I developed acne for the first time in my life around five years ago. It came in strong waves across my cheeks, and peeked through the fullest coverage foundations. I turned toward drying spot treatments and cleansers, and even washed my makeup brushes daily, yet the breakouts would always find their way back. It felt like I'd tried nearly everything to subdue their appearance — that is, until I discovered light therapy. 

I was introduced to light therapy during my first professional facial and was amazed at the effects it offered my skin; my face looked clearer and less inflamed within hours. Unfortunately, keeping up with regular appointments can be costly — but that's where at-home skincare tools, like the SolaWave Blue Light Therapy Wand, step in. The Internet-viral device has truly become a vital part of my daily regimen since I received it from the brand a couple of months ago.

SolaWave was founded in 2020 by Andrew Silberstein and Eli Bailey, who wanted to bring an accessible, no-fuss way to achieve better skin to the market. The brand first released its Red Light Therapy Wand, a 4-in-1 skincare tool that features microcurrents, LED red light, low vibration massage, and therapeutic warmth to address aging-related concerns. It then added the Blue Light Therapy Wand, an option catered towards acne-prone, oily skin, to its growing lineup this year. 

Shop now: $119 (Originally $139); solawave.co

The Blue Light Therapy Wand has all the proven technologies of its predecessor — LED light, therapeutic warmth, and vibrating massage — minus the microcurrents, which means the tool can be used across all ages (including teenagers). Similar to its sister tool, the blue light wand heightens the benefits of your serums and creams and improves your skin's overall radiance. But, what makes it separately unique is the blue light's effects against aggressive breakouts and excess oil production. 

Here's how the treatments work: The cordless tool should be used a minimum of five minutes per session and in conjunction with the brand's Renew Complex Activating Serum (or your go-to hydrating serum, mist, or moisturizer) to ignite its smart-touch activation; it will not turn on unless the skin feels hydrated. From there, simply place the wand onto your skin and glide it with ease across problem areas, such as your cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. 

These LED blue light wavelengths aren't the same harmful blue lights emitted from your computer screen. While more research is still being conducted around its benefits, as stated in an article by Harvard Medical School, LED blue light wavelengths can reduce "activity in the sebaceous glands," which in turn "produce less of the oil that can plug the hair follicles, leading to acne."

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Proof of the tool's effectiveness was found within a two-week brand-conducted study: 93 percent of users said their skin looked healthier after using the SolaWave wand, while 90 percent said their skin appeared visibly rejuvenated. During a separate 30-day study, 100 percent of participants said their skin felt soft and supple, 93 percent said the wand increased the performance and benefits of their skincare, while 86 percent noticed a reduction in their pore size.

Personally speaking, the results I've witnessed from using the tool have transcended those of any acne-targeted skincare products I've used in the past. My skin not only appears more even-toned and radiant, but monstrous-sized blemishes no longer crop up in their usual areas. It works so well, I've even become obsessively tied to my daily treatments; if I stop using the wand for several days, I'll notice a drastic difference in the state of my complexion. And, if I do feel breakouts rising to the surface, one treatment will have them visibly reduced within a day. 

Sydney Sweeney, Lil Nas X, Nicole Kidman, and Mandy Moore are also all fans of SolaWave. Between makeup artists using the tool to prep their skin before events, to Sweeney revealing that she uses the Red Light Therapy Wand "every single day," it's safe to say light therapy tools are having a moment.