It happens to even the most flawless of belles: the dreaded face bloat. There are a number of reasons it could happen: water retention, weight gain, hormones. While there’s no magical mask you can slip on to instantly de-bloat, there are tricks to try that may help reduce the puffiness. (Side note: make sure you first check in with your doctor to make sure there isn’t an underlying medical reason for your puffiness!)
Face soak
According to Renee Rouleau, a celebrity esthetician, one way to help reduce under-eye puffiness is through a face soak. First, fill a sink or large bowl with cold water, and add in a few ice cubes. Then, pour in 1/3 cup of a natural witch hazel. Completely submerge your face into the mix, wait a few seconds, and then rise back up. Repeat 10 times.
It’s weird, but it works — Rouleau explains how the cold water will shrink your capillaries and promote drainage while the witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce puffiness.
Coffee grinds
Caffeine aids with facial bloat because it draws out toxins from the skin and increases circulation. One way to use its de-swelling properties to your advantage is by adding a teaspoon of ground coffee beans to your face wash. Scrub deeply, and make sure you rinse thoroughly afterward.
Ice pack
If you’re not feeling up for a full soak, try a cold compress to lessen face bloat. Wrap an ice pack in a towel, and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Remove it immediately if you start feeling a burn, or if the ice is directly touching your skin!
Eat hydrating food
The foods you eat – or don’t eat – can directly translate to the health of your skin. Hydration is key in keeping down the facial bloat; when you’re dehydrated, the blood vessels in your face enlarge. This could lead to water retention and, thus, puffiness. By opting for snacks with a high water content, you can stay hydrated without knocking back glasses of water all day. Celery, watermelon and cucumbers are all great options!
Use your fingers
According to dermatologists Dr. Reema Arora and Dr. Kiran Lohia, a thorough massage can really help eliminate puffiness. Face massages help push excess fluid from the face down to the lymph nodes in the neck; they also stimulate circulation, which helps eliminate swelling. First, lather your face with moisturizer or oil. Then massage your face thoroughly with your fingers. Or, treat yourself to a professional massage! Not only will your swelling diminish, but your stress levels will enjoy its healing qualities too.
Sources:
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a22662910/face-bloating-treatment/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/284753-exercises-for-a-bloated-face/
https://www.instyle.com/how-tos/6-tricks-for-debloating
https://www.hindustantimes.com/health-and-fitness/5-ways-to-get-rid-of-a-puffy-face-here-is-everything-you-need-to-know/story-KV4NFSEqkin2Hb1EGcCIXN.html
