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.

The Solawave Skincare Wand, however, is one that caught my attention years ago and has slowly worked its way into my routine, and experts have put my fear 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," Jessie Cheung, MD, board-certified dermatologist, 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 adds.

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

About the Solawave Wand: How It Works

Technically speaking, the wand has 14 LEDs, including seven dual-core chips (which emit 630 nanometers 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, Sheila Farhang, MD, board-certified dermatologist, 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 Farhang. This technology, when used routinely (three to five times a week for at least eight weeks), helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, scarring, and signs of aging.

The wand activates muscles and deeper levels of the dermis and stimulates 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 galvanic current that energizes these cells while also offering a soothing massage. These small vibrations promote blood circulation, which temporarily reduces the appearance of dull skin, dark circles, and redness, and the warmth aids in the absorption of topical products.

You'll Also Need: Solawave Extras

While you can technically use your 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 eight 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. While I do believe that consistent use and working up to the full 12-minute treatment will impart the most benefits, I have observed short-term improvements in my skin's radiance, plumpness, and texture. I usually use this tool for five minutes as a morning pick-me-up or evening wind-down. This means that my skin looks extra great anytime I do a quick treatment before getting ready for a special event, and the effects last 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 than a red light therapy mask, then this is the device for you. It may take longer to see substantial results with this one wand versus a full-framing mask, but this device 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 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." 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 who should avoid use or consult a doctor before hitting purchase. This group includes pregnant people, users under the age of 18, anyone with medical conditions that include cancer and light sensitivity (e.g., epilepsy), and anyone with a pacemaker.

Is Solawave Approved by the FDA?

The Solawave Wand 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. This device is FDA cleared, which means that it has been evaluated and deemed to meet the acceptable standards for treatments such as acne management, wrinkle reduction, texture and tone evening, and more.