How to Depuff Your Face for a Refreshed and Rested Look

Puffy skin, otherwise known as edema, is usually caused by fluid that temporarily collects between the cells of the facial tissue, leading to a bloated appearance. “Mildly swollen skin is a common concern, often caused by dehydration, alcohol consumption, high sodium intake, or hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause,” says Nicole Ruth, MD, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Poor sleep, allergies, and sinus issues can also trigger puffiness, especially around the eyes.”

Meet Our Expert

• Nicole Ruth, MD, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

• Heather Rypien, RN, is an aesthetics nurse specialist at Robert Schwarcz Oculofacial Plastic Surgery.

• Alexis Young, MD, is an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.

“Genetics also play a role as some individuals have a greater natural tendency to retain water,” says Heather Rypien, RN, an aesthetics nurse specialist at Robert Schwarcz Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. Aging is another factor, as the skin loses elasticity and muscle tone, areas like the under-eye become more prone to swelling.

Luckily, there are a few ways you can combat puffiness, ranging from instant-gratification quick-fixes to long-term solutions. Explore all of the options, ahead.

Understanding Puffy Skin

Puffiness can affect people of all ages—it’s the result of a combination of factors including lifestyle, genetics and hormonal changes. “Younger people may be more prone to intermittent puffiness due to hormonal fluctuations, dietary habits, or lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and irregular sleep patterns,” says Rypien. “Older individuals are often more susceptible to chronic puffiness because of age-related skin changes including the loss of collagen, a weakened lymphatic system, and fluid retention associated with underlying medical conditions or medications."

Different areas of the face experience swelling for different reasons. For example, the under-eye area is the most common ground for puffiness—because the skin is so thin there, it’s particularly susceptible to edema and lymphatic drainage challenges. “The skin here can also be lax, so fluid collects easily and it’s very noticeable,” says Alexis Young, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.

Other areas of the face prone to puffiness include the cheeks, where fluid retention may be influenced by sleeping positions, and the jawline, particularly in individuals with poor lymphatic drainage. “The forehead and temples can also swell due to inflammation or sinus congestion, while the lips and perioral region may exhibit puffiness from dietary triggers, allergies, or certain medications including lip filler,” says Rypien.

"Treatments, such as Botox injections around the crow’s feet can inadvertently exacerbate puffiness," adds Rypien. "This occurs because the muscle’s natural pumping motion, which helps with fluid distribution and lymphatic drainage, is temporarily reduced, leading to fluid accumulation.”

Immediate Remedies for Depuffing Skin

Dip Your Face in Ice Cold Water

Fill a bowl with cold water and ice cubes. “You can submerge your face for ten seconds at a time or massage your skin with an ice cube, applying slight pressure to the areas that are particularly puffy to encourage greater blood circulation and less puffiness,” says Dr. Young.

Perform a Facial Masssage

Gua sha, which means "to scrape" in Mandarin, is a massaging ritual that uses a flat-edged smoothing tool to stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, while enhancing oxygen levels in the skin. “It can also reduce muscle tension, reducing fluids in the face,” says Rypien. “Gently apply the gua sha to the face using upward and outward strokes.” A jade roller works just as well—simply roll one in a side-to-side motion, moving from the center of the face towards the lymph nodes located along the jawline and in front of the ears. Both tools provide extra power when chilled.

Utilize Stapes Found in Your Kitchen

There are things in your pantry and refrigerator that can help with facial swelling. “Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce puffiness—simply slice and place over your eyes for ten minutes in the morning,” says Dr. Young. “You can also soak plain tea bags—avoid herbal teas like mint or chamomile which can be irritating on the skin—in cold water and place them over the eyes. The caffeine and antioxidants in tea constricts blood vessels and reduces puffiness.” If you’ve got an aloe plant, try applying a little gel under the eyes for soothing benefits. “Aloe contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce puffiness,” notes Dr. Young.

Use Depuffing Skin-Care Products

Depuffing skin-care products that contain topical ingredients like caffeine can temporarily tighten and depuff. “Many provide relief by constricting blood vessels and creating a tightening effect that helps reduce swelling,” says Rypien. “They can also improve lymphatic drainage.”

Lifestyle Adjustments

Optimize Sleep

“Sleep deprivation can disrupt the body's natural fluid balance and increase cortisol levels, which can cause fluid to accumulate in the facial tissues,” says Dr. Young. Additionally, “sleeping on your stomach or side can cause fluid to accumulate in your face overnight.” Experts suggest sleeping on your back on an elevated pillow designed to prevent fluid from collecting in the face and to look for a pillow made for back sleeping.

Reduce Salt Intake

Too much salt can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid, resulting in bloating. “The sodium in salt pulls water into your blood vessels and enlarges them, which can cause your face as well as other parts of your body to swell,” says Dr. Ruth. Avoid eating foods high in sodium at night and check labels—foods with excess sodium usually list salt at the top of their ingredient list. High-sodium foods include processed foods like bacon, sausage and hot dogs, salad dressing, canned foods and soy sauce.

Limit Caffeine

Drinking caffeine can impact your skin by promoting water loss, as caffeine has diuretic properties that increase urination. “As a compensatory mechanism, your body retains fluid for protection which often results in puffiness, especially around the eyes,” says Rypien. “Additionally, dehydration can leave your skin looking dull and less supple.”

Decrease Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol dehydrates your skin, resulting in water retention and bloating. It can also cause blood vessels to enlarge, making your face appear puffy. “Alcohol also disrupts your natural sleep cycle, which can make you look more tired and bloated in the morning,” says Dr. Young.

Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Foods including beans, avocados, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, berries and nuts will help reduce overall inflammation in the body, reducing facial puffiness. “Avoid foods that promote inflammation such as processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and sweetened beverages,” say Rypien.

Avoid Excessive Screen Time

“Too much time spent staring at a screen can lead to eye strain and swelling around the eyes,” says Dr. Ruth.

Long-Term Strategies

Use Anti-Inflammatory Skin Care

Regularly incorporating hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, cica, calendula, and niacinamide can provide longer-term benefits. Dr. Ruth also says to look for products with firming peptides.

Exercise Regularly

Engaging in a regular exercise program will promote better circulation and lymphatic drainage, reducing the chances of puffiness. "Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can induce inflammation,” says Rypien. “Exercising and meditating throughout your day will help get your circulation flowing.

Treat Allergies

Allergic reactions to environmental factors such as dust and pollen can result in facial puffiness. “Allergens trigger an immune response that increases blood flow and fluid accumulation in the facial tissues,” says Dr. Young. “Treat seasonal allergies with an over-the-counter allergy medication or see an allergist.”

Professional Treatments

Some professional treatments can be highly effective in reducing puffiness. “Lymphatic drainage facials or microcurrent therapy can improve circulation and promote lymphatic flow, reducing fluid retention,” says Dr. Ruth. “Cryotherapy facials constrict blood vessels, while radiofrequency can firm the skin to reduce puffiness over time.”

“Skin tightening with laser and light therapy could theoretically stimulate collagen and elastic fiber production, resulting in tighter skin and a lessened ability for fluid to collect outside of the cells,” adds Dr. Young.

Preventative Measures

Wash Off Makeup Before Bed

Sleeping with makeup on can result in morning puffiness. “It’s usually due to contact dermatitis, an inflammatory reaction triggered by prolonged exposure to an irritant or allergen like makeup,” says Rypien. “This reaction causes the release of histamines and other inflammatories, leading to increased blood flow and fluid leakage from capillaries into surrounding tissues. On the face, where the skin is thinner and more sensitive, this fluid buildup is more noticeable.”

Stay Hydrated

It may seem contradictory to drink water when you're trying to reduce fluid buildup, but doing so flushes out excess sodium and toxins that can cause fluid retention, leading to a puffy face. “When dehydrated, the body holds onto water to prevent further fluid loss,” explains Dr. Ruth. It’s a smart idea to keep a reusable bottle by your side during the day and refill it when needed.  

Conclusion

Facial puffiness can often be managed with smart lifestyle and skin-care choices along with some at-home and professional treatments.

Read the original article on InStyle