Imagine this: you wake up in the morning, trot over to the mirror only to see puffy red eyes, cheek swelling, and a slightly swollen forehead. Sound familiar? If it does, you’re not alone–facial puffiness is a common problem for millions of people across a wide range of skin types.
There are several causes of facial puffiness, and if you’re going to tackle it successfully, you need to identify the origin. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons your face might swell, and few a easy tips to manage them with natural remedies.
What causes facial puffiness?
Some people may have underlying medical conditions. For instance one of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism is facial puffiness.
If you notice these symptoms on a regular or seasonal basis, it might be the result of allergies. Dust, pollen, dandruff, and other small particles can easily irritate our senses, causing our faces to puff. If you suspect you may be experiencing an allergic reaction, consult a doctor or specialist who can test for specific irritants.
Additionally, some experience puffy features upon waking up almost every morning. Sometimes post-sleep puffiness results from a lack of sleep, sleeping position, or the quality of sheets and pillowcases. More often than not, however, it is caused by dehydration or too much salt in the body. If you experience facial puffiness and know it isn’t related to sleep or allergies, consider drinking more water and reducing the amount of sodium in your diet.
What causes puffy eyes
When your body comes in contact with small particles of dust, dirt, dandruff, pollen, or bacteria, your eyes swell up as your immune system responds, attempting to fight back at the foreign agents.
When exposed to allergens, your body sends a message to your eyes to produce histamine and tears, an inflammatory response meant to protect you from harm and prevent further particles from entering your eyes. Taking antihistamine medications can reduce allergy symptoms, treating your puffy eyes at the root cause.
How to reduce swelling
There are several ways to reduce swelling, but unless you discover the cause of your puffy facial features, you may not be treating the true cause.
Once you identify the culprit, you can begin treating yourself. While some medical solutions, like taking antihistamines, can reduce swelling, there are a host of other natural remedies to try at home.
Ice
If you’ve ever sprained a wrist or ankle, you know that the first step is to ice it. Icing is one of the best methods for reducing swelling anywhere in the body, even in the face. The cold sensation reduces inflammation of all the blood vessels in the face.
When using ice to reduce facial puffiness, remember not to apply ice straight to your skin. This can damage your skin cells and even cause frostbite in extreme cases. Instead, dip a cloth or towel in cold water and ring it out, so it is damp. Place ice cubes in the center of the towel and fold the towel, ensuring none of the ice is exposed. Place the ice pack on any puffy areas of your face to reduce swelling.
Jade roller
Jade rollers, small rolling tools with rolling balls made of jade or other stones, can smooth skin, reduce facial lines, and control swelling.
For best results, keep the roller in the fridge when not in use, as the cold will help reduce inflammation. When you’re ready to use it, apply the ball tip directly to the puffy area of your face. Roll the jade ball across the region in gentle, slow movements. Roll for about five minutes, and you will see the results in no time.
Coffee scrub
Coffee scrub masks are great at reducing swelling, but they also have anti-aging qualities to keep your skin taut and fresh.
You don’t need to take a trip to the beauty store for this one; you can make your own coffee scrub at home. Grab two tablespoons of coffee, two tablespoons of cocoa powder, one teaspoon of honey, and three tablespoons of whole milk or yogurt. Mix the ingredients in a small bowl and apply a thin layer to the face. Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes before washing it off. Since this is an exfoliation scrub, perform this trick only once a week to prevent irritation.
Cucumber mask
No spa day is complete without a cucumber facial. Cucumber is known for reducing eye puffiness and removing dark circles, so if your eyes, or any other part of your face, are bothering you, pull out some fresh slices and create your own personal spa day. For a mask, blend the cucumber into a paste and apply it as you would any other face mask.
There are several ways to reduce facial puffiness, making sure you get back to feeling and looking like yourself in no time. Be on the lookout for allergies or any other underlying health conditions, and consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms continue or worsen.
Disclaimer: BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.
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