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10 Products You Need If You Stare at a Screen All Day

Medically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD — By Steph Coelho and Natasha Burton — Updated on October 19, 2022Share on PinterestWe include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

A quick look at the best screen fatigue products

Best eye gel: Wake Eye GelBest eye compress: Bruder Moist Heat Eye CompressBest face mask: Goodhabit Rest Reset Mask & MoisturizerBest blue light protection sunscreen: COOLA Full Spectrum 360 Mineral Sun Silk Creme SPF 30Best protecting facial mist: One Ocean Beauty Blue Light Protection Hydration MistBest hydrating facial mist: Volition Beauty Screen Time Hydra-MistBest for muscle aches: Unoia CBD Muscle Relief Roll-OnBest for stretching: Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga MatBest laptop stand: HUANUO Adjustable Laptop StandBest screen protector: FORITO Anti-Glare Anti-Scratch Laptop Screen Protector 2 Pack Most of us are no strangers to the virtual world. And whether you’re working from home and joining countless Zoom meetings, or you simply stare at a computer all day long to do your job, you’re likely logging lots of screen time every day. Add in the fact that many of us use screens for leisure time as well, from binge-watching Netflix to getting in a workout using your Peloton, and that’s even more hours of looking directly at a screen. All of that staring into a square or rectangle of light can take a toll, contributing to eye fatigue, sleep issues, headaches, and more. While it’s healthy to take ample breaks from the screen on your phone, laptop, or otherwise, it doesn’t mean you need to completely pivot away from virtual interaction. Ahead, we’ve got you covered with the best products to help you recover from looking deep into your computer’s soul.

How we chose the best products to combat screen fatigue

There are lots of products that claim to help with screen fatigue. To select the highest quality products, we used the following criteria:Scientific reviews: We consulted peer-reviewed research to help us choose the best products to combat the effects of prolonged screen use. Customer reviews: When possible, we picked products with rave reviews. Company reputation: We selected products from reliable companies with good reputations. Pricing: Below, you’ll find products in a range of price points to fit various budgets.

Pricing guide

$ = under $30$$ = $30–$60$$$ = over $60

Healthline s picks for the best screen fatigue products

Regardless of why you’re staring at a screen all day, here are some products we think you should invest in to protect your mind and body.

Soothe your tired eyes

Physical effects, like dry eyes, can happen because focusing on a screen means you’re likely blinking less during the day. Additionally, looking at a screen for long periods can cause headaches because of the strain it puts on your eyes. Beat eye strain and fatigue with the help of these products.

Best eye gel

Wake Eye Gel

Price: $What it’s for: preventing and reducing dark circles under eyesWhy we like it: good value and strong customer reviews Not getting enough sleep? Maybe it’s because you’re scrolling Twitter past midnight? That can lead to puffy eyes, casting shadows that look like dark circles. Eye strain can also increase the size of blood vessels around your eyes and make it look like you have dark patches. Fatigue can also cause paleness, also known as pallor, which may accentuate existing dark circles. Wake Eye Gel is designed to hydrate and nourish skin to help support aging and prevent bags under the eyes. The formula contains cucumber extract to help limit puffiness that can contribute to the appearance of dark eye circles. Reviewers say the gel is refreshing and effective against under-eye bags.

Pros

hydrating formula may help reduce the appearance of fine linesgood value for the pricepositive customer reviews

Cons

slow actingwon’t help with dark eye circles that are genetic Shop now at Amazon

Best eye compress

Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress

Price: $What it’s for: helping with dry, irritated eyesWhy we like it: customers say it feels relaxing and soothingLooking at a screen usually means blinking less, which can result in dry eyes. Applying a warm compress may help increase tear production and lessen irritation. The Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress is backed by a clinical trial that found daily use helped reduce blocked oil glands in participants’ eyes. Participants with contact lens-related dryness also reported being able to wear their contacts comfortably for longer. The compress stays warm for up to 15 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave, and it delivers warm, moist heat to help soothe dry, irritated eyes. Before applying the compress to your eyes, be sure to test the temperature to avoid injury or irritation from excessive heat. Reviewers say the compress is easy to use and helps immensely with dry eyes.

Pros

snug and comfortable fiteasy to use

Cons

doesn’t always heat uniformly there’s a risk of injury if the mask is too hot Shop now at Amazon

Protect your skin

You might already know that blue light from devices, like laptops, computers, phones, and tablets, can impact sleep quality. The light can make it harder for you to fall asleep and get refreshing Zzz’s. But you might not realize that skin issues can also crop up after long periods of exposure to blue light from screens. Animal studies suggest that blue light may produce oxidative stress in the skin and cause aging effects similar to sunlight. Keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant with these skin care products designed to repair or block the effects of blue light.

Best face mask

Goodhabit Rest Reset Mask & Moisturizer

Price: $$What it’s for: helping repair the effects of prolonged exposure to blue lightWhy we like it: also combats signs of aging and keeps skin moisturized The Rest + Reset overnight mask from Goodhabit aims to help reverse the negative effects of blue light on the skin. The mask-moisturizer hybrid contains ingredients to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. The company recommends using the mask regularly if you have dry skin or 1 to 2 times per week if you have oily skin. Reviewers rave about the hydrating qualities of this overnight mask and love that it’s lightweight and non-greasy. You only need a thin layer. So, while it’s costly, the small bottle should last a while — longer if you have oily skin and only use it weekly.

Pros

absorbs quicklyvery hydrating

Cons

expensive Shop now at Good Habit

Best blue light protection sunscreen

COOLA Full Spectrum 360 Mineral Sun Silk Creme SPF 30

Price: $$What it’s for: protecting skin from sunlight and blue lightWhy we like it: suitable for all skin typesIt’s best to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays — even if you’re stuck inside all day. If your workspace is right in front of a window, you might be getting more exposure to sunlight than you think. This sunscreen from COOLA uses zinc oxide to protect your skin from both UV rays and blue light. The certified organic mineral formula is less likely to irritate the skin, so it’s suitable for people with sensitive skin. It’s also oil-free and noncomedogenic. Reviewers love the lightweight, airy feel of this sunscreen. Still, they note that, like most mineral sunscreens, it does leave a smidge of white residue. People with sensitive, acne-prone skin say they had fewer reactions to the COOLA sunscreen than other brands. Some people with oily skin say it doesn’t work for them.

Pros

lightweightgreat for layering under makeup

Cons

can feel stickymay leave a white cast Shop now at Ulta

Best protecting facial mist

One Ocean Beauty Blue Light Protection Hydration Mist

Price: $$$What it’s for: hydrating and protecting the skin against effects of blue lightWhy we like it: provides a quick pick-me-upThis hydrating spray provides a refreshing blast of moisture that fights the effects of blue light on your skin. A quick spray might also help you stay alert if you’re starting to lose steam while working from home. Research suggests that marine algae — like the red algae found in this product — has photoprotective effects, such as absorbing UV light and protecting the skin against signs of aging. Remember: This is not an SPF product. You’ll still need to wear sunscreen if you’re exposing your skin to UV rays. Reviewers say the spray helps improve their skin’s texture and is very hydrating. But, even if you don’t notice any immediate restorative effects, the blast of spray delivers plenty of moisture and may help you feel more alert.

Pros

refreshing and energizinghydrating formula positive customer reviews

Cons

no sun protection Shop now at One Ocean Beauty

Best hydrating facial mist

Volition Beauty Screen Time Hydra-Mist

Price: $$What it’s for: hydrating and reversing effects of blue light on skinWhy we like it: easy to applyHere’s another spray for combatting the effects of blue light. The refreshing mist hydrates and should help reduce the appearance of fine lines. It contains sunflower and marigold extract, along with vitamins to nourish the skin. Research from 2018 suggests that marigold extract has soothing properties, including antioxidant effects. Reviewers say the mist cools the skin and doesn’t leave an oily residue. One customer says they feel like their skin was brighter than usual at the end of their workday after using the hydrating product. A few reviewers also mention not liking the scent.

Pros

hydratingsuitable for all skin typesaffordable price point

Cons

scent bothers some people Shop now at Volition

Relieve your stress

Do you ever end your day utterly exhausted and wonder why you feel so spent, even though you barely moved a muscle? It’s probably in part because you’re living through a pandemic, which has its own unique difficulties. But, also, focusing on something that’s using up brainpower can tax you mentally. Stress can cause you to feel tired, and produce physical symptoms, like headaches. Take a moment to step away from the screen and de-stress with these helpful products.

Best for muscle aches

Unoia CBD Muscle Relief Roll-On

Price: $$$What it’s for: soothing tired, achy musclesWhy we like it: provides quick relief from muscle aches and pains If you’re sitting at a computer all day, you might end up with aches and pains from hunching over. Or maybe you’ve discovered that your increased keyboard use has affected the joints in your fingers and wrists. Some animal research suggests that CBD, including topical formulas, may help with pain, like that from arthritis. This roll-on CBD product is from Unoia, a CBD brand focused on mental health, self-care, and mindfulness. The roll-on is available in two potencies: 300 or 1,000 milligrams. We recommend going with the 300 mg potency since it comes with a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA), which you can find here. Unoia’s roll-on contains broad-spectrum CBD and produces a cooling sensation thanks to the added camphor. Reviewers say it absorbs quickly and provides effective pain relief.

Pros

easy-to-apply roll-on dispenser

Cons

not for people who prefer a warming sensation Shop now at Unoia

Best for stretching

Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat

Price: $What it’s for: stretching out your sore body after a day of sittingWhy we like it: thick design means more comfort when holding posesAfter a long day of sitting in front of a computer, it might feel nice to grab a yoga mat and have a gentle yoga practice to ease stress and stretch your body. This Gaiam yoga mat is 0.25-inch thick with a sticky texture made to help you hold tricky balancing postures. It’s available in multiple colors and features a non-toxic construction free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Roll it up with the included travel strap, and you’re ready to go once in-person classes start up again. Reviewers like the thick design and affordable price. However, some customers cite durability concerns. Overall, it’s a great option for occasional yogis and beginners who want a comfortable surface for relaxing yoga or meditation sessions.

Pros

comes with a carrier slingnon-slip design

Cons

chemical scent bothers some people Shop now at Amazon

Alleviate screen headaches

More screen time can also lead to headaches. For people with migraine, staring at a bright screen can trigger episodes. Others might experience eye strain or muscle tension that leads to headache. While some people swear by blue light filtering glasses for preventing screen-related headaches, the American Academy of Ophthalmologists (AAO) doesn’t currently suggest them. The evidence on their effectiveness isn’t quite there yet. Instead, the AAO recommends:not sitting right up against your screen (position it about 25 in. away from you.)taking frequent breaks to help prevent eye strainusing over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops to help with dry eyesswitching between contact lenses and glasses to avoid irritationpreventing screen glare by adjusting the lighting in your room or office That said, here are a couple products that might be worth investing in to upgrade your desk space.

Best laptop stand

HUANUO Adjustable Laptop Stand

Price: $$What it’s for: positioning your laptop at a comfortable height and angleWhy we like it: allows you to sit or stand while you work This stand can help you set up your laptop so it’s the right distance away from you. It also has nine angle settings, so you can tilt it just right for a sitting or standing desk. Many reviewers comment on the sturdiness of the stand, suggesting it’s built to last. Some also note that it’s fairly large, so it might not work if you have a narrow workspace.

Pros

highly adjustablesturdy

Cons

only fits laptops up to 15.6 in.may be too large for some spaces Shop now at Amazon

Best screen protector

FORITO Anti-Glare Anti-Scratch Laptop Screen Protector 2 Pack

Price: $What it’s for: reducing screen glare on your laptopWhy we like it: protects your eyes and your deviceIf adjusting the lighting in your work area isn’t possible, a screen protector, like this one, might do the trick. It’s designed to reduce glare from sunlight while still being almost totally transparent. Reviewers seem mostly happy with this product, though some mention it can be tough to install perfectly — you might end up with some air bubbles underneath.

Pros

affordable completely transparentalso prevents scratches

Cons

won’t fit all laptop screens Shop now at Amazon

A comparison of the best screen fatigue products

ProductPriceHighlightsWhat it’s best forWake Eye Gel$refreshing eye gel contains cucumber extract to help limit puffiness and dark under eye circlespreventing and reducing dark circles under eyesBruder Moist Heat Eye Compress$soothing warm compress fits on face for hands-free relaxation helping with dry, irritated eyesGoodhabit Rest Reset Mask & Moisturizer$$hydrating mask that contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated and reduce the appearance of fine lineshelping repair the effects of prolonged exposure to blue lightCOOLA Full Spectrum 360 Mineral Sun Silk Creme SPF 30$$organic mineral sunscreen that’s suitable for all skin typesprotecting skin from sunlight and blue lightOne Ocean Beauty Blue Light Protection Hydration Mist$$$skin protecting mist containing marine algae, which studies show can absorb UV light and protect the skin against signs of aginghydrating and protecting the skin against effects of blue lightVolition Beauty Screen Time Hydra-Mist$$easy-to-apply blue light-combatting mist hydrates and protects skin while also reducing the appearance of fine lineshydrating and repairing effects of blue light on skinUnoia CBD Muscle Relief Roll-On$$$quick, easy way to get cooling muscle reliefsoothing tired, achy musclesGaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat$thick design helps you stay comfortable whether you’re flowing or holding posesstretching out your sore body after a day of sittingHUANUO Adjustable Laptop Stand$$allows you to sit or stand at your computer comfortablypositioning your laptop at a comfortable height and angleFORITO Anti-Glare Anti-Scratch Laptop Screen Protector 2 Pack$protects your eyes and your devicereducing screen glare on your laptop

Frequently asked questions

What helps with screen fatigue

Be sure that your device is positioned correctly to avoid glare (which can contribute to eyestrain) and that your screen is at arm’s length so that you’re not sitting too close. Adjusting the brightness and text size can also help alleviate screen fatigue.

What can I put on my computer screen to help my eyes

Anti-glare or blue light-blocking screen protectors can help alleviate eyestrain.

Takeaway

It’s virtually impossible to avoid all digital devices. Thankfully, most of the effects of prolonged screen use aren’t lasting. Your eyes, for example, readjust after a long day of pouring over digital documents. That said, if you’re experiencing headaches, eye irritation, or other vision issues that don’t seem to go away after you’ve taken a break, seek a healthcare professional. Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with chronic migraine who has a particular interest in health and wellness. When she’s not click-clacking away on her keyboard, she’s probably nose-deep in a good book. Last medically reviewed on October 19, 2022

How we vetted this article

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Hammell DC, et al. (2016). Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/Nakashima Y, et al. (2017). Blue light-induced oxidative stress in live skin.
sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S089158491730134X?via%3DihubPangestuti R, et al. (2018). Photoprotective substances derived from marine algae.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6265938/Tichenor AA, et al. (2019). Effect of the Bruder moist heat eye compress on contact lens discomfort in contact lens wearers: An open-label randomized clinical trial.
contactlensjournal.com/article/S1367-0484(18)31073-7/fulltextVimont C. (2021). Are blue light-blocking glasses worth it?
aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/are-computer-glasses-worth-itOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Oct 19, 2022 By Steph Coelho, Natasha Burton Edited By Melissa Lee Medically Reviewed By Mia Armstrong, MD Copy Edited By Jen Anderson Apr 22, 2021 By Steph Coelho Edited By Chelsea Logan Medically Reviewed By Mia Armstrong, MD Copy Edited By Jen Anderson Share this articleMedically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD — By Steph Coelho and Natasha Burton — Updated on October 19, 2022

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