How to Get Rid of Puffy Face

A puffy face or facial puffiness is medically known as facial edema. It is usually caused by water retention, which in turn, is caused by inadequate fluid intake, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, and high salt diet.

In addition, reactions to certain drugs (corticosteroids, aspirin, glucocorticoids, diuretics, asthma medication, etc.) and general obesity can also lead to a puffy face. Poor circulation too, can give rise to facial bloating and droopy facial features.

Conditions like sinusitis, throat infection, tooth abscess, conjunctivitis, thyroid disorders, kidney disease, preeclampsia during pregnancy, and so on can cause the same. Thus, to get rid of this problem effectively, it is essential to analyze the actual cause.

Facial puffiness caused by allergic reactions should not be ignored at all. Moreover, in case it is caused by the conditions mentioned above then the puffiness shall go away when you undergo the proper treatment.

How to Get Rid of a Puffy Face

Below are 8 solutions to relieve facial puffiness.

Ice

• Dip a washcloth in ice-cold water or wrap two to three ice cubes in it.
• Place this cold compress on your puffy face.
• Leave on for several minutes.
• Those who are prone to a puffy face, especially after sleeping, should splash cold water on their face when they get up in the morning.

Massage

• Lubricate your face with a moisturizer, olive oil, or facial massage oil.
• Lightly massage your face with your fingers.
• Start from the forehead and gradually work your way down to the under-eye area, cheeks, jaw line, and neck.
• Repeat the massage almost 20-25 times.
• This lymphatic drainage massage is effective in getting rid of facial puffiness by pushing the excess fluid down to the lymph nodes in the neck and upper chest.

Facial Tapping

• Press your middle fingers into the deepest hollow of your cheeks (where the cheekbone and jawbone meet).
• Massage the area firmly in circular motion for 30 seconds.
• Repeat a few times daily.
• It heals a puffy face by stimulating the lymphatic system and improving the blood circulation.

Cucumber and Lemon Juice

• Take six to eight slices of a cucumber.
• Soak them in lemon juice (for oily skin)/ milk (for dry skin) and place in the refrigerator for half an hour.
• Apply these slices on your face.
• Leave on 15-20 minutes.
• Wash your face with cool water.
• This helps reduce redness and puffiness on your face. You can use this remedy almost daily. Alternately, just grate or blend half a cucumber, squeeze out its juice, and apply to your face. Cucumber is often used to eliminate puffy eyes and dark circles as well.

Coffee Grounds

• Mix two tablespoons of finely ground coffee, two tablespoons of cocoa powder, and a tablespoon of honey in three tablespoons of whole milk or plain yogurt.
• Apply it to your face.
• Scrub and wash off after 15-20 minutes.
• This Mocha-Frappuccino facial mask helps decrease facial swelling. Moreover, it has immense anti-aging benefits.

If you do not have cocoa powder then you may simply use a mixture of ground coffee and honey. Do not use this mask too frequently. Once or twice a week should be sufficient.

Brewed Green Tea Bags

• Steep a green tea bag in about eight ounces of hot water for three to four minutes.
• Remove the teabag from water and allow it to cool.
• Place the brewed tea bag on the puffy areas of your face for 20 minutes.
• Rinse your face with lukewarm water.
• It is a perfect solution for all skin types.

Egg Whites

• Whip two egg whites.
• Keep the mixture aside for a few minutes.
• Spread it on your face and leave on for 20 minutes.
• Wash off with cool water.
• Follow up with your regular cleanser.
• Apart from reducing facial puffiness and redness, it shall help remove excess oil on your face which contributes to pimples and blackheads.

Strawberry Mask

• Mash a few strawberries with the help of a folk.
• Mix two tablespoons of honey and a tablespoon of olive oil in it.
• Apply it to your face.
• Wash off after 10-15 minutes.
• It is good for puffy face as well as eyes.

Tips to Prevent a Puffy Face

• As facial puffiness is mostly attributed to water retention, it is essential to drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day. In addition, limit your salt intake as it makes your body retain water.
• Avoid taking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
• At times, a puffy face is the result of general obesity. In such cases, it is advised to control your weight by embarking on a healthy diet, and including regular physical activity and exercise in your routine.