Solawave Reviews: The Light Therapy Wand That Is Four Tools in One

By Kiana Murden

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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 to detail my Solawave reviews on numerous occasions. Perhaps its this new wave of devices that promises to transform skin with consistent use, or maybe it's the futuristic appeal of LED light therapy. Either way, the 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 for my skin. To put it shortly, the answer is yes: LED light therapy does work, where the light source penetrates the skin at various wavelengths to treat an array of skin-care 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 light treats sensitivity and uneven skin color. Red LED light stimulates collagen and elastin which can help with anti-aging," esthetician, makeup, and beauty expert Tiara Willis previously told Vogue.

So, naturally, I sought to put the tools to the test myself. I started with the Advanced Skincare Wand—Solawave's first iteration which pairs four skin-care tools in one: red light therapy, microcurrent technology, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth. These technologies work in tandem during a five minute treatment to rejuvenate skin's appearance by minimizing signs of aging—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 for the best online sales or catching up on my favorite 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 installment of Vogue's beauty secrets (alongside a gua sha stone) to depuff. Furthermore, Vanessa Hudgens, Sydney Sweeney, Jennifer Coolidge, Megan Fox, and Reese Witherspoon have a penchant for the handy device, according to the brand.

Now, Solawave is debuting an upgraded version of the original device. Enter: the Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand. Customer feedback guided the 2.0 tweaks, which are rooted in the same 4-in-1 technology, but enhanced. "The new wand has twice the power, 150% more red light, and has eased the customer user experience with an on/off button, and magnetic charging to help with water resistance," says Andrew Silberstein, founder & CEO of Solawave. In testing the newness, I’ve found that the power button and included travel case are the most game-changing features. For those with the existing device, Solawave is offering a program where users can trade in their Advanced Wand for the new Radiant Renewal Wand for $99.

So how exactly should you use the wand? "You’ll want to have a freshly cleansed face, then apply your water-based serums," Silberstein explains. "Then we advise using our activating serum—the Renew Complex Serum—to help glide your wand across your skin smoothly and allow the current to flow through your skin and penetrate the layers for better product absorption. Once you’ve completed your wand session, you can layer on your creams and thicker products."

While working on my Solawave reviews, I decided to use the tool in the middle of my nighttime regimen post-cleanse, pre-moisturizer. 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 in contact with hydrated skin, so apply more mist (or serum) whenever your skin becomes dry or taught. If skin is not hydrated enough, you’ll know: the device will literally turn off. Then, I’d round out skin care 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 skin-care routine to stop post-travel pimples before they arise.

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.

Here, a few products to complete a skin-care 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 moisturizer.