Facial Swelling: How to De-Bloat a Puffy Face

Puffiness in your face isn't the end of the world, but no one can deny that it's a bit annoying. It can’t be solved by applying several layers of a heavy-duty concealer or by slathering on your most intensive moisturizer. The difference may seem minimal (to everyone else), but when you’re feeling puffier than usual, you see that difference acutely, and you can’t stop seeing it.

A puffy face is often the result of fluid retention, a condition where excess fluid accumulates in the facial tissues says Natalie Aguilar. "This swelling can be caused by various factors, such as dehydration, dietary choices, allergies, hormonal changes, lack of sleep and/or sleeping in awkward positions that result in lymphatic blockage," she adds.

Whatever the cause—one too many cocktails, gorging on a high-sodium feast, or just staying up past your bedtime (or, as in many cases, some combination of the three)—there is a solution that’ll bring down the bloat. Skin experts Joanna Vargas, Natalie Aguilar, Dr. Jennifer MacGregor, and Dr. Kathleen Viscusi let us in on their de-puffing secrets.

Keep reading for 11 tricks, guaranteed to return your face to its pre-bloat state.

Enjoy a Facial Massage

Back massages are one of our favorite ways to practice self-care, but your face needs some loving too. Vargas calls the lymphatic drainage massage “a lost art,” but one to rediscover if your face is in need of a little refreshing. To draw away the waste that’s built up in your system, massage your skin in gentle circles. Vargas says to start at the top of your face, massaging around your eyes, and then working down towards your jaw. Be sure to get both sides of your face and neck, too. And if you're feeling fancy, you can also use tools like a jade roller or gua sha stone instead of your fingers.

Load up on Caffeine

Think you should be avoiding coffee to help prevent a puffy face? Not quite, according to MacGregor. "It’s a great pick-me-up and a diuretic that de-puffs in a flash. But if you're not a coffee person, drink some green tea to kick-start your system. “The additional water will hydrate your body and will flush out your system, while the polyphenols help to attack fat cells and protect the skin against free radical damage,” Vargas says. And in case caffeine gives you the jitters, you can still reap its skin benefits by applying it topically, too. "Many eye creams even contain caffeine to use topically to brighten the eye area and reduce puffiness," Vargas tells us.

"Caffeine has vasoconstrictive properties, which can help reduce the appearance of puffiness by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling," Aguilar adds.

Look Out for These Skincare Ingredients to Reduce Puffiness

Other than caffeine, skincare ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, arnica, and hydroxysuccinimide also help with reducing puffiness.

"Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera can help calm irritated skin and reduce inflammation, contributing to a less puffy appearance. Chamomile extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it effective in soothing and reducing puffiness," Aguilar explains. "Arnica is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is often used to reduce swelling and bruising. Hydroxysuccinimide is an anti-inflammatory compound commonly found in skincare products, especially eye products, that helps reduce puffiness by enhancing the circulation of stagnant fluid."

Eat Your Greens

Your momma told you to eat your greens—and she was right. According to Vargas, a diet that incorporates leafy vegetables (think: spinach, kale, swiss chard, etc.) will do your body—and your skin—good. “Diet-wise, I recommend eating greens at every meal—this will reduce puffiness and bloating, even within the same day,” she says.

Sleep on Your Back With Your Head Elevated

"I happen to work with the best oculoplastic surgeon in the country, Dr. Kami Parsa of Beverly Hills, and I hear him stress the importance of sleeping on your back," Aguilar says. "Sleeping face down or on the sides of your face can cause weighted pressure, restricting facial circulation."

Investing in a quality pillow is key to a good night's sleep, preventing wrinkles, and also, reducing puffiness. "As fluid retention collects (especially around the eyes), sleeping with your head elevated on an extra pillow or two can also reduce the appearance of puffiness, as it is often most prominent in the morning," explains Dr. Viscusi.

Break a Sweat

Getting your body moving can make all the difference for your bloated face. "When we lay still and flat overnight, swelling accumulates and settles around the eyes. Getting upright and getting some light exercise will help," Dr. MacGregor says. And if that's not enough, the proper amount of exercise can actually work to balance hormones, an excess of which may actually contribute to facial swelling (but more on that below).

Practice Healthy Habits

If you're looking to nip facial swelling in the bud, it would be wise to investigate its source—or sources, for that matter. The effect of temporary puffiness can stem from a number of causes that have to do with our lifestyle. "Healthy habits, such as a low salt diet, avoiding excess alcohol, and drinking plenty of water, as well as getting a good night’s sleep are crucial in reducing puffiness," says Dr. Viscusi.

Embrace the Cold

Place some chilled cucumber slices on your eyes, run an ice cube across your face, or go for a walk (in winter)—you’ll look and feel tighter in minutes. “It's old-fashioned, but it works,” Vargas says. “And the silica in the cucumber will help with skin elasticity.” "If you want to get fancy, there are also cold masks, cold rollers, and cold patches that can be applied to puffy areas," adds Dr. MacGregor. "Whether you swear by cold spoons or chilled cucumbers, the key here is cold compresses constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, diminishing the appearance of puffiness," explains Dr. Viscusi. "Any form of a cold compress or cooling applicator is a game-changer."

Apply a Daily Serum

The right skincare products can also help a puffy face. Many are formulated with vitamins to strengthen the skin while also exfoliating to balance skin's overall tone. Smooth on a serum at night with a cold jade roller for a complexion that feels and looks more resilient. "Keep an eye out for key ingredients that help combat inflammation such as caffeine, green tea, peptides, and other antioxidants," advises Dr. Viscusi.

Try a Multipurpose Eye Cream

Do you actually need eye cream? According to Dr. Viscusi, the answer is a resounding "yes."

Try a Buccal Massage

A buccal massage, also known as an intra-oral massage, is a technique that involves someone massaging your facial muscles from the inside of your mouth.

"Buccal massages, which target cheek muscles, may help reduce facial puffiness by promoting lymphatic drainage, improving blood circulation, and relaxing tense facial muscles," Aguilar says. "When done properly, the general benefits of massages in these areas could contribute to a less swollen appearance. Individual responses may vary, and effectiveness depends on the underlying cause of puffiness. When a buccal massage is done by an inexperienced provider, more swelling can occur. For concerns about facial puffiness, it's advisable to consult with a skincare professional or healthcare provider for personalized guidance."