I’ve been upping my skincare game on all fronts. I invested in higher quality products, and at the urgent insistence of my FYP page, it was time for a red light therapy tool.
There are only two possible contenders in this high-stakes battle. In one corner stands the Hailey Bieber-endorsed Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro and in the other, the Megan Fox fave, Solawave 4-in-1 Red Light Therapy Skincare Wand. Both icons have flawless skin, so I was eager to see which tool lived up to its hype.
I put both to the test and here’s how it went down:
The more effective red light therapy tool…Solawave
Red light therapy benefits the skin by lifting and defining the face, smoothing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, fading blemishes and dark marks, and calming puffiness. It’s all backed by solid scientific evidence but when it comes to harnessing these benefits, the precision of the wavelength and the power density of the device are absolutely crucial.
Solawave provides a targeted 630 nm wavelength that’s in the optimal range for skin rejuvenation (625-700 nm). This precision ensures effective stimulation of skin chromophores, stimulating collagen production and reducing inflammation. Solawave also boasts an irradiance of 40-45 mW/cm², which aligns with the scientifically supported range for optimal results.
On the other hand, Medicube offers a broader wavelength span from 622 to 780 nm, which may compromise its effectiveness by straying beyond the ideal spectrum. The lack of specific information on Medicube’s power density also makes me question its overall efficacy.
The more affordable tool…Solawave
The Solawave 4-in-1 Red Light Therapy Wand costs $169. It comes with free US shipping, a 30-day trial with free returns, and a 1-year warranty. Plus, it comes in two colors, and I love a little personalization!
Solawave's Skin Therapy Activating Serum ($29, $26 refills) features anti-aging ingredients like an ionic mineral complex, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. Fragrance-free and ultra-hydrating, it's designed to enhance the wand's efficacy for 3x faster results. Save by purchasing the combined Red Light Therapy Wand & Serum Kit for $189.
The Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro is quite the investment at $384. Some say the Medicube has slightly greater surface area than the Solawave wand, but…not $215 more coverage. And what’s most important is the irradiance (power output), not strictly the surface area. To break this down further, you could have something with double the surface area, but if its irradiance isn’t the same strength, you won’t achieve the same results.
The one with more functions…Medicube
With its 6-in-1 functionality, Medicube appeals to those who love a versatile gadget. It includes Electroporation and Microcurrent, and even a colorful spectrum of LED therapies—blue, orange, green, red, and purple. While variety sounds appealing, the effectiveness of some of these specific light therapies isn’t as well-established. Meaning - there’s no studies on orange, green, or purple that skincare experts trust to deliver visible results. Plus, from my experience, navigating through all these options can feel more like a chore than a treat.
Meanwhile, Solawave’s 4-in-1 design zeroes in on the essentials: Red Light Therapy to rejuvenate skin, Galvanic Current to boost your serums' and creams' effectiveness, Facial Massage to reduce puffiness and Therapeutic Warmth to comfort and depuff your skin. I saw noticeable improvements pretty quickly, which I attribute to Solawave’s focus on quality over quantity.
The one that best fits my routine…Solawave
For amazing results, it’s recommended to use the Solawave wand 3 times per week for 3 minutes per treatment area, each session. I use it for either 6 or 12 minutes a day, and it’s easy to track as the device has an automatic timer built in. While it’s the best few minutes of my day, and so not a problem to make time for, it’s also more realistic for sustainable long-term use that it isn’t a daily requirement for efficacy. I also love how the compact Solawave easily fits into my toiletry bag with its travel case and long-lasting battery, ensuring my skin stays clear and cared for, even when I'm on the go.
The Medicube Booster, on the other hand, is meant to be used 1-3 times per day in certain modes, and 2-3 times per week in others, to give you that glow. With each session lasting 5-10 minutes, that’s quite a commitment! It’s also not as compact as the Solawave and doesn’t come with a travel case, which makes it less practical overall.
My ultimate winner…Solawave
The Solawave 4-in-1 Red Light Therapy Wand is the best purchase I’ve made all year. It’s so soothing to use, and I started to see tangible improvements in my skin within three weeks of regular use. I appreciate that I don’t have to use it constantly to see incredible results, and seeing how small it packs up for travel, I don’t leave town without it!
