Some people are especially prone to facial puffiness. This may be due to eating ramen before bed, overexertion the previous day, or simply a poor night’s sleep. Whatever the cause, the result often appears as a swollen face. So how can you get your face back to normal? Improving your daily habits can prevent puffiness in the first place. Let’s look at a collection of effective ways to reduce facial swelling.
Raise Your Head While Sleeping
How you sleep can affect how puffy your face looks in the morning. The first thing to check is your pillow. If your pillow is too low for your body, it can contribute to facial swelling. When your head is elevated while sleeping, gravity helps reduce swelling in the face. A slightly higher pillow than usual keeps your head elevated, which can help reduce swelling overnight.
Reduce Sodium Intake
Eating salty food often leads to facial puffiness the next day. Ramen, for example, contains a high amount of sodium, a major cause. Excess sodium can cause inflammation and prevent your body from properly expelling fluids, resulting in puffiness. Consciously cutting back on sodium can significantly help. Start by consuming less soup or broth from stews and limiting processed foods.
Exercise to Reduce Puffiness
Massaging the face directly is not always the most effective method for reducing swelling. Instead, increasing full-body movement is more helpful. Jogging or taking brisk walks can improve blood circulation and bring your swollen face back to normal. Regular exercise can also reduce chronic puffiness over time, so it’s good to stay active, even with light daily workouts.
Change How You Wash Your Face
How you wash your face can influence puffiness. Alternating between cold and lukewarm water helps stimulate blood circulation. Washing with carbonated water is also a popular method among celebrities. Mix carbonated water with regular water in a 1:1 ratio and gently wash your face to boost circulation through the carbon dioxide.
Drink Plenty of Water
Facial puffiness in the morning can stem from various causes, and one possible factor is poor diuresis. When diuretic function is weakened, fluid builds up in the face and body. Drinking more water than usual helps promote diuresis. This not only helps flush out waste products but also reduces puffiness. Staying well-hydrated throughout the day is key.
Avoid Heat and Use Cold Compresses
Avoid applying heat for at least two days if your face is noticeably swollen. Exposure to heat can worsen swelling and inflammation. It’s best to avoid hot showers, baths, and hot packs. Cold compresses, on the other hand, can help by constricting blood vessels, reducing puffiness, and improving skin tone. Wrap ice in a towel and gently place it on the swollen area.
Try a Turmeric Paste
Making a paste out of turmeric can be effective if you have turmeric on hand. Turmeric contains natural compounds that help reduce inflammation. You can use turmeric powder or grind fresh turmeric, mix it with water, and create a paste-like texture. Adding sandalwood oil, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can enhance the effect. Apply the paste to swollen areas of the face, but avoid contact with the eyes.
Check the Medications You’re Taking
Facial puffiness can also be a sign of an allergic reaction. If you suspect this, try taking an antihistamine. If the puffiness subsides quickly after taking it, it’s likely allergy-related. Avoid taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs without medical advice, as they can affect blood clotting. Poor blood clotting may worsen the swelling.
Do Facial Exercises
Facial exercises like sucking in your cheeks or puckering your lips can help reduce swelling. Gently tap your face using the middle fingers of both hands, and use your fingertips to massage your brow area. Apply pressure behind the ears and massage along your jawline with your palms. These movements stimulate the lymph nodes, which can help reduce puffiness.
Seek Medical Treatment if Necessary
In many cases, facial swelling subsides on its own over time. Mild puffiness from minor injuries or allergies may disappear naturally. However, seeing a doctor is important if swelling persists for more than two days or worsens. In severe cases, facial numbness or vision problems can occur, which require immediate medical attention.
Most Commented