Who hasn’t been there? Your face appears a little puffier than usual when you first wake up and gaze in the mirror. (You are not alone.) Face puffiness is not the end of the world, but it can be bothersome, particularly if you spend the day on Zoom or have a large event. After all, your greatest full-coverage concealer and hydrating facial lotion are powerless to fix the issue.
Your face may become puffy for a variety of causes, such as a late night out or a salty midnight snack. There are other situations where the cause may seem entirely absurd. Learn how to reduce facial puffiness and stop it from happening in the first place.
What Causes Puffy Face
Your face can become puffy due to several reasons including your diet and underlying health issues.
Sleep: Many people experience the typical nightly fluid retention that causes a puffy face; however, this may be more obvious if a person gets too little or too much sleep. A person’s sleeping position may make it worsen when they are lying down, which causes fluid to settle and gather in the face. This impact, for instance, could result from sleeping facedown.These fluids might disappear if the person gets out of bed and spends time standing up.
Makeup: Sleeping with makeup on can result in contact dermatitis, a skin reaction that can result in redness, irritation, or puffiness around the eyes and face. The majority of instances don’t require medical attention, but anyone who experiences severe symptoms, such enlarged eyes or difficulty opening their eyes, should.
Foods: Some meals can make you puffier in the morning if you eat them late at night or in the evening. Generally speaking, eating foods high in salt might make you retain more water. People normally drink more as a result of the rise in salt, but the body does not excrete the extra water in urine. Instead, the water gathers in various places, such as the face. Avoiding typical foods high in salt includes:fast food, such as burgers, fries, and pizza
processed meats, such as bacon and pepperoni
sushi, especially with soy sauce
chips, nachos, and pretzels
Alcohol: After a night of drinking, some people have puffy faces when they wake up. Alcohol increases urination, which can lead to mild dehydration. In response, the body could hold water in the face or other places where it can.
Physical causes and health conditions
Your face may retain fluid as a result of menstruation and certain medical conditions.
Period: Menstruation plays a major role in fluid retention, and a person may wake with a puffy face before their period. If premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms are also present, a person may be able to identify menstruation as the cause of the puffiness.
Allergies: Every once in a while, allergies to dust, dander, or pollen inhaled throughout the night might cause facial puffiness in the morning. Until they wake up, the person might not be aware of any symptoms. The presence of additional allergic reaction symptoms including congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes may also suggest allergies are to blame for the puffiness.
Sinus infection: A sinus infection may be the cause of a swollen face in the morning. Further effects include: facial discomfort and soreness, sneezing and headaches in the front tooth ache, fever, and stuffy nose
How to Get Rid of Puffy Face?
1. Use Massage
A facial massage can help improve skin function and allow for deeper penetration of products. It takes only a few minutes and can help your skin feel more supple and youthful. Sweeping massage movements on your face can work wonders in promoting lymph flow and reducing puffiness. While getting a professional massage is always a treat, you can easily perform this technique at home for similar benefits.
To really target the lymph nodes on your face, focus on areas in front and behind your ears, along your jawline, and down your neck. By using a facial massage oil, you can enhance the experience with added relaxation and help firm up your skin.
Decleor Lavender Fine Aromessence Essential Oil-Serum 15ml
Kate Blanc Cosmetics Rosehip Oil for Face & Skin.
2. Sleep on your back
It’s totally normal to experience some fluid retention at night, but if you’re waking up with an excessively puffy face, it might be time to switch up your sleep position. Avoid sleeping on your stomach and opt for a comfy pillow that elevates your head slightly to help with fluid drainage. Keeping your room temperature around 18C can also contribute to a better night’s sleep and help reduce puffiness in the morning.
3. Try gua sha
Celebrities such as Phoebe Dynevor and Alicia Keys make it a top priority to carve out dedicated time for their gua sha rituals. Gua sha, a traditional Chinese practice, targets specific meridian points and aids in lymphatic drainage to promote optimal blood circulation, boost skin oxygenation, and restore internal equilibrium. This ancient technique not only facilitates the elimination of toxins and stagnation but also works to untangle fascia and alleviate muscle tension, allowing for the release of trapped fluids. The end result? A reduction in facial puffiness and a more radiant complexion that exudes a sense of lightness and vitality.
Nuanchu Stainless Steel Gua Sha Facial Tools
PLANTIFIQUE Gua Sha Facial Tools
READ MORE: How To Do a Gua Sha Facial, According to Beauty Experts
4. Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a cutting-edge method that effectively reduces puffiness and swelling by delivering a powerful cold shock to the skin’s surface. This process triggers a regenerative flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich fresh blood, which in turn boosts skin metabolism and promotes a healthy, radiant complexion. Additionally, cryotherapy helps to flush away toxins and reduce water retention, leaving the skin looking refreshed and revitalized.
Nurse Jamie Healthy Skin Solutions SUPER-CRYO MASSAGING ORB – MINI
Ice Globes for Facials | Unbreakable Steel Cooling Roller
Furthermore, the cold temperature of cryotherapy tools like cryo balls and ice masks also constricts muscles, creating a lifted and firm appearance. These innovative tools are now readily available and can be conveniently stored in the fridge or freezer for easy use whenever needed. Experience the benefits of cryotherapy for yourself and achieve a rejuvenated and youthful glow.
5. Hydrate
Maintaining high hydration levels is crucial for reducing puffiness, especially during summer when temperatures rise. Hydration is especially important, and adding Celtic salt to water can enhance its absorption and neutralize free radicals, thereby preventing puffiness.
6. Take Antihistamines
Antihistamines can help reduce puffiness due to allergies, including inflammation. However, they should only be used if facial swelling is caused by allergies. While allergy medication without allergies may not be harmful, there may be more effective and immediate methods to reduce inflammation.
7. Apply an Eye Cream
Puffy eyes are a common issue caused by the thin skin around the eye area. One effective way to reduce puffiness is by using a caffeine-based eye cream. Caffeine helps to constrict blood vessels, which in turn diminishes puffiness. While some people swear by using hemorrhoid cream for this purpose, there is no solid scientific evidence to back up its effectiveness.
The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream, Reduce Eye Puffiness and Dark Circle, Blur Fine Lines, 0.5 fl oz
When applying eye cream, it’s important to be deliberate in your technique. Start by dabbing three small dots of cream under each eye, then gently massage it in using your ring finger. Make sure to use sweeping motions to avoid pulling on the delicate skin. For an extra boost, look for a product that comes with a built-in metal applicator. This can help to further massage the cream into the skin, providing a more effective treatment for puffy eyes.
