How to Reduce Puffiness in the Face

A late night, lack of sleep or crying can cause excessive puffiness in the face. Puffiness makes for difficult application of makeup. For some individuals, puffiness can be caused by dehydration or by excessive intake of salt right before bed, especially if you eat dinner late or have a nighttime salty snack. There are some easy remedies to reduce the most obvious puffiness of the face. These temporary remedies work, but you should also address your diet, sleep patterns and water consumption.

Things You'll Need

• 2 to 3 Pillows Cold Water Ice Cubes Washcloth Ice Pack Cucumber Slices Tea Bags Witch Hazel

Instructions

How to Reduce Puffiness in the Face

1. Evaluate the amount of sleep you are getting and how much water you are drinking. Also address your diet and remove salt from it, since salt causes the body to retain water. Increase your water intake and the amount of nighttime sleep as much as possible.

2. Elevate your head on 2 or 3 pillows while sleeping to discourage fluid retention. Sleep on your back and make sure to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.

3. Fill your bathroom sink with cold water and add a cup of ice cubes. Soak a washcloth in the cool water, wring it out and lie down with the washcloth over your face for 10 minutes. You should see noticeable reduction in the swelling from the application of this cool compress. Repeat until the puffiness in the face decreases. Use a wet washcloth with an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables on top to keep a cooling compress on your face for an extended amount of time.

4. 

   Thinly slice a cucumber and place the slices on a plate or bowl. Lie down and layer your face with the cucumbers and relax for 10 minutes.

5. 

   Steep a few tea bags and allow them to cool or place them in the refrigerator to chill. Place the slightly damp tea bags on your face to help reduce puffiness. Be sure to protect your eyes from any tea leaves or fluid.

6. Place your moisturizer in the refrigerator so that when you apply it to your skin, it will be a cool and refreshing base for your cosmetics that will also help reduce puffiness.

7. Make a cold compress of witch hazel and water and place over your face a few times each day. You can also soak cotton balls in witch hazel and rub them lightly all over your face to quickly refresh your skin. Witch hazel is an all-natural astringent that also cleans your pores. It's also used as an active ingredient in Preparation H to reduce tissue swelling.

References

• Mayo Clinic