4 min readPros:Made of lightweight and flexible medical-grade siliconeCordless designTreatment works in three minutes Combines red light, deep red light, near-infrared light, and amber light therapiesGreat for boosting skin’s radiance Cons:Best for smoothing fine lines—may not be ideal for deep-set wrinklesDoesn’t include an option for blue light therapy
To even skin’s tone, reduce inflammation, and encourage cellular turnover, few tools work harder or smarter than a high-tech LED mask. These favorites among aestheticians and beauty enthusiasts typically come equipped with a variety of wavelengths and light therapy options to suit just about any skincare need—from stubborn acne to lingering fine lines. As a person who has dealt with breakouts for the majority of her life, I’ve turned to LED masks time and time again to help me shrink zits down to size. But nowadays, as someone firmly in my mid-30s, I’m more focused on targeting my fine lines, which is why I was so excited to test Solawave’s Wrinkle Retreat Pro LED Face Mask.
Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Pro LED Face Mask
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Credit: Solawave
I’ve been a long-time fan of Solawave’s fast-acting, foolproof products, including its 4-in-1 Red Light Therapy Wand and Bye Acne: 3 Minute Light Therapy Spot Treatment, which I count among my skin-firming and acne-fighting go-tos. But since the Wrinkle Retreat Pro LED Face Mask is the brand’s first full-face device I’ve tried, I had high hopes that it would even out my skin tone and reduce signs of aging.
Keep reading for my thoughts on Solawave’s FDA-cleared anti-wrinkle mask after testing it for a month.
What Makes the Wrinkle Retreat Pro LED Face Mask Ideal for Targeting Fine Lines and Wrinkles?
According to professionals, LED stands for “light-emitting diode,” and the most common wavelengths are red and blue. While they each work through skin absorption to target specific cells, red and near-infrared light in particular are ideal for stimulating collagen production, reducing inflammation, and reducing wrinkles. “Red light can reduce fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating the fibroblast. Additionally, they can reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation, and stimulate wound healing,” dermatologist Howard Sobel previously told Bazaar.
Solawave’s Wrinkle Retreat Pro LED Face Mask takes things up a notch, not only using red (630nm) and near-infrared (830nm) wavelengths, but deep red (660nm) and amber (605nm) light as well, with a total of 320 built-in LEDs to smooth skin and enhance its elasticity. The mask targets fine lines at nearly every skin layer, from its surface and upper dermal layers to mid-dermal and deeper into the dermis to support renewal over time.
How I Tested
For the most effective results, experts recommend using an LED mask at least three days a week. Since I typically have more time for an in-depth skincare routine in the evenings, except on weekends, I used my mask every other day for four weeks, after cleansing my face and before applying any serums or moisturizer. With its nearly cordless, hands-free design, I didn’t have to plug it into an outlet to power up, which meant I could do everything from watching TV to chores around the house while wearing it (I did both and more). It was also generally more comfortable to wear compared to heavier, harder face masks I’ve used in the past.
Courtesy of Tiffany Dodson Davis
Even with a hint of blush and mascara, it’s hard to deny my enhanced skin glow, courtesy of the Wrinkle Retreat Pro LED Face Mask
Ease of Use
Wrinkle Retreat Pro works in three minutes flat, so a treatment takes no longer than your favorite song. And while the treatment flies by, the mask’s accompanying controller features a handy timer and battery indicator so you always know its status. During my testing period, I may have had to charge the tool once, which is a testament to its long-lasting battery life. Wrinkle Retreat Pro is also not complicated to use, thanks to a single charging cable, a pair of customizable head straps, and detachable eyewear, and starts up at the press of a button. And did I mention it also shuts off automatically? Talk about convenience.
Price/Value
The $399 price tag may seem a bit pricey for this high-tech staple, but it’s actually on par with most LED masks on the market, if not slightly less expensive. And since Solawave is now offering a buy-one, get-one-free deal on the Wrinkle Retreat Pro, I’d say the price is ultimately worth it in the long run to give your normal beauty rotation a little something extra. The mask also includes a 60-day money-back guarantee if you decide it’s not for you, which provides peace of mind before adding it to your cart.
The Verdict
After trialing the mask for a little over a month, I saw a difference in the tone, radiance, and texture of my skin. While I don’t have deep wrinkles yet, I do have some fine lines around my mouth and crow’s feet, which I noticed were less prominent with or without makeup than before I started the treatment. Although the Wrinkle Retreat Pro uses four types of light therapy to reduce fine lines and promote skin rejuvenation, I’m not sure how effective it is on its own for minimizing deeper, more prominent wrinkles, especially given the short treatment window. But for skincare lovers like me who are dealing with minor signs of aging, increased dullness, or redness, the Wrinkle Retreat Pro is a great addition to your weekly routine.
4.0/5 stars:
The Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Pro LED Face Mask is available for $399 at solawave.co.
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