Buying guide for best eye massagers
We all spend a lot of time staring at screens. Whether it’s your computer at work or your tablet at home, all that screen time can mean serious eye strain, which may leave you with a headache, too. Using an eye massager is one of the most effective ways to deal with these issues, and it can help improve the look of the skin under your eyes, too.
An eye massager typically uses heat, infrared technology, air compression, and/or sonic vibrations to help relieve tension in the eye area. It also opens up the pores in the skin around your eyes so serums and creams can penetrate more effectively. A massager can also be therapeutic if you haven’t gotten much sleep or your allergies have left you with puffy, irritated eyes.
But if you want an effective eye massage, you have to choose the right massager. Our helpful guide can make your shopping easier. We’ve compiled all the tips and information you need to find the perfect eye massager for your tired eyes. When you’re ready to buy, take a look at our top picks.
Key considerations
Type
When it comes to eye massagers, there are several different types to choose from. While all massagers can have some benefits, one type might be a better option for you based on your specific concerns.
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Manual massagers are usually meant to boost the absorption of eye serum and cream into the skin. Most feature a rollerball on the end that you move under your eyes. A manual massager can help reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes, too.
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Heated massagers consist of a wand with a tip that heats up. The heat helps open your pores to allow serums and creams to penetrate the skin more easily. A heated eye massager can also help reduce puffiness and improve the look of dark circles.
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Infrared massagers are similar to heated massagers, but you don’t feel much heat from the end of the wand. The difference with an infrared model is that it can also improve circulation in the eye area, which can help boost your vision and improve eye strain.
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Sonic massagers use high-frequency sonic vibrations to massage the eye area and may also be heated. These massagers can help with dark circles and puffiness, as well as improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin. The vibrations can also help relax the eye area if you’re suffering from eye strain.
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Wearable massagers are similar in design to standard sleep masks, though they’re definitely bulkier. Because you wear this type of massager, you don’t have to move a wand over your skin. The mask massages with heat, vibrations, and/or air pressure to help relax and strengthen the eye muscles and reduce eye fatigue and pain, as well as ease dry eyes, dark circles, and puffiness. It can also help soothe headache pain.
Power
Manual eye massagers obviously don’t require any power because you roll them beneath your eyes. All other types of massagers require some type of power source to provide the heat, vibrations, or air pressure used to soothe the eye area.
Some massagers use standard batteries, which must be replaced over time. Other models use rechargeable batteries that you can easily recharge via an included USB cord or AC adapter. Rechargeable massagers are convenient because you never have worry about buying more batteries.
Did you know?
Some eye massagers can be used for up to ten minutes at a time, while others should only be used for one-half to one minute.
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Eye massager features
Comfort
The area around your eyes is extremely delicate, so it’s important to choose an eye massager that feels comfortable when you use it. Many wand-style heated, infrared, or sonic massagers have a tip made of smooth plastic or stainless steel so it’s unlikely to tug at or irritate the skin under your eyes.
Wearable eye massagers are made of smooth plastic, too, but some models have a silicone material that’s safe for use on skin. It’s also important to make sure that the model you choose has padding around the edges so the massager doesn’t pinch where it rests on your face.
Adjustability
If you opt for a wearable eye massager, you want to be sure that it fits securely so you don’t have to hold it in place while you use it. Since one size won’t fit all heads, choose a massager that allows you to adjust the strap. Most straps are made of elastic that stretches to accommodate various head sizes, but other straps also have a buckle that allows you to tighten or loosen the band for a better fit.
Settings
To provide the most control over your eye massager, opt for a model with multiple settings. In most cases, that means you can choose from a few different massage types. Some possible settings include the following:
A massager may also offer multiple settings for the type of therapy used. For example, you might have weak and hard vibration options or low and high heat options.
Heat range
If you’re most interested in the heating aspect of an eye massager, the temperature range is an important feature. Most massagers can heat to over 100°F, with some reaching over 107°F.
Music
Some wearable eye massagers include a built-in speaker that allows you to listen to calming music to help you relax during the massage. Most speakers use Bluetooth to connect to a smartphone, tablet, or other device to access your music. Some massagers include music or nature sounds to make relaxing even easier.
Eye massager prices
Eye massagers vary in price based on the type and the features offered, ranging from $5 to $160.
Inexpensive
At $5 to $12, manual eye massagers are the most affordable option because they don’t offer any heat or vibration. These work well if your primary concern is helping an eye serum or cream absorb into the skin.
Mid-range
Heated, infrared, and sonic vibration wand-style eye massagers are slightly more expensive, ranging from $12 to $25. One of these is a good option if you have cosmetic concerns about the skin under your eyes or if you’re struggling with eye fatigue.
Expensive
Wearable devices are the most expensive. Basic models that offer heat, vibration, and air pressure but only a few settings cost between $25 and $60. These models usually include built-in speakers to allow you to listen to music during the massage. For wearable eye massagers with a wider variety of settings, you’ll pay between $60 and $160.
"Most eye massagers that use traditional batteries require AAA batteries."
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Tips
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Apply an eye serum or cream before using the eye massager. No matter what type of eye massager you choose, apply the eye serum or cream first to help the device move over your skin more easily.
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Be gentle. Don’t move an eye massager under your eye too roughly. If you pull at the skin too hard, you may cause fine lines and wrinkles.
- Use the eye massager regularly. To help reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes, it’s important to use an eye massager regularly. For headaches and eye strain, use the massager when you’re feeling discomfort.
FAQ
Q. Can anyone use an eye massager?
A. Eye massagers are usually effective for anyone who suffers from eye strain, headaches, or under-eye skin issues they wish to treat. However, if you’ve recently had eye surgery or you have an eye infection, you should ask your doctor before using a massager.
Q. How often should I use an eye massager?
A. It depends on your goals. If you’re using it to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags and dark circles or improve the absorption of serums and creams, you’ll likely want to use it daily. If you want to help maintain the health of your vision, you should use it daily to help strengthen the eye muscles. Some massagers can be used up to twice a day, but be sure to check the owner’s manual for the duration of each session. If you’re using the massager to help treat eye strain or headaches, you should use the device when you feel discomfort.
Q. Do eye massagers usually come with warranty protection?
A. Pricier wearable eye massagers usually offer some type of warranty to protect your purchase. Some models provide a year of protection, while others offer up to two years of warranty coverage. Most budget-friendly manual and wand-style massagers don’t come with a warranty.
