We’ve all been there – you look in the mirror first thing in the morning and notice a puffy face.

This is more likely to happen during the holidays, when we may eat a lot of salty foods, drink too much, and stay up late.

It could be slight swelling of your eyelids, puffy cheeks, or swelling of your jawline. They can all make you feel less than your best.

In this article, we look at the various causes of facial puffiness and, more importantly, how to fix them so you can enjoy your day without feeling self-conscious.

What causes swollen face in the morning?

Facial puffiness can be caused by a variety of factors, including the following.

1. Liquid retention.

This is the most common cause of facial puffiness. When you lie down for an extended period of time (such as overnight), fluid from your body may accumulate in the tissue. The swelling will be more noticeable when you first wake up.

2. Sleeping position

Sleeping on your back or stomach can increase fluid retention, especially if your pillow is not high enough. This position makes it harder for fluid to drain away from the face.

3. High sodium intake

Eating a salty meal or drinking a high-salt drink before bed can cause temporary water retention, making your face look more puffy in the morning. Sodium helps the body retain moisture, especially in the soft tissues around the eyes and cheeks.

4. Drinking alcohol

Alcohol can cause dehydration, and dehydration causes the body to retain water in response. It also dilates blood vessels, causing puffiness and redness in the face. Too many festive cocktails? This may be why you see puffy skin.

5.Allergy

Seasonal allergies or sensitivities to certain substances can cause inflammation and swelling on the face, especially around the eyes and nose. Common triggers include pollen, dust, pet dander or certain foods.

6. Hormonal changes

If you’re going through a period of hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation), it can cause water retention and inflammation, which can lead to a puffy appearance.

7. Lack of sleep

A common cause of facial puffiness is poor sleep quality or lack of sleep. It causes increased stress and cortisol levels, which can lead to inflammation and puffiness in the face. Lack of sleep also means your skin doesn’t have time to repair itself.

8. Dehydration

Usually, during the holidays, we need to remember to drink water. We may drink other things, but these in turn may lead to dehydration (especially alcoholic beverages). The body compensates by retaining fluid in the body.

9. Skin irritation or reaction

Swelling can be caused by using skin care products that are not suitable for your skin, sleeping with makeup on, or being exposed to irritants. Certain cosmetic and skin care ingredients may trigger mild allergic reactions, leading to a puffy appearance.

10. Physical condition

In some cases, persistent facial swelling may indicate an underlying health problem, such as hypothyroidism, kidney problems, or a sinus infection. If edema is accompanied by other symptoms, talk to your doctor.

How to get rid of puffy face

If you’re worried about facial puffiness, try these tips.

1. Adjust sleeping position.

Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help reduce fluid retention in your face. Make sure you have a good pillow, or consider using extra pillows if necessary.

2. Stay hydrated.

Remind yourself to drink water throughout the day. It helps maintain proper balance in the body. Staying hydrated can also counteract the effects of salty foods or alcohol, which may otherwise cause bloating.

3. Limit sodium and alcohol.

Reduce your intake of salty foods and alcohol, especially in the evening. Choose natural, unprocessed foods and use herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt. If you drink alcohol, pair it with plenty of water to stay hydrated.

4. Apply cold compresses.

Cold temperatures naturally reduce swelling and tighten the skin. To relieve puffiness, especially around the eyes, apply a cold compress, ice spoon, or cold cucumber slices to your face for a few minutes. You can also splash cold water on your face. We’re fans of ice rollers, but you can use ice cubes on your face instead. Then, spray on Rescue & Relief Spray to reduce redness, inflammation and puffiness while replenishing moisture.

5. Try lymphatic drainage massage.

Facial massage stimulates lymphatic drainage, which helps drain trapped fluid from the face. You can give yourself a facial massage. Simply apply Calming Moisture and gently massage your skin with your fingertips or a facial roller in an upward and outward motion.

6. Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet.

Berries, leafy greens, turmeric, and omega-3-rich fish all contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help your skin counteract the effects of any puffiness.

7. Use cooling and anti-inflammatory skin care products.

Look for skin care products with cooling and anti-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 contains natural cooling and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Store it in the refrigerator for extra cooling.

All of our CV Skinlabs products are packed with anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce inflammation and promote healthy, radiant skin. Ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, turmeric, vitamin E, and ceramides in our formula will help strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, and reduce inflammation and swelling.

8. Get enough sleep.

Lack of sleep can lead to stress and inflammation. You need to go to bed 8.5 to 9 hours before getting up. This gives you time to relax, fall asleep, and get a normal 7-8 hours of sleep before getting up.

9. Solve allergy problems.

If allergies are causing you to feel bloated, try to identify and avoid your allergens. Over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays can help reduce symptoms. Make sure your skin care products won’t worsen the problem and that they only contain nourishing ingredients. Use an air purifier to remove allergens from indoor air, and wash bedding regularly. Our best-selling calming moisturizer is often recommended by dermatologists to help relieve skin inflammation, puffiness and restore a healthy skin barrier.

10. Avoid irritation from skin care products.

Read the labels on skin care products and cosmetics and choose products that don’t contain harsh ingredients. Be sure to remove all makeup before bed so the ingredients don’t soak into your pores overnight.

Our CV Skinlabs products are 100% free of toxic and irritating ingredients. You can use them because they won’t irritate you.

11. Exercise regularly.

Physical activity improves circulation and reduces inflammation, both of which help reduce puffiness. Even light exercise, such as walking or doing yoga, can have dramatic results.

Have you ever struggled with facial puffiness?

Featured image by Anna Shvets via Pexels.