“A puffy face makes people look tired, sleepy, and sometimes older than they are too. It might hamper your confidence levels as well,” says Sabina Manandhar, beautician at Tranquility Spa. According to Manandhar, lack of sleep, dehydration, over-consumption of salt, stress, and crying are some factors that contribute to you waking up with a swollen face the next morning. However, a few healthy habits and some changes in your diet can help people get rid of this annoying problem.
You have an important event tomorrow and lots of things to take care of tonight. You might even need to work late. But you also realize you need your beauty sleep if you don’t want to look sleep deprived with your face all puffy at the event. A swollen face is impossible to hide. Fortunately, it is not a permanent change unless it is a medical condition. There are a few ways you can prevent and tackle this problem so that you can begin your day fresh the next morning, despite having worked way past your bedtime.
First, Manandhar suggests you drink lots of water and stay hydrated. This goes a long way in preventing retention of water in your facial tissues further giving you a lively looking face. A good intake of water also prevents your skin from slacking and slows down aging.
“Along with that, regulating the amount of salt in your daily diet can also help you maintain a flawless look,” she says. Check the sodium level of the food you eat. 2300 mg or less is enough for a day. Manandhar says that you should also consume potassium rich food items like banana, beans, and yogurt that will keep your intestine healthy, further maintaining excess fluids in your body.
And finally, never underestimate the power of sound sleep and complete rest to help you get rid of puffiness. For this, create a bedtime routine and stick to it. “Use a pillow of the right thickness to prevent fluid from settling around your eyes,” she says.
However, if you are in need of immediate relief, there are a few things you can do that will tackle the puffiness issue instantly. Here Manandhar shares some simple remedies you can try to get rid of puffiness without harming your skin.
How to avoid puffy eyes in the morning
Ice and water
Wrap ice cubes in a piece of muslin cloth and use it as an ice bag in the affected areas. Else put the ice cubes in a large bowl and fill half of it with water. Hold your breath and immerse your face in the bowl. Hold for as long as you can. Your blood vessels will then constrict giving you the required results after just a couple of immersions.
Sweat a little
Sweating leads to opening of the pores. When your pores open, the dirt, grime, and oil that’s accumulated below will be able to get out and this also leads to less puffiness. So, if you have the time, squeeze in a quick workout session of twenty to thirty minutes in the morning. This will also help improve blood circulation in your body and gradually better your complexion as well.
Chilled cucumber
Simply take slices of refrigerated cucumber and place it over your face. Cucumber will soothe your facial tissues and blood vessels immediately. You can also take a short nap of fifteen to twenty minutes while you let the cucumber work its magic. The anti-inflammatory benefits of cucumbers will get rid of puffiness and make you event-ready in less than half an hour.
Green tea bags
Green tea has numerous benefits and we’re not just taking about the health benefits of drinking it. Don’t throw away used tea bags. Put them in the freezer and let it cool down for a few minutes after which you can put it on your face just like the cucumbers. The herbal anti-irritant contents of green tea will take care of the swelling. This can also help get rid of redness from your face.
Raw potato
Take a raw potato and clean it with water. Then peel it and cut it into circles. Place these potato slices over the puffed area of your face and let it be for a few minutes. The effect of this is almost immediate and you’ll notice the puffiness receding in a few minutes.
Egg whites
Egg whites can contribute in tightening of your skin. Separate egg whites from a raw egg and apply it to the affected areas of your face with the help of a soft brush. Let it dry for a few minutes and then rinse it off with cold water. However, this one isn’t for immediate results. But, with time, you will notice your skin getting tighter and less prone to puffiness.
Creams and facemasks
Hit the nearby cosmetics or pharmacy to get water filled facemasks, gels or Vitamin C rich creams. Lie down with two pillows under your head. Apply the mask as instructed in the pack and creams in a circular motion. For facemasks, leave it for few minutes, whereas for creams, gently massage the swollen areas with your ring finger. Rinse them off with cold water after a few minutes.
