Puffy face? Top doctor explains why and how to fix it

We all have been there. Waking up on the morning of an important day, only to find our face looking swollen and puffy. Though this can be concerning, a puffy face is often temporary. But a puffy face is more than just a beauty concern. It could be a sign of underlying problems. Dr. Shubhi Raj Singh, a leading dermatologist and health educator, has explained the reason behind this puffiness and also shared some tips to fix it.

Waking up to a puffy face on an important day is not what dreams are made of, but have you ever wondered what could be the reason behind this? No, it's not just an inconvenience, it could be a hint of what’s happening in your body. While many factors, such as lack of sleep, dehydration, allergies and sinus issues, hormonal changes, and medical conditions, can contribute to face puffiness, Dr. Singh emphasizes that there is one major factor - diet. Yes, what you eat can lead to face puffiness. “It's mostly what you eat!” she said in a video shared on Instagram.
“So have you ever wondered why your face looks extra fluffy sometimes on the days when you are planning to go out? So I'll tell you what exactly you're eating wrong,” she adds.
The dermatologist shared a list of foods that can make the face puffy, and some foods that can combat it.

Dr. Singh notes that some foods and beverages can make the face puffy. First on her list is sugar. Yes, that’s right. Added sugar can significantly contribute to a puffy face. Next on her list is alcohol. Remember, no amount of alcohol is safe, and the risk starts from the first drop, according to the World Health Organization. Alcohol, according to Dr. Singh, also contributes to a puffy face. Third on her list is fried food. Yes, your late-night snacking favourites, such as crispy fries, and broasted chicken, can make your face extra fluffy the next morning.

The doctor also shared a list of foods that help to combat the puffy face. The first on her list is green tea. Rich in antioxidant content, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), green tea not only protects your heart and brain but also helps to combat puffiness.
Coconut water is second on her list. This natural nectar not only nourishes from within, but also helps to keep your skin hydrated without any puffiness.
Dr. Singh suggested adding foods with high water content to combat puffiness. “Consume a lot of water-rich food that are excellent in hydration that hydrates your skin from within, like cucumber, like watermelon, like all these vitamin C-rich foods,” she said.