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Like a lot of people, I’ve spent years building out a face-focused skincare routine—serums, sunscreens, occasional facials—but have largely ignored my neck and chest. So when I had the opportunity to test the Solawave Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Red Light Therapy Mask
, I was genuinely curious to see what would happen if I gave this often-overlooked area some consistent care. Spoiler: While I didn’t see a dramatic, overnight transformation, I did notice improvements in elasticity, softer fine lines, and smoother texture—especially considering how little I’ve done for this area in the past. (Sorry, derms.)
The mask itself is pretty user-friendly and is well-designed for most faces. It fit comfortably over my neck and upper chest area with a flexible silicone body and adjustable strap, and it’s totally hands-free. It uses a combination of red light (660nm) and near-infrared light (850nm), which are both said to help stimulate collagen production and target signs of aging like crepiness, sagging, and uneven tone. You only need to wear it for 10 minutes per session, which makes it easy to incorporate into my evening routine (usually while scrolling on my phone or watching TV).
Solawave Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Red Light Therapy Mask
My skin before was pretty “normal,” but as of late, in my late thirties, I’ve noticed more fine lines and unevenness, the former of which I think can be chalked up to techneck and how I lie on a pillow when doomscrolling through TikTok. (I’ve been consciously reminding myself to get out of this position now.) Interestingly enough, a few weeks before I began testing the mask, I had a Red Light Special facial at Face Haus thanks to a partnership they did in the earlier part of the year, which included this same mask as part of the treatment. (It was called the Red Light Special facial, and it was phenomenal.) The immediate post-facial glow was noticeable, but the more gradual improvements came from regular, at-home use. By the end of the testing period, my skin felt noticeably firmer, with a subtle “lifted” quality, and a few fine lines across my chest appeared less defined.
“Red light therapy masks like the one from Solawave are designed to deliver low-wavelength red light to the skin, which penetrates the surface layers and stimulates cellular activity,” says Dr. Kim Nichols, a board-certified dermatologist. “Specifically for the neck and chest—areas that often show early signs of aging due to thinner skin and frequent sun exposure—red light therapy can help to boost collagen production, improve skin’s elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and even out tone and texture. The light works by targeting the mitochondria in skin cells, encouraging them to produce more ATP, or energy, which in turn promotes healthier skin overall.”
In my case, the results weren’t overly dramatic, but they were real. My skin felt stronger and more resilient, and that bit of extra firmness made me feel more confident, particularly when showing off my cleavage. While it didn’t completely erase every line or uneven patch, it definitely gave the area a more even and almost hydrated look.
Dr. Nichols emphasized that consistency really is the key to seeing results. She notes that red light therapy can improve signs of aging and skin quality, but that consistency and duration of use are crucial for efficacy. “People often see subtle but meaningful improvements with regular sessions—about 3–5 times per week over several weeks,” she says. “The results can also vary depending on the severity of the skin concerns, and of course, individual skin types and age.”
She also noted that the Solawave mask meets several important criteria in terms of design and function. “In reviewing the Solawave Neck and Chest Mask
, it does appear to check off several important boxes,” says Dr. Nichols. “It covers both the neck and chest fully with a flexible design that contours to the body, which is important for even light exposure. It uses medical-grade red light at wavelengths typically shown to be effective (usually in the 630–660nm range), and the hands-free, wearable design makes it practical for consistent use—a key factor in seeing results.”
That said, she did mention a few things to look for if you’re being thorough. “In an ideal world, I’d also want to see clinical trial data specific to the device or a breakdown of the exact wavelength and power density, as these technical specifications influence how effective a device truly is,” she says. “Adjustable settings and a built-in timer are also nice-to-have features that offer added customization and convenience.”
Dr. Nichols also offered a quick word of caution: “While generally safe, people who are photosensitive, taking medications that increase light sensitivity (like certain antibiotics or acne treatments), or who have active skin conditions such as eczema flare-ups should consult a dermatologist prior to using red light therapy masks.”
If you’re already consistent with your skincare and looking to step things up, or if—like me—you’re new to treating the neck and chest area, this is a great, low-maintenance entry point. The Solawave Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Red Light Therapy Mask
made my skin feel smoother, slightly firmer, and less lined, with visible improvement over a few weeks. It didn’t change everything, but it definitely made me want to keep going. And sometimes, that subtle difference is exactly what you need to feel a little better in your skin.
