The Solawave LED Light Therapy Wand Combines Four Treatments In One – Here’s Our Review

Of all the recently-launched beauty tools, few have intrigued Vogue editors more than the SolaWave wand – so much so that I have been asked for my SolaWave review on numerous occasions. Perhaps it’s this new wave of devices that promise to transform skin with consistent use, or maybe it’s the futuristic appeal of LED light therapy. Either way, this ultra-portable wand is often a topic of conversation.

I was first introduced to the buzzy tool earlier this year as part of a personal quest to research the best at-home light therapies. “Does it really work?” was a question I posed to a few beauty experts. Before I really got into habitual facials and high-tech enhancements, I was genuinely unsure if the bright lights actually did anything to my skin. To put it shortly, the answer is yes: LED light therapy does work. The light source penetrates the skin at various wavelengths to treat an array of skincare conditions.

If you’re familiar with the treatment, you might recall that there are different lights to choose from. “Blue LED light treats acne by killing acne-causing bacteria. Green and yellow LED lights treat sensitivity and uneven skin tone. Red LED light stimulates collagen and elastin, which can help with anti-ageing,” aesthetician, make-up and beauty expert, Tiara Willis, previously told Vogue.

My experience using the SolaWave wand

So, naturally, I sought to put the tools to the test myself – with two of SolaWave’s devices quickly becoming favourites of mine. First, there’s the FDA-cleared Advanced Skincare Wand which pairs four skincare tools in one: red light therapy, microcurrent, facial massage and therapeutic warmth. During a five minute treatment, these technologies work in tandem to rejuvenate skin’s appearance by minimising signs of ageing – from smoothing fine lines and wrinkles to reducing the appearance of dark circles and spots. SolaWave recommends using this device three times per week; and because it’s portable, rechargeable, and inherently simple to use, one can use it on the go or while multitasking. (I find myself doing a treatment while perusing the best online sales or catching up on my favourite shows. I even made sure to travel with it during the holiday season.) Not to mention, it’s garnered A-list appeal too: we saw Debby Ryan use the SolaWave wand in her instalment of Vogue’s beauty secrets (alongside a gua sha stone) to depuff.

On the wand, I decided to use the tool in the middle of my nighttime regimen post-cleanse, pre-moisturiser. With my skin damp, I’d drench my face in either Payot or Avene’s face mists before starting the treatment. (Remember: board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry explained how face mists have the ability to “promote moisture retention and help the skin barrier reduce trans epidermal water loss.”) SolaWave instructs you to glide the wand across your face in an upward direction along the jaw, cheeks, neck, forehead, under-eye, and upper lip to your liking. Keep in mind that the wand activates when it comes into contact with hydrated skin, so apply more mist (or serum) whenever your skin becomes dry or taut. If skin is not hydrated enough, you’ll know: the device will literally turn off. Then, I’d round out skincare with any eye or night creams before bed.

Sometimes though, my regimen calls for acne-fighting solutions. Whenever I’m experiencing stubborn blemishes, I pull out SolaWave’s handy Bye Acne device, which uses both blue and red lights to spot-treat blemishes, prevent future breakouts, and quell acne-causing bacteria. Because of its preventative nature, I incorporate this three-minute-treatment in my travel skincare routine to stop post-travel pimples before they arise.

Is the SolaWave worth It?

Personally, I saw results in a matter of days. Specific skin concerns aside, I felt like my skin just felt better – glowing and firmer. Aesthetically, my dark spots faded, blemishes reduced, and my eye bags appeared less puffy the following morning. Honestly, even mentally, I felt a sense of accomplishment for completing the treatment. If this SolaWave review is any indication, I would recommend considering supplementing your routine with the wand to promote a radiant complexion. ’Tis the season of your best skin yet.

Complete the skincare routine

Here, a few products to complete a skincare routine featuring the SolaWave Wand — from La Roche-Posay’s gentle cleanser to Sunday Riley’s dark circle-busting eye cream and Dr. Barbara Sturm’s skin-plumping moisturiser.