We’ve all been there: when you look in the mirror first thing in the morning, you see a swollen face.
This tends to happen even more around the holidays, when we eat a lot of salty treats, indulge in alcohol, and stay up late.
It could be slightly swollen eyelids, swollen cheeks or a swollen jawline. They all make you feel less than your best.
In this post, we explore the different causes of puffy faces and, more importantly, how to tackle them so you can enjoy your day without feeling self-conscious.
What Causes a Swollen Face in the Morning?
Facial bags can be caused by several factors, including the following.
1. Fluid retention.
This is the most common cause of a swollen face. If you lie down for long periods of time (for example, overnight), the fluids in your body can build up in the facial tissues. The swelling is more noticeable when you first wake up.
2. Sleeping position
Sleeping on your back or stomach can worsen fluid retention, especially if your pillow doesn’t provide enough height. This position makes it harder for fluids to drain from your face.
3. High sodium intake
Eating a salty meal or drinking high-salt drinks before going to bed can lead to temporary water retention, which can make your face look puffy in the morning. Sodium encourages the body to retain water, especially in the soft tissues around your eyes and cheeks.
4. Alcohol consumption
Alcohol is dehydrating, 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 see swollen 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 are going through a period of hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, menopause or menstruation, this can cause water retention and inflammation, leading to a puffy appearance.
7. Lack of sleep
A common cause of a swollen 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 on the face. Due to a lack of sleep, the skin no longer has time to repair itself.
8. Dehydration
We often have to remember to drink water during the holidays. We may drink other things, but these in turn can lead to dehydration (especially alcoholic drinks). The body compensates by retaining the fluids it has.
9. Skin irritation or reactions
Using skin care products that don’t suit your skin, sleeping with makeup on, or exposure to irritants can cause swelling. Certain cosmetic and skin care ingredients can cause mild allergic reactions, which can lead to a puffy appearance.
10. Medical condition
In some cases, persistent swelling of the face may indicate an underlying medical problem, such as hypothyroidism, kidney problems, or sinus infections. If your bags are accompanied by other symptoms, contact your doctor.
How to get rid of a swollen face
If you’re struggling with a swollen face, try these tricks.
1. Adjust your sleeping position.
Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help reduce fluid retention in the face. Make sure 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 right balance in your body. Staying hydrated also counteracts the effects of a salty meal or alcohol, which can otherwise lead to puffiness.
3. Limit sodium and alcohol.
Reduce your intake of salty foods and alcohol, especially at night. Choose clean, unprocessed foods and use herbs and spices to flavor your meals instead of salt. If you drink alcohol, combine it with plenty of water to stay hydrated.
4. Use a cold compress.
Cold temperatures naturally reduce swelling and firm the skin. To soothe 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 cold water on your face. We are fans of ice rollers, but you can also run an ice cube over your face. Then spritz with Rescue & Relief Spray to reduce any redness, inflammation and puffiness while adding a boost of hydration.
5. Try a lymphatic drainage massage.
Facial massage can stimulate lymphatic drainage, which removes trapped fluids from the face. You can give yourself a facial massage. Simply apply Calming Moisture and use your fingertips or a facial roller to gently massage your skin in upward and outward motions.
6. Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet.
Berries, leafy greens, turmeric, and omega-3-rich fish all contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that will help your skin counteract any swollen effects.
7. Use cooling, anti-inflammatory skin care products.
Look for skin care products with cooling and puffing properties. Eye creams or gels containing caffeine, green tea or aloe vera can reduce swelling and refresh the skin. Our CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray contains natural cooling and inflammation-removing ingredients. Store it in the refrigerator for extra cooling effects.
All of our CV Skinlabs products are packed with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and promote healthy, glowing skin. Ingredients in our formulas such as aloe vera, chamomile, turmeric, vitamin E and ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration 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 gives you time to wind down, relax, fall asleep and get 7-8 hours of normal sleep before getting up.
9. Address allergies.
If allergies are causing your bags under your eyes, try to identify and avoid your triggers. Over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays can help reduce symptoms. Make sure your skin care products do not worsen 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 bestseller Calming Moisture is often recommended by dermatologists to help calm skin inflammation and puffiness and restore a healthy skin barrier.
10. Avoid irritants in skin care.
Read the labels on your skin care and makeup products and choose products without irritating ingredients. Always remove all your makeup before going to bed so that these ingredients don’t linger in your pores overnight.
Our CV Skinlabs products are all 100 percent free of toxic and harsh ingredients. You can use them knowing that they won’t irritate you.
11. Exercise regularly.
Physical activity improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation, both of which help combat puffiness. Even gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga, can make a noticeable difference.
Do you suffer from a swollen face?
Featured image by Anna Shvets via Pexels.
