The SolarWave 4-in-1 red light therapy device, WAND, is immensely popular in the health and beauty space. Social media is buzzing about it.
Is all the talk about this hype, or is there something real behind it? Does it work? Keep reading because I am going to find out.
I will review their website to learn more about this device. I also will test wavelengths, power output, and more with my spectrometer.
Let's see if it's worth spending your hard-earned money.
SolarWave
SolarWave is an American company specializing in skincare products, health, and beauty.
SolarWave offers a wide range of products. In addition to regular skincare serums and moisturizing creams, they have some products that utilize state-of-the-art revolutionary technologies, like their WAND.
According to their website, they claim to have helped over 700,000 people improve their skin, an extraordinary number.
Some of their products:
- The 4-in-1 skincare WAND (if you want to buy, a discount code is applied after you click!)
- An activating serum designed to work in tandem with their devices
- An LED mask and neck product for full-face treatment
- A pimple-treating product that harnesses the power of blue light
Features and Specifications
Design and Portability
The SolarWave WAND is a compact, portable device about the size of a chunky pen. It features:
- A slight swivel head
- A travel case
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- One-button operation
- Available in three colors: rose gold, black, and a blended option
Technologies Used
The WAND also incorporates four different technologies:
- Red light therapy: using specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and potentially stimulate cellular processes.
- Galvanic Current: To help with the absorption of skin care creams.
- Facial massage function: To reduce puffiness in the skin
- Therapeutic warming effect: To help with dark circles and soothe the skin.
Claimed Benefits:
According to SolaWave, regular use of the WAND can lead to several skin improvements:
- Smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles
- Reducing puffiness and inflammation
- Fading blemishes
- Energizing the skin
To ensure even coverage, the company suggests using the device for 3-12 minutes daily and moving it around your face.
Wavelength Accuracy
The SolarWave WAND has 7 LEDs and claims to emit 630nm red light. My spectrometer showed a peak wavelength of 630.2nm.
This is excellent news for potential users. The 630nm wavelength falls squarely within the range shown in scientific studies to benefit skin health.
Power Output
Here's where things get interesting. The manual states that the maximum power output is 40-45 mW/cm². However, my tests showed a much lower output:
- Readings ranged from 8 to 10 mW/cm²
- The highest reading was 10.1 mW/cm²
The number is much lower than 45—only a quarter of 40. That's disappointing but not surprising. This device is small, and the battery isn't high-powered. It doesn't even heat up after extended use.
Let's analyze this further
Is there any real benefit to the skin from red light at an intensity of 10 milliwatts and a wavelength of 630 nanometers? We have conducted extensive research into this matter.
What we discovered through our research:
- Red light therapy is highly effective in improving skin health and resolving various skin conditions.
- The optimal wavelengths for skin health range from 620 to 670 nanometers.
Despite being significantly lower than the claim, it remains within the range that has been proven to affect skin health in scientific studies.
Using the SolaWave WAND for 12 minutes at 10mW/cm² would deliver about 7 J/cm², within the recommended dosage range. However, it's important to note that you distribute this dosage across the face as you move the device instead of concentrating it in one area.
Comparing SolarWave WAND to Other Devices
When compared to other red light therapy devices, the SolarWave WAND's power output is relatively low:
- Large panels: 60-90 mW/cm² at 6 inches
- Omnilux men’s mask: 5-30 mW/cm²
- MitoRed Light Mito mobile device: 30-40 mW/cm²
- LightPathLED torch: 50+ mW/cm²
While the WAND output is lower, it's still within the range that benefits skin health.
If you want a panel, watch this: Best Red Light Therapy Panel 2024. EPIC Comparison
Benefits of Galvanic Current
I was skeptical when I first heard about the galvanic current in the SolarWave WAND. Electricity on my face? But to my surprise, I couldn't feel a thing.
Our research revealed that this invisible current could be a skincare powerhouse when paired with red light.
It seems to boost collagen production by creating a mild, temporary inflammation that prompts your skin to amp up its rejuvenation game. Plus, it may increase blood flow and even help combat acne-causing bacteria.
Not all claims about galvanic current are based on solid science, but the evidence we discovered showed promise.
Massage Function and Heat Component
The WAND vibration and warming feature enhances the experience, making it more luxurious and pleasant.
The massage function may help improve circulation and reduce puffiness. The warming effect can be relaxing and help with blood flow.
Price and Shipping
The SolarWave WAND costs $239, but using my link could get you a discount. There's a 25% off sale at the moment, reducing the price to $179 US dollars.
The company offers a serum that customers can purchase along with the WAND. The serum costs an extra $30 to $40 when bought together. It enhances the benefits of the WAND, but I know little about its properties.
For more detailed information about the serum and wand, watch my interview. ,
Shipping is free within the United States, and international shipping is available, though costs vary depending on the destination.
The product comes with a one-year warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
• Compact and portable design: Easy to use at home or while traveling
• User-friendly: Simple one-button operation
• Relaxing and enjoyable to use: Light, heat, and massage can be pleasant.
• No side effects: It's not loud, dangerous, or uncomfortable to use
• Accurate wavelength: The wavelength listed is the device's actual wavelength, which is often not the case. The 630nm red light is within the optimal range for skin benefits.
• Multi-technologies: Combines multiple beneficial skin health technologies into one device.
• Positive user feedback: There's a massive amount of positive reviews and before/after photos.
• Relatively affordable: Priced competitively compared to a mask or an in-clinic red light therapy session.
Cons
• The power output Does not meet the claimed specifications. You must use it for a longer duration to get the desired results.
• Limited wavelength options: There is only one wavelength, 630nm red light. It would have been nice to see 660, 810, or 850 here, as near-infrared light can penetrate deeper into the tissue and offer additional health benefits.
• Durability concerns: It's so small and has so many features. I wonder if it will be a device that needs to be replaced every 18 months.
• Treatment area: The small size means daily treatments are time-consuming and can become tiresome.
Alternative Products to Consider
Let's explore other options. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Mito Mobile Flex: This device offers a higher power output and two wavelengths (red and near-infrared), providing more versatility in treatment options. It's a lot bigger but still battery-operated and portable.
- BioMax 300 with tabletop stand: While more expensive, this device offers considerably more power and seven different wavelengths. Its larger treatment area could benefit those who want to treat a more significant portion of their body.
- Jovs Alva (code ALEX saves) tabletop device: This option provides multiple wavelengths in a smaller, more affordable package than the Biomax.
- Hooga Wand (code ALEX saves): This device has similar features to the SolarWave WAND but incorporates two wavelengths (red and blue) at a much lower price point of around $45.
Conclusion: Should You Buy?
In summary, what is my opinion?
It’s important to mention that 700,000 extremely satisfied people have purchased these products. The technology is reliable, easy to handle, and useful for short periods of time.
The price point is acceptable for a health consumer product. However, it may seem expensive if you only consider it from a red light therapy perspective. If you want to use SolarWave for red light, consider looking into other devices.
Items Mentioned In This Article:
- For a Jovs Alva, use the link and discount code ALEX saves.
- For a Hooga Wand, use the link and discount code ALEX saves.
- For a Lightpath LED Torch, use this link and code ALEX.
- For an Omnilux mask, use the link and code ALEX for a discount.
- For other Solawave products, such as serum or pimple-treating products, use this link. A discount will be applied after you click the link
- For a SolarWave 4-in-1 WAND, no discount code is available. A discount will be applied after you click the link
- For a Mito Red MobileFlex, use this link and code ALEX5
- For a PlatinumLED BioMax, use this link, and a unique discount code is generated after you click the link
Consider These YouTube Videos As Well:
- Targeted Red Light Treatment = Full-Body Benefits?
- Red Light Therapy Buyers Guide - Avoid THESE Mistakes!
- Rojo Refine 900 Review: REVOLUTIONARY Innovation & More!
- How To Choose A Red Light Therapy Device: COMPLETE Guide
- Targeted Red Light Treatment = Full-Body Benefits?
Found This Post on Red Light Therapy Interesting? Then You Might Like
- 660nm Wavelength Health Effects Cheatsheet
- Red Light Therapy For Skin: Beauty Benefits, Potential Complications, And More
- The 830nm Wavelength Health Effects Cheatsheet
- Red Light Therapy: What’s The Ideal Distance from Skin?
- Red Light Therapy Dosing Chart: The Raw Data From Hundreds Of Studies
This blog post was written by Alex Fergus. Alex is a ISSN Sports Nutrition Specialist, Fitness Professional and certified Superhuman Coach who continues to expand his knowledge base and help people across the world with their health and wellness. Alex is recognized as the National Record Holder in Powerlifting and Indoor Rowing and has earned the title of the Australian National Natural Bodybuilding Champion. Having worked as a health coach and personal trainer for over a decade, Alex now researches all things health and wellness and shares his findings on this blog.
