Do Eye Massagers Really Work?
If you’ve been scrolling through social media or beauty blogs, you’ve probably seen eye massagers touted as the ultimate fix for puffy eyes, dark circles, and fine lines. But do these gadgets really deliver on their promises, or are they just another trend? Here, we break down how eye massagers work, the technology behind them, and whether or not they’re worth adding to your skincare routine.
There are many types of eye massagers, each with their own set of benefits.
Emerging research shows promising evidence that eye massagers can benefit the skin, though more research is needed.
Pair a customized skin care routine based on your Baumann Skin Type with eye massagers for best results.
What Are Eye Massagers?
Eye massagers are devices designed to target the delicate skin around the eyes. Some are intended purely for relaxation, providing gentle vibrations or heat to relieve tired eyes. Others claim to provide additional benefits, such as reducing puffiness, dark circles, and even fine lines. These devices often use advanced technologies like microcurrents, LED therapy, and cryotherapy.
Types of Eye Massagers
The real question is whether these features can live up to the claims. Below, we’ll take a deeper dive into the different types of eye massagers and the science behind each one.
Manual Massagers
Some eye massagers don’t need batteries or electricity. Instead, these massagers are designed to be used manually to provide relaxation and lymphatic benefits around the eyes. The Osmosis Mini Multi Tool, for example, is a small copper handheld tool with two ends. The round end can be used on its own as a massaging tool or it can double as a way to apply eye cream to the delicate eye area while massaging at the same time.
Some research suggests that manual massage can help to improve under-eye puffiness and even reduce the appearance of wrinkles by promoting lymphatic drainage and improving blood circulation (3).
Microcurrent Massagers
Microcurrent technology uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate the skin and underlying muscles. This technique, used in small, handheld devices like the NuFACE Fix Kit, is believed to promote collagen production, improve elasticity, and smooth fine lines.
Research shows that microcurrent therapy may increase ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production in skin cells, which fuels collagen and elastin synthesis. Studies have found that this can result in a significant improvement in the appearance of lines and wrinkles, especially on the forehead and around the eyes (4). Results may take several weeks of consistent use, however.
Cryotherapy Massagers
Cryotherapy massagers like this one from Solaris Laboratories deliver controlled cooling that can reduce inflammation and puffiness under the eyes.
Cryotherapy works by causing vasoconstriction, or the tightening of blood vessels, reducing swelling and redness. One study even found that cryotherapy may help to increase antioxidant activity, which could help to further reduce signs of aging caused by oxidative stress (5). Regular use may also help to improve the appearance of dark circles by reducing blood flow to the area, which can contribute to their discoloration.
LED Massagers
LED eye massagers use light therapy to address specific skin concerns. Some studies show that red light, for example, may stimulate collagen production, while blue light is commonly used to target acne-causing bacteria (6).
Devices like the It’s Lit LED Gua Sha Facial Massager that are designed to improve signs of skin aging like fine lines around the eyes use red LED therapy. Some studies show that low-level red light can increase collagen and elastin within the skin, improving fine lines and other common signs of aging, as well as reduce inflammation and reverse signs of sun damage (7, 8). However, more research is needed to assess the long-term effects of red light on the skin as light in general may lead to skin aging.
Benefits of Eye Massagers
As noted above, different types of eye massagers can come with different benefits for the delicate skin around your eyes. While many types of eye massagers have some scientific research to back up their claims, more research is still needed to determine the best types of at-home devices to use to achieve maximum benefits.
Generally speaking, however, at-home eye massagers like the ones listed above may provide a number of benefits to your skin:
- Relaxation and stress relief. Eye massagers provide gentle vibrations, heat, or cooling to soothe tired eyes and relax muscles, reducing strain from prolonged screen time.
- Improved blood circulation. Both manual and electric devices can help to promote blood flow around the eye area, enhancing skin health and brightness.
- Improved dark circles. Many types of eye massagers may reduce discoloration by improving circulation and reducing oxidative stress, a common cause of dark circles.
- Reduced under-eye puffiness. Manual massagers may reduce swelling and puffiness under the eyes by encouraging lymphatic drainage, while cryotherapy massagers achieve a similar result by tightening blood vessels.
- Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Microcurrent and LED eye massagers may be the best for stimulating collagen to smooth fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
- Anti-inflammatory benefits. Cryotherapy and LED therapy may reduce inflammation, calming redness and irritation.
Drawbacks of Eye Massagers
While eye massagers may offer a number of benefits, there are a few potential downsides:
- Temporary results. Most benefits, like reduced puffiness and dark circles, are short-term and require consistent use of these devices to maintain.
- Skin sensitivity. Some sensitive skin types may find certain eye massagers irritating to the skin.
- Risk of hyperpigmentation. Some eye massagers, particularly those that emit light, may cause dark spots.
- Not a replacement for skincare. Eye massagers are best used as a complement to your customized skincare routine, not a substitute.
Bottom Line
Eye massagers can be worth adding to your skin care routine if you are looking for something relaxing that may also come with benefits like reduced puffiness, minimized dark circles, and smoother fine lines. However, eye massagers aren't a magic fix and won’t replace a customized skincare regimen tailored to your needs.
The good news is that many eye massagers are affordable, so you don’t have to spend a fortune to see if they work for you and your skin's specific needs.
Dr. Leslie Baumann MD, FAAD
How often should I use an eye massager?
It depends on the device. Manual eye massagers can be used daily, while others should be used less frequently, such as 2 to 3 times per week.
How long does it take to see results from an eye massager?
Results vary depending on the type of massager and your skincare goals. While relaxation and depuffing effects can be immediate, benefits like reduced fine lines may take weeks of consistent use.
Can I use eye massagers if I have sensitive skin?
Yes, but some eye massagers may be better than others for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh settings, intense microcurrents, or products with strong vibrations, as these may be more likely to cause redness and irritation.
Best References and Scientific Publications on Eye Massagers
- Baumann L. Antiaging Ingredients in Ch. 37 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
- Baumann, L. Ch. Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
- Leszczyńska K, Zaleski A. Treatments using elements of Kobido massage for anti-ageing prevention and relaxation. Aesth Cosmetol Med. 2024;13(3):103-111.
- Saniee, F., Ghafarian Shirazi, H. R., Khademi Kalantari, K., Yazdanpanah, P., Reza Soltani, A., Dabiri, N., Ghafarian Shirazi, N., & Karimpour, F. (2012). Consideration of micro-current's effect to variation of facial wrinkle trend: Randomized clinical trial study. Life Science Journal, 9(3), 1184.
- Dzidek, A., & Piotrowska, A. (2022). The Use of Cryotherapy in Cosmetology and the Influence of Cryogenic Temperatures on Selected Skin Parameters—A Review of the Literature. Cosmetics, 9(5), 100.
- Diogo, M. L. G., Campos, T. M., Fonseca, E. S. R., Pavani, C., Horliana, A. C. R. T., Fernandes, K. P. S., Bussadori, S. K., Fantin, F. G. M. M., Leite, D. P. V., Yamamoto, Â. T. A., Navarro, R. S., & Motta, L. J. (2021). Effect of Blue Light on Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review. Sensors, 21(20), 6943.
- Li, W.-H., Seo, I., Kim, B., Fassih, A., Southall, M. D., & Parsa, R. (2021). Low-level red plus near-infrared lights combination induces expressions of collagen and elastin in human skin in vitro. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 43(3), 302–311.
- Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, Vecchio D, Pam Z, Pam N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013 Mar;32(1):41-52. PMID: 24049929; PMCID: PMC4126803.
