A puffy face in the morning is often due to fluid retention. While a person is asleep, fluid can accumulate in the face, resulting in a puffy appearance. This should get better when a person gets up.

Temporary puffiness in the morning is usually harmless. However, if it does not improve during the day, it could be a symptom of an underlying condition.

This article explores the reasons for facial puffiness in the morning and ways to avoid it.

A man looking in a bathroom mirror for signs of puffiness in the morning.Share on Pinterest
Image credit: Anindam Ghosh/EyeEm/Getty Images

Several factors may contribute to a person waking up with a puffy face in the morning.

Sleep

Many people wake up with a puffy face due to overnight fluid retention. Lying down causes fluid to collect in a person’s face, but this typically disperses after they get up.

As the person starts their morning and spends time upright, these fluids usually disperse.

Foods

Eating certain foods at night or in the evening may lead to extra puffiness in the morning.

For example, eating foods high in sodium can cause the body to retain more water. According to a 2017 article, this increase in sodium usually makes people thirsty, so they drink more. However, the body does not release this extra water in urine. Instead, the water collects in different areas, including the face.

Some examples of high sodium foods include:

  • processed meats, such as bacon and pepperoni
  • salted chips, nachos, and pretzels
  • fast food, such as burgers and fries
  • many premade frozen meals

Alcohol

Some people wake up with puffy faces after drinking alcohol the night before.

Alcohol causes a person to urinate more, which can cause mild dehydration. In response, water retention may occur in any area of the body, including the face.

Periods

Menstruation oftenTrusted Source causes fluid retention. Before a period, a person may notice more puffiness in the face upon waking.

Fluid retention may be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) for some people. PMS is a collection of symptoms that can occur just before a period begins. Other symptoms of PMS include:

  • tender breasts
  • acne
  • mood changes

Allergies

Facial puffiness in the morning could be a result of allergies. People may inhale allergens during the night or develop a reaction if their skin comes into contact with an allergen.

Signs that puffiness may be due to an allergy include:

  • itchy or watery eyes
  • itchy or inflamed skin
  • hives
  • a blocked or runny nose
  • sneezing

Potential allergens that could cause a reaction during sleep include:

Sinus infection

A puffy face can also be a sign of a sinus infection. This can occur when a virus or bacterium inflames the sinuses in the face, resulting in:

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. One of the symptoms can be facial puffiness. Other potential symptoms include:

  • weight gain
  • fatigue
  • cold intolerance
  • dry skin
  • thinning hair

Anyone who suspects they have hypothyroidism should talk with a doctor, who can order a blood test.

Cushing syndrome

Sometimes, Cushing syndrome can cause a puffy face first thing in the morning. Cushing syndrome involves the body having cortisol levels that are too high. This often occursTrusted Source as a side effect of certain medications.

Cushing syndrome can cause facial puffiness at all times, but this may be more noticeable in the morning. Other potential signs include:

  • weight gain
  • increased weight around the bottom of the neck
  • a hump between the shoulders
  • broad, dark stretch marks
  • weaker muscles
  • easy bruising
  • irregular or no periods

Depending on the cause, various home care techniques and medical treatments can reduce or prevent facial puffiness in the morning.

Staying hydrated

Fluid retention sometimes occurs due to dehydration, which may happen overnight while a person sleeps. Drinking water after waking and throughout the day may help address this.

Cold therapy

Cold temperatures can constrict the blood vessels, potentially reducing any swelling in the face. There are several ways people can use this technique, including:

Massage

Some people report that massaging the face helps to reduce puffiness. Techniques such as lymph drainage massage may help fluid to drain from the face.

People can combine this with cold therapy or use it on its own.

Exercise

Getting the heart pumping can promote circulation in the body, including the face. Any type of exercise, including running, swimming, or cycling in the morning, may help reduce puffiness.

Medical treatments

If facial puffiness is persistent or occurs with other symptoms, it may indicate an underlying condition. Some people may need medical treatment.

If a person has a condition such as hypothyroidism or Cushing syndrome, they may need medications.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source notes that other conditions, such as sinus infections, improve on their own.

It may not always be possible to prevent facial puffiness in the morning, but it may help to:

  • stay hydrated throughout the day
  • avoid consuming foods high in sodium, especially late at night
  • limit alcohol
  • elevate the head slightly during sleep
  • identify and avoid allergens, where possible

Facial puffiness in the mornings is usually no cause for concern, and it tends to fade quickly. However, if it is severe and persistent and does not decrease during the day, people should speak with a doctor.

Seek immediate medical attention if a person develops:

  • a fever
  • swelling in the mouth or airways
  • difficulty breathing

While waking up with a puffy face may be alarming or irritating, it often occurs due to fluid retention. This is usually harmless and fades away during the day.

A person can make various dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent the issue, and there are several ways of reducing the puffiness at home.

If the puffiness is persistent or troubling, it may be a good idea to consult a doctor.