- How Does a Microcurrent Device Help With Skincare?
- Quick Comparison Summary of ZIIP Vs. SolaWave Microcurrent Devices
- The Bottom Line
Who doesn’t want healthier and younger looking skin? Unfortunately, a lot of people feel as though they’re stuck with the way their skin looks because they can’t afford to experience cosmetic procedures. Fortunately, there are a number of products that you can use from the comfort of your home that can have just as profound of an effect as something you would pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for from a professional.
Microcurrent and light therapy devices for the skin are incredibly popular right now. These devices utilize gentle technology to achieve results by way of increased collagen production, plumper and firmer skin and less blemishes. Your skin will appear smoother and younger with regular treatments. Two devices we’re going to compare today include the SolaWave beauty wand versus the ZIIP. Which device is better for skin care?
How Does a Microcurrent Device Help With Skincare?
A microcurrent beauty device is a very noninvasive approach to skincare. It sends out a low-voltage electrical current that mimics the electrical currents in the body. This energy will stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to produce more toned and tighter skin. It’s like a facelift without the surgery.
Your face will also become more apt to absorb different products once you’ve done a treatment. This means you can pair your device with products that are also designed to promote healthy and youthful skin. You should see better results than if you were using the products all by themselves.
Microcurrent technology was originally researched and used in the treatment of wounds. Minimal research has been done regarding the use of microcurrent technology for beauty purposes, but many people insist they’ve had great experiences from the use of their device.
Who Should Consider Using One?
After the age of thirty, our bodies start to produce less collagen. Collagen is an important part of not only the health of our skin, but also our bones and joints. With this reduced collagen comes less firm skin, wrinkles, sagging, etc. It’s never too early to start a good skincare routine as part of your day. A microcurrent device can be just as important to you as a good quality moisturizer or serum.
If you’re prone to breakouts, microcurrent devices and light therapy devices can help heal your breakouts as well as prevent them in the first place. It’s even beneficial for cystic acne, which can be very difficult to treat because of how deep the blemish can go.
Quick Comparison Summary of ZIIP Vs. SolaWave Microcurrent Devices

Vs. | ZIIP | SolaWave |
---|---|---|
Red Light Therapy Device | Yes | Yes |
Blue Light Therapy Device | No | Yes |
Cordless | Yes | Yes |
Use on cheeks, eyes, chin, forehead, neck, face | Yes | Yes |
Facial Massage | Yes | Yes |
Therapeutic Warmth | Yes | Yes |
Feels like you went to a spa | Yes | Yes |
Cost | ZIIP GX Series: $495, ZIIP OX Series: $480 | Red Light Beauty Wand: $149 |
Average Rating | 4.5/5 (Over 500 reviews) | 4.9/5 (Over 1,000 verified reviews) |
Best price: | Official Website | Official Website + $35 Coupon |
About SolaWave

The SolaWave skin care wand (read review) is extremely popular and unique. It is a multifunctional device that provides you with access to microcurrent therapy, red light therapy, therapeutic warming as well as facial massage. You can use these different techniques to get deep down into the interior muscles and tissue of your face to stimulate cellular repair, increase blood flow and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. You can utilize the light therapy feature to heal blemishes, reduce redness and improve signs of aging.
The SolaWave wand is an ideal self-care item that is compact and affordable. It resembles a shaving razor, and it turns itself on and off when it touches your skin. The head can be rotated ninety degrees so you can reach all of the areas you’re trying to target on your face and neck. It charges by way of USB connectivity, so there’s no need to replace batteries. One full charge gets you hours of use.
Pros
- Professional results can be achieved in your home with short and simple treatments
- Four features are included in one SolaWave device
- One-touch on and off feature
- You can combine your beauty wand with products from SolaWave or your own products that you already have at home
Cons
- A bit of an investment, but the SolaWave wand is more affordable than professional treatments
- This is a smaller device than other products. You cover less surface area at one time
Cost and Where to Buy
The SolaWave beauty wand costs $149 through the SolaWave website directly (https://solawave.co/). The company allows you to sign up for a payment plan if that makes the purchase more affordable for you. There are also product bundles and other devices that you can purchase from SolaWave. They have a serum bundle that includes products compatible with their skincare wand. It retails for $60.
About ZIIP

The ZIIP beauty device is created by professional esthetician Melanie Simon along with technology guru David Mason. It uses small electrical surges to stimulate the production of elastin and collagen in your skin. ZIIP connects with an app on your smart device to provide you with access to a variety of electrical impulse variations so you can access different types of treatments. You can use the ZIIP to lift, tone and sculpt your face.
ZIIP uses nano current and microcurrent technology to produce low levels of electrical current to the surface of your skin. Adenosine triphosphate is then produced to boost production of collagen. This allows your skin to appear more firm while increasing elasticity. Recurring treatments provide less wrinkles and fine lines. You can also use the ZIIP for improved lymphatic drainage, acne treatment and evening out your skin tone.
Pros
- Comfortable handheld device that is easy to maneuver and use across your face and neck
- Portable design can be taken on the go with you
- You don’t feel the electrical impulses, so it’s a completely pain-free treatment option
- The app makes it even easier to use your device
- Access to more than ten personalized treatments
Cons
- Requires use of a conductive gel
- It’s one of the more expensive beauty wands on the market right now
Cost and Where to Buy
You can visit the ZIIP website at https://ziipbeauty.com/. The cost of the ZIIP GX series wand is currently priced at $495. They also have a OX series which is slightly lower, but it’s currently sold out.
Comparing Technology and Devices

The SolaWave is not only an affordable beauty wand, but you get four different technologies in one low price. You can switch between the treatments, base your treatment on what your skin currently needs or use multiple treatments in one sitting.
The ZIIP device is a bit more complex, and you have access to the ZIIP app. You also use conductive gel for the procedures, which increases potential results. You’ll feel like you’re having a professional skincare treatment done when you’re using the ZIIP. It also has a larger design, so it’s easy to maneuver and use.
Comparing Results from Real Users
The SolaWave wand has a very high rating on their website. They currently have a 4.9 star rating out of five stars with more than 1,000 reviews on their website. Some people have experienced very impressive results in a short amount of time when doing consistent treatments. Common benefits have included reduced appearance of wrinkles and lines, improved acne, more even skin tone and even a reduction in dark circles around the eye area. This is the ultimate self-care product to invest in.
The ZIIP device has a rating of 4.4 stars out of five stars on Amazon. They also list user experiences on their website. A lot of people have expressed that the ZIIP unit has eliminated the need for other anti-aging and skincare products. The device with the gel is all that’s needed to achieve glowing and healthy skin. The app provides accurate instructions so you’re not using your device incorrectly.
Comparing Value

If you’re focused on the price of investing in a microcurrent beauty device, then you’ll be paying quite a bit more if you opt for the ZIIP. However, you get the added benefit of customizing your treatments with the use of an app. This is something that SolaWave currently doesn’t offer. If you’re looking to purchase an at-home beauty wand and aren’t confident about the results you may receive, you might want to consider sticking with the SolaWave.
Other Alternative Microcurrent Devices to Know About
SolaWave and ZIIP are not the only two microcurrent devices available to use at home. Let’s take a look at some of the other alternatives that are situated at different price points. You’ll be able to find something within your budget that provides the results that you’re looking for.
NuFace
NuFace has a microcurrent device that is designed to tone, lift and improve the quality of your skin by engaging the various muscles in your face. It can also reduce any fine lines or wrinkles that you are starting to see pop up as you age. Each treatment takes just five minutes, and you can choose between a few different attachments that change up how you use your NuFace. This includes red light therapy and different topical products. Its large design makes it easier and faster to accomplish your treatments.
Learn more on our SolaWave vs NuFace comparison to see which is better for you.
DermaWand
The DermaWand utilizes electrical microcurrents to target wrinkles, fine lines, dull skin and much more. It actually produces 100,000 cycles per second to instantly stimulate and oxygenate your skin. Users have experienced decreased pore size, less production of sebum, clearer skin, more youthful skin and reduced acne breakouts. There is a DermaWand Anti-Aging wand along with a DermaWand Pro Anti-Aging device.
We compared the DermaWand to SolaWave so you can choose the right one.
Main Differences between ZIIP and SolaWave

What stands out to me the most between these two skincare brands is the price. SolaWave and ZIIP essentially use the same kind of technology to improve the condition that your skin is in. However, ZIIP has a much higher price point. It comes with the ability to connect with your smart device that you’re set up with the ZIIP app, but it’s up to you whether or not you think this is something you would benefit from.
What’s Better: SolaWave or ZIIP?

I think the product that you choose will depend on whether or not you’ve used a beauty wand before. If you’ve tried one of the more affordable units and liked the results that you saw, then it might be time to invest in an upgraded device like the ZIIP. If you’re just going to be trying a microcurrent device for the first time or you’ve stuck with spa treatments prior to your investment, you’re probably a little apprehensive to spend upwards of $300 or $400 on something like this. I also like that the SolaWave gives you the option for different treatments at such an affordable price point.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of which microcurrent device you choose to purchase, these types of devices have helped a lot of people increase their confidence and look their best. Results aren’t guaranteed and your experience may be completely different from someone else’s, but there is potential for looking healthier and younger with ongoing beauty wand treatments.
Take some time to look through all of the different at-home beauty devices that are available for purchase. Many of them have different features, different designs and varying benefits. Your skin type and any skin concerns that you have will determine what type of device you choose.
Tips for Success
If you’re looking to improve the quality of your skin and make your skin look healthier and younger, there are some other techniques you can use in addition to the use of a microcurrent device. Here are some of my top skincare tips.
Don’t Skip the Sunscreen
Exposing your skin to the sun can do a lot of damage in a very short amount of time. UV rays can cause free radical damage that is difficult to reverse. Always apply sunscreen to your face and any exposed skin before you head outdoors. Shoot for the highest SPF possible; at least 30 SPF. A lot of moisturizers and makeup already contain SPF, so check the products you’re putting on that day to see what kind of protection you already have.
Use Self Tanner Instead of the Sun
If you want to look tan without having to expose your skin to the sun, use a self-tanning product that is applied to the skin like a lotion. This still helps you achieve that summertime glow that you want but you won’t risk damaging your skin or increasing the prevalence of fine lines and wrinkles.
Hydrate
Hydration is incredibly important when it comes to the health of your skin. When your skin is hydrated, this makes your skin look plumper. Your skin won’t be dry, flaky or red if it’s hydrated enough. Applying moisturizer to your skin at a topical level is beneficial, but it’s also good to make sure you’re hydrated from the inside out as well.