As someone who tests products for a living, when a viral product carries a hefty price tag, I'm sort of rooting for it to be a scam. So you could say I was a tough customer when I began testing Solawave's incredibly viral Light Therapy Face Mask.
Solawave claims the device offers anti-aging and wrinkle reduction, firms the skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and supports the production of collagen for skin rejuvenation, elasticity and an even skin tone. I'm 53 and have begun to notice that my skin isn't as firm and bright as it used to be — so I thought I'd be the perfect user to confirm whether any of these claims are actually true.
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Solawave Light Therapy Face Mask
The mask combines amber, red, deep red and near-infrared light to treat common complaints of aging skin. Solawave claims amber light targets the surface layers of the skin to "revive dullness and even tone," red light reaches mid-dermal skin layers along with deep red light that reaches further into the mid to deep dermis to "boost collagen and support elasticity," and near-infrared light goes beyond the skin's surface to reach the deepest layers, which "firms and tightens the skin."
It's very easy to unpack and set up; the only thing you really need to do is secure the eye-protecting inserts. Then you secure the mask to your head with the two Velcro straps provided, push the one and only button the device has and sit back and relax for three minutes. The device has a small screen that counts down. The cord that runs between the mask and mask controller is quite long, which makes it easy to use.
You will feel some warmth, but never enough to burn or feel discomfort. The eye protection doesn't completely block out light, so you can see some residual red rays. I'm still able to watch TV or even type on my computer while I use it, but I try to give myself three minutes to chill out while it's on, just for the sake of it. When you're done, the mask easily packs into a little cotton pouch they provide so you can store it away until your next use. The brand recommends three minutes, three times a week.
I've been using the mask consistently for four months and can report that it does work. I will add here that there are many other things I do to treat my skin, but they are all done at home. I drink a lot of water, drink very little alcohol, wear SPF daily and have a morning and evening skin routine that I stick to. It's really nothing fancy: a face wash, toner and moisturizer that I religiously use. Even with all of this already in my routine, there was a marked difference in the appearance of fine lines on my face, and my pores definitely looked smaller after just one month. The real difference came after a few months of regular use though. My skin has a flush and brightness I thought I'd lost with age. My wrinkles aren't gone — I don't do Botox and this isn't a miracle worker. But my skin is definitely healthier looking, and it's noticeable.
If you are able to manage the investment, I really do believe the Solawave Light Therapy Face Mask is worth it. I used to treat myself to regular facials, but have taken to investing in at-home beauty devices because it does prove more cost-effective in the long run. One professional facial can run anywhere from $150 to $400. This is a one-time investment that you can use to continuously boost collagen and keep your skin looking healthier.
Remember to use the mask on clean, product-free skin. These items below are some favorites in my rotation to keep my mature skin hydrated and nourished. Laneige is well-known for its viral lip masks, but the skin care is amazing and pretty affordable. Abib is a Korean skin care brand that I've been testing for over a year, and I have yet to find a product I don't like. Rodan + Fields is pricey, but the eye cream is luxurious and thick without caking on. Glow Recipe is often marketed to the youngs, but I find it works really well on my mature skin.
LANEIGE Perfect Renew Nourishing Oil-to-Foam Cleanser
Glow Recipe PDRN+ Repair + Soothe Toner Pads
Abib PDRN Intensive Cream Salmon DNA PDRN Hydrating Moisturizer
Rodan + Fields Redefine Eye Cream
Hanyul Yuja Sleeping Mask Overnight Moisturizer
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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