Let’s be real, waking up with a puffy face isn’t the worst thing ever but that happening on a big day can seem like a real-life emergency. The reasons for this can vary and be anything from consuming too much sodium the previous night or not getting enough sleep but one thing is clear, even if everyone doesn’t see it, you can feel it. If you’re looking for a way to bring down the bloat, there is a complete guide.
What is facial puffiness?
It is when the excess fluid in your body gets retained in the tissues, giving your face an inflamed and bloating look. We all deal with it and it is a very normal thing but on some days, the puffiness can be a little more than usual.
Reasons for facial puffiness
There are multiple reasons for why your face is looking more swollen than usual and these include being sleep deprived, consuming too much salt or alcohol, stress, and in some cases, thyroid or kidney disease. If this is a constant concern for you, call your general physician and give them the lowdown on your situation.
5 ways to reduce facial puffiness
Depending on what’s causing you to wake up with a puffy face, you can try out different hacks to cut down the swelling.
Facial exercises
Taking matters into your own hands (literally) when dealing with puffiness is your best bet to combat it. According to the facialist to the starts, Joanna Czech, massaging your face can help create a draining effect. To do this, you can either opt for a face tool or just use your fingers. Begin at the centre of your face and work your way outwards to the sides. Drain all the lymph away by pushing it down to the base of your neck.
Here are three easy face exercises to help you de-puff your face:
1. Work your jawline
Place your index and middle finger on your jawline. Using gentle but firm pressure, pull back from your chin to the space beneath your ear. Continue doing this three times on each side and then move on to the next step.
2. De-puff your eyes
Using the same two fingers, massage your under-eyes from the inner corners to the outer corner. Do this very gently as the skin under your peeps is super thin and fragile.
3. Massage the sides of your cheeks
To get rid of the extra lymph, you need to massage the sides of your face. Using your knuckles, massage the sides of your temples, cheeks, jawline, and neck in gentle, vertical motions. Make sure you drag the fluid all the way done to the base of your collarbones.
Reduce alcohol consumption
Being mindful of the amount of alcohol you’re consuming is a great place to start. Drinking a lot of alcohol can result in dehydration. This causes the tissues in the body to hold on to as much water as possible, leading to retention and puffiness.
Drink more water
Drinking more water can help drain out the excess sodium in your body. To prevent your organs from storing water, you need to constantly replenish the levels. This will help puffiness subside.
Sleep well
Even though there is a clear link between puffy eyes and sleep deprivation, the details are a little unclear. When you stay up, your eyes get tired and dry which leads to inflammation. The puffiness around them can make your face look swollen. To combat this, simply stick to a solid sleeping schedule.
Dietary changes
We’ve all heard that what you eat shows up on your face and here’s proof that this is the truth. Consuming certain foods in the evening or later at night can lead to extra puffiness in the mornings. Foods that are high in sodium or salt cause the body to retain more water. Some examples of food to avoid are fast food, processed food, soy sauce, chips, nachos, and the like.
How to prevent facial puffiness
While a certain amount of puffiness is normal, there are certain things you can do to minimise it.
· Move! Moving around aids lymphatic drainage and helps to remove toxins from the body.
· Reduce your sodium and alcohol intake.
· Try and sleep on your back to drain away the excess water in your body.
· Treat your allergies as they can cause puffiness around or under your eyes.
· Tuck an extra pillow under your head as elevating it can help prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes.
Conclusion
In a rush and need a quick fix? Try washing your face with icy cold water and follow up with a massage. Grab some trusty ice cubes from your freezer and wrap them up in a thin handkerchief. Dab them over your face and focus on the areas that look swollen. With the right dietary improvements and certain lifestyle changes, you can minimise facial puffiness.
FAQs
Can consuming certain foods reduce facial swelling?
There are some anti-inflammatory foods that can bring down puffiness. These include green tea, bananas, fennel, dark green vegetables, healthy fats including nuts, and dark chocolate.
Can cooling skincare and applying it help with puffiness?
Pop your moisturiser and skincare tools in the fridge and use them to soothe tired and puffy skin.