. This tiny but mighty device seems to truly pack a punch, and quickly at that.
How often should you use a red light therapy wand?
Solawave recommends using this device three to five times per week for three minutes per area of the face. Thanks to its rechargeability, convenient size, and travel case, you can take it with you on the go, making it easy to maintain your new red light therapy sessions.
What other reviewers have to say
“The Solawave Wand is an absolute gem in my skincare routine, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. This little beauty gadget has truly transformed how I approach skincare,” boasts verified reviewer Vendula Disla. “I appreciate that it offers multiple functions, including radiofrequency and LED therapy. These technologies work harmoniously to rejuvenate your skin, targeting fine lines and overall texture. Another big advantage is the convenience. I easily incorporate it into my skincare routine, which takes just a few minutes. It’s perfect for busy individuals who want to invest in their skin without spending hours on elaborate routines.”
Five-star reviewer Darin can’t get enough. “I love this wand, and so does my wife. It uses red light technology as well as heat, massage and a galvanic current to help absorb my face products. The wand is like a spa treatment from the comfort of home. I use it for 3 minutes a day to help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and to target the dark puffy circles under my eyes. When I started using it with the serum and saw a noticeable reduction under my eyes after just a few uses.” He continues, “The warmth and massage make this a perfect nighttime routine. I definitely recommend this product to anyone who takes skincare seriously. It charges quickly, is nice and compact and very easy to use.”
Final verdict
With my background as a professional in the skincare realm, I approach all new products with a bit of skepticism. After using this red light therapy wand on my own skin for the past 21 days, I’ve noticed my fine lines are far less pronounced. I’ve also been receiving compliments about how I look “radiant” and “glowy”. The only thing I might do to further enhance my at-home red light therapy treatments is add some cooling ice globes and check out a few new tightening creams as a nice way to round out my spa nights.
Where to buy the red light therapy wand
VIA MERCHANT
WE TRIED IT
Solawave Red Light Therapy Wand
The wand lets you experience spa-like facial LED therapy at home.
If you purchase directly from Solawave for $169, they offer a 30-day trial and free shipping in the U.S. It’s also available via Amazon. Of course, if you’re already adding other luxurious anti-aging products to your cart, you’ll find Solawave’s products at Ulta and Neiman Marcus as well.
About the experts
- Tyler Fish: Tyler Fish is the co-founder of Sun Home Sauna, a brand that blends the timeless art of craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to produce saunas and cold plunges that are unrivaled in quality and performance.
- Erum Ilyas: Erum Ilyas, M.D, is a full-time board-certified dermatologist known for practical skincare advice
- Sheila Farhang: Dr. Sheila Farhang is a board-certified dermatologist and double fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon at Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics. She is also a reconstructive Mohs micrographic (skin cancer) surgeon. Farhang stands out in the dermatology space as she has expertise in both integrative skincare and cutting-edge procedures.
- Andrew Silberstein: Andrew Silberstein is the co-founder and CEO of Solawave, a skincare technology company based in Los Angeles, California. They’re a team of entrepreneurs, engineers and skincare aficionados on a mission to make science-backed skincare accessible to everyone.
Originally Published: October 17, 2023
