I’ve shared my thoughts on Instagram in the past, but I keep getting messages asking for my thoughts on Solawave. So I figured I should make a blog post to make it easier for people to find my review.
For an idea of what to look for in LED devices (and reviews of over 55 masks), Click here
TL; DR: I don’t think Solawave is worth it if you’re buying it for the benefits of LED
I am not a fan of Solawave. In short, I think it’s a waste of money if you get it with any LED benefits. (Note: It’s priced at $169 which is ridiculous. But they often sell out, probably because it’s cheap to make)
I wouldn’t have bought the device based on its specifications, but I unexpectedly sent the device through PR, so I was able to use it and take a closer look at its key parameters.
I would say the one thing* I liked was the vibration + warmth which feels great in the winter. But it didn’t feel right for me to buy a device just for that.
The product claims that “galvanic current can help increase the absorption of serums” and that the warmth also promotes better topical penetration, but I’ll take that with a grain of salt.
- Also, IF you’re shopping primarily for skincare absorption claims, you can buy this device that claims to do the same thing for less than $25 (if you use the code VANESSA it’s also 25% off).
I also didn’t like how loose it felt and how easily it opened. I’m glad to hear that they at least fixed that problem with the latest versions that added a button to turn it on so it doesn’t accidentally turn itself on like it always did for me with a light touch.
My biggest problem: I would never expect any LED benefits from this device and why:
- Low tides (only red at 660m and no Near infrared).
- Red + NIR is the one with the best evidence behind it. But let’s say you’re okay with less than ideal skills…
2. They show no fear but given the size of the device I think it’s too low that is you need to increase how long you use it and how often you use it to maximize the chances of any results...But let’s say you are willing to use it every day for a long time…
3. You will probably need to use it approx 10-15 minutes minimum PER INCH. So it will be incredibly time consuming (which is why I always prefer face masks over handheld devices without spot treatment).
So the bottom line is that it’s probably better to save money on a high quality mask if you buy a Solawave with the benefits of LED.
Is there an affordable portable LED device that I recommend?
Yes. If you are buying Solawave for LED benefits, here is the best option to consider. That is, i ReVive Light Therapy Glō Anti-Aging LED stick. (Click here to purchase)
If you just want to see one treatment area (like 11) and want a cheaper option than a face mask, this is what I would buy.
Benefits
- It has a bigger area than Solawave
- It uses both Red + NIR (instead of just sheep)
- It’s not as small/weak as the Solawave
- The company couldn’t disclose the differences due to intellectual property concerns, BUT after going back and forth with them about publicly available FDA documents (and some reading in between conversations with the company) I think irradiance is pretty good.
- Again, this has the same wavelength and almost the same irradiance as the RIDICULOUSLY expensive Lyma device. How do I know this? Well, I don’t know for sure, but think about this… In their pre-market FDA notice of intent to market the device (found here) you’ll see that they say the LightStim device is their “prime candidate” (meaning a device VERY similar to it). They note that their device has an irradiance of s 62.5 mW/cm2 and uses 808nm (not ideal btw) and 620nm as red wavelengths. LightStim has the same irradiance at 65 mW/cm2 and has a better NIR wavelength at 855nm and includes 605nm, 630nm, and 660nm as red wavelengths (I would have preferred it to have only 630nm as that is the best option, but all four are still a good combination). The Revive handheld ALSO uses LightStim as its preamplifier device. So, in short, I will look at LightStim, Lyma and Revive Comparable in key parameters but looking at the price difference….
- Lyma $2,695 (WHAT A RIPOFF)
- LightStim: $249 (I could have just bought a full face LED mask for that price)
- Refresh: $39
How about a lamp with Blue + Red?
I don’t like to use blue light all over my face because it has the potential to cause hyperpigmentation with continued use, so I prefer to treat bad acne with a handheld device that has the right, and evidence-based, wavelengths for acne.
So, I bought the ReVive Light Therapy | Glo Acne Treatment Device seeing to handle especially stubborn stains and I’m very happy with that phone. It has the right evidence based on the wavelength of 415nm and 630nm and while the company refused to tell me the irradiance, they say it is the same irradiance as the reVive Perioral LED Light Therapy system with high irradiance. And the best part is that it’s only $39.