Is the Solawave Wand Worth It? I Tried the $169 Skincare Device to Find Out

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From red light therapy to microcurrent devices, the quest to bring the med spa experience home is on, with all manner of skincare devices on the market designed to help you tone, lift and even out skin tone at home.

Enter: The Solawave, a slim 4-in-1 skincare wand that's gaining a lot of buzz on social media. To find out if the $169 light therapy tool is worth the money, GH Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler and I both tested it out first-hand. I also spoke with NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, M.D. to understand everything there is to know about how the device works, how often it should be used and more.

Ahead, everything you need to know about the Solawave wand.

What is the Solawave and how does it work?

The Solawave is an at-home skincare device designed to be used on your face and neck. The wand-shaped tool uses red light therapy, therapeutic warmth, vibrational massage and galvanic current with an aim to "enhance skin health and appearance," according to Dr. Henry. According to the brand, it's designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, blemishes and dark spots.

If you haven't heard of galvanic current before, it "uses direct current to produce an electrochemical effect that enhances product penetration and skin cleansing," explains Dr. Henry. Direct current is current that flows in one direction, adds Butler. It's similar to the more commonly-known microcurrent, which employs "alternating current to stimulate muscles and skin which promotes elasticity and firmness," Dr. Henry said. One form of current isn't "better for the skin than the other," Butler said, adding that they're very low-voltage "to avoid painful shocks."

How do you properly use the Solawave?

I started with a clean face and then applied the brand's Renew Complex Activating Serum. Solawave offers both the products separately or in a bundle with the serum included, so pick whichever is best for you; note that the wand is meant to be used on moistened skin so it can glide smoothly. You can also opt to apply a serum or conductive gel you already own (you can use any serum; it doesn't have to be one with conductive properties).

Next, hold down the power button for about two seconds until the wand lights up and starts vibrating. You'll slowly feel it warm up (the brand claims it warms to 105.8°F, according to the manual). The package includes a brochure with suggested patterns to follow on the face, so I gently swept it across those areas that tend to need more attention, including the eyes, jawline, cheeks, forehead and neck. The brand recommends spending three minutes in each area for a 12-minute treatment, which is what I did.

At the end of each three minute cycle, the vibration turns on and off to indicate it's time to move on to the next treatment area, and after 12 minutes, the wand automatically turns off completely. You can typically use the Solawave several times a week, Dr. Henry adds.

Who is the Solawave best for?

Particularly beneficial "for aging or mature skin," the Solawave is ideal for anyone looking to address "fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tones," according to Dr. Henry.

Take note that the Solawave should not be used by anyone "with severe acne or skin conditions like eczema or rosacea without first consulting a dermatologist or those with pacemaker or other electronic medical devices," Dr. Henry advises. She also recommends pregnant women consult their doctors before use.

The bottom line: Is the Solawave worth it?

If you're looking for major anti-aging results in a short time period, the Solawave may not deliver for you.

While a consumer study conducted by the brand reported that 93% of users felt their skin was more vibrant and lifted and 97% said their skin looked healthier and more hydrated after two weeks of use, Chiara and I didn't see dramatic changes to our skin after using the Solawave. But, like any at-home device, our beauty experts say they wouldn't expect it to deliver the same level of results that a professional treatment would. That said, the device may be better-suited for those looking to touch up or extend their results between professional treatments.

On the plus side, the tool's warmth and vibrating massage did create an enjoyable moment of self-care. Chiara says she found the massage and warmth to be "soothing" but says "it likely didn't provide a significant benefit to my skin."

The Solawave wand is also small — with just seven LED lights on the end — and it doesn't cover your entire face, making it less efficient than an LED face mask, which can contain hundreds of lights. "A device that covers the whole face with light for a set period of time would provide a stronger and more consistent treatment," says Butler.

However, the small size does make it very convenient for travel, as it can be tucked away in even the smallest of suitcases. "If you are on-the-go and would like to bring a tool with you that uses red light therapy, this would be a great device to purchase," said Dr. Henry.

So, all in all, if you're looking for a compact multitasking skincare tool that delivers a relaxing experience and may help boost your skin's glow and provide a slightly more lifted look between professional treatments, this portable wand may be worth it for you. But if you're looking for dramatic results in a short time period, a visit to your dermatologist might be the better route.

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