If your face looks and feels more like a balloon, your body may be retaining water. In some cases, however, a puffy face can be the sign of a more serious disorder, like conjunctivitis or Crohn's disease. If your puffy face is accompanied by any other symptoms or does not respond to over-the-counter and home remedies for water retention, consult a doctor for further treatment. Otherwise, your puffy face can be treated at home by making a few small changes in your day.
Step 1
Prop your head up on a few extra pillows at night to encourage fluid to drain from the face. Sleeping on your back can help reduce swelling around the eye area.
Step 2
Cut out salt, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Eating too much sodium can cause the body to store extra water to help dilute it. Avoid foods that contain high amounts of sodium, like chips, canned soups and canned vegetables.
Step 3
Get some exercise. Exercising can help use the water that's being stored in your body. Whether you go for a bike ride, do jumping jacks or go for a run around the block, exercise can help reduce puffiness in the face.
Step 4
Give caffeine and alcohol the heave-ho. Drinking too much caffeine and alcohol can cause your body to conserve water, which can accumulate in the face and make it look bloated. If possible, remove caffeine and alcohol from your diet completely.
Step 5
Drink more water, recommends Norman C. Staub, M.D. in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." "Urine has some fluid-retaining salt in it," says Dr. Staub. "The more it's diluted, the easier it is to remove salt." Drink at least eight glasses of water per day to prevent water retention.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are a woman, your face may be more puffy during your menstrual period.
- Consult a doctor if you have any symptoms in addition to a puffy face.
Things You'll Need
- Pillow
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