We’ve all been there—you glance in the mirror first thing in the morning and notice a puffy face.
This tends to happen even more around the holidays, when we may be eating a lot of salty treats, indulging in alcohol, and staying up late.
It could be slightly swollen eyelids, puffy cheeks, or a bloated jawline. They all leave you feeling less than your best.
In this post, we explore the various causes of puffy faces and, more importantly, how you can address them so you can enjoy your day without feeling self-conscious.
What Causes Morning Puffy Face?
Facial puffiness can result from various factors, including the following.
1. Fluid retention.
This is the most common cause of a puffy face. When you lie down for an extended period—such as overnight—fluids in your body may accumulate in the facial tissues. Swelling is more noticeable when you first wake up.
2. Sleep Position
Sleeping on your back or stomach can worsen fluid retention, particularly if your pillow doesn’t provide enough elevation. This position makes it harder for fluids to drain away from your face.
3. High Sodium Intake
Eating a salty meal or drinking beverages high in salt before bed can lead to temporary water retention, making your face look puffier in the morning. Sodium encourages the body to hold onto water, particularly in the soft tissues around your eyes and cheeks.
4. Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol dehydrates, and dehydration can cause your body to retain water in response. It also dilates blood vessels, which can lead to puffiness and redness in the face. Too many holiday cocktails? That may be why you’re seeing puffy skin.
5. Allergies
Seasonal allergies or sensitivities to certain substances can lead to inflammation and swelling in the face, especially around the eyes and nose. Common triggers include pollen, dust, pet dander, or specific foods.
6. Hormonal Changes
If you’re going through a period of hormonal change—such as during pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation—it can cause water retention and inflammation, leading to a puffy appearance.
7. Lack of Sleep
A common cause of a puffy face is poor sleep quality or sleep deprivation. It can lead to stress and increased cortisol levels, which, in turn, can cause inflammation and puffiness in the face. A lack of sleep also leaves the skin without the time it needs to repair itself.
8. Dehydration
Often, during the holidays, we need to remember to drink water. We may be drinking other things, but those, in turn, could be leading to dehydration (particularly alcoholic beverages). The body compensates by holding onto the fluids it has.
9. Skin Irritation or Reactions
Using skincare products that don’t agree with your skin, sleeping with your makeup on, or being exposed to irritants can cause swelling. Certain cosmetics and skincare ingredients may trigger mild allergic reactions, leading to that puffy look.
10. Medical Condition
In some cases, persistent facial swelling may indicate an underlying medical issue, such as hypothyroidism, kidney problems, or sinus infections. If other symptoms accompany your puffiness, check with your doctor.
How to Get Rid of a Puffy Face
If you’re struggling with a puffy face, try these tricks.
1. Adjust your sleeping position.
Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help reduce fluid retention in the face. Ensure you have a good pillow, or consider using an extra pillow if necessary.
2. Stay hydrated.
Remind yourself to drink water throughout the day. It can help maintain the proper balance in your body. Staying hydrated also counteracts the effects of a salty meal or alcohol, which may otherwise lead to puffiness.
3. Limit sodium and alcohol.
Reduce your intake of salty foods and alcohol, particularly at night. Choose whole, unprocessed foods and use herbs and spices to flavor your meals instead of salt. If you drink alcohol, pair it with lots of water to stay hydrated.
4. Use a cold compress.
Cold temperatures naturally reduce swelling and tighten the skin. To calm puffiness, especially around the eyes, place a cold compress, chilled spoon, or cold cucumber slices on your face for a few minutes. You can also splash your face with cold water. We are fans of ice rollers, but you can run an ice cube across your face. Afterward, spray with Rescue & Relief Spray to reduce any redness, inflammation, and puffiness, while adding a boost hydration.
5. Try lymphatic drainage massage.
Facial massage can stimulate lymphatic drainage, helping to move trapped fluids away from the face. You can give yourself a face massage. Simply apply Calming Moisture and use your fingertips or a facial roller to gently massage your skin in upward and outward motions.
6. Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet.
Berries, leafy greens, turmeric, and omega-3-rich fish all include anti-inflammatory ingredients that help your skin counteract any puffy effects.
7. Use cooling, anti-inflammatory skincare products.
Look for skincare products with cooling and de-puffing properties. Eye creams or gels containing caffeine, green tea, or aloe vera can reduce swelling and refresh skin. Our CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray has natural cooling and inflammation-removing ingredients. Store it in the refrigerator for extra cooling effects.
All of our CV Skinlabs products are full of anti-inflammatory properties that will help reduce inflammation and promote healthy, glowing skin. Ingredients in our formulas like aloe vera, chamomile, turmeric, vitamin E, and ceramides will help strengthen the skin barrier, improve moisturization, and reduce inflammation and puffiness.
8. Get enough sleep.
A lack of sleep contributes to stress and inflammation. Go to bed 8.5 to 9 hours before you need to get up. That will give you time to wind down, relax, fall asleep, and get 7-8 hours of regular sleep before you get up.
9. Address allergies.
If allergies are causing your puffiness, try to identify and avoid your triggers. Over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays can help reduce symptoms. Make sure your skincare products aren’t worsening the problem and that they contain only nourishing ingredients. Use an air purifier to clean your indoor air of allergens, and wash your bedding regularly. Our bestselling Calming Moisture is often recommended by dermatologists to help calm skin inflammation, puffiness, and restore a healthy skin barrier.
10. Avoid skincare irritants.
Read the labels on your skincare and makeup products, and choose items without irritating ingredients. Always remove all your makeup before bed so those ingredients don’t settle into your pores overnight.
Our CV Skinlabs products are all 100 percent free of toxic and harsh ingredients. You can use them knowing that they will not irritate you.
11. Exercise regularly.
Physical activity improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation, both of which help combat puffiness. Even light exercise, like walking or doing a yoga routine, can make a noticeable difference.
Have you struggled with puffy face?
Featured image by Anna Shvets via Pexels.
