I’ve become obsessed with using red light therapy to address signs of aging on my face. The mask from HigherDOSE has been my go-to for a while now, but I recently saw some incredible reviews for Solawave’s Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask and knew I had to get my hands on it to see if it could be better than my OG.
As it turns out, red light therapy masks are definitely not created equal. Here are my thoughts on both:
If you want to see results within 4 weeks…Solawave
I’ve been using the HigherDOSE mask for about six months, and it’s definitely taken me that amount of time to see changes in my fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. I think it’s because the mask is a bit stiff and plasticky—it doesn’t fit my face quite right and is a tad uncomfortable given my wider face and larger nose.
Solawave, on the other hand, started to reduce signs of aging and improve my skin’s firmness in as little as 4 weeks. It’s made of silky, flexible silicone that contours to my face and feels lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. All I have to do is place the mask over my clean skin, secure the strap around my head, turn it on, and that’s it!
If you want to use it while traveling… Solawave
Solwave’s Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask is perfectly portable, which makes caring for my skin while traveling super easy. It comes with a sleek little controller that's easy to use—just one button, no fuss—and fits in a little pouch that’s easy to toss in my carry-on.
The HigherDOSE controller is a bit clunkier, doesn’t fit as nicely tucked away, and has a bunch of extra, unnecessary buttons that can make using it a bit confusing.
If you like to be efficient… Tie
I don’t like to interrupt my day too much, so I love that I can wear either mask while I’m doing, well, anything, around the house. Both masks have a super convenient 10-minute treatment time, which is perfect for a busy gal like me.
And they turn off automatically when they're done, so you can just kick back and let the light work its magic. HigherDOSE does have a shorter 3-minute "express" option, but honestly, I'd rather do the full 10 minutes to get the most out of the treatment.
They’re also both so easy to keep clean—just wipe them down with some alcohol after each use, and you're good to go.
If you find comfort in long return policies… Solawave
I’m not going to lie: red light masks are an investment—I’m talking $349 for each mask. But since results take some time to show, having a cushiony return policy is key. With Solawave, you get 60 days to return the mask (even if it’s been used).
HigherDOSE only accepts returns within 30 days, which doesn’t seem like enough time for a newbie to try it out.
If you want a mask that’s FDA-cleared… Solawave
As someone who's been down the rabbit hole of researching what's safe to use on your skin, FDA clearance is a MUST, and it’s a huge selling point for the Solawave mask. Being FDA-cleared means it's been put through the wringer and proven to be totally safe and effective for helping your skin to glow and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
HigherDOSE's mask doesn't have that same seal of approval.
I’ve tossed my old mask aside—Solawave is my new go-to
After using the Solawave mask for just 4 weeks, 3x a week, I swear my skin has never looked better. My fine lines are less noticeable, my skin feels firmer, and I have this incredible glow going on. I did see some improvements with the HigherDOSE mask, but they weren't as wow-worthy and took longer to appear.
Trust me, if you're looking for a game-changing addition to your skincare routine, the Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask is where it's at. I'm completely hooked, and I have a feeling you will be too!
