The Battle of the Bloat: 5 Causes Of Puffy Skin

We’ve all had those mornings: waking up, looking in the mirror, and noticing a slightly puffier face than usual. Was it allergies? Alcohol? Last night’s dinner? As it turns out, facial bloating could be the result of any (or all) of the above. Below we share five common causes of puffy skin.

Step away from the salt shaker. A diet high in added sodium is one of the main causes of facial bloating, since salt causes our bodies to retain water and, in turn, bloat. This is especially true for the thinner skin around the eyes.

Pull an all-nighter? Chances are you’re waking up with puffier skin. When we sleep our bodies distribute water that accumulates during the day. Not getting enough shut-eye takes away some of this rejuvenation time, which can result in a concentrated build-up of fluid, causing inflated-looking skin.

You may want to rethink that late-night cocktail. Alcohol enlarges the blood vessels, resulting in a redistribution of fluid. This causes—you guessed it—puffy skin. Like other forms of fluid retention, this is particularly noticeable in the thin skin around your eyes. 

Every once and awhile you just need a good cry. But, after we “get it all out” we’re often left with swollen eyes and skin. Thankfully, the effect is only temporary, lasting just a few minutes to a few hours.

Your puffy skin may be trying to tell you something. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, when our skin comes into direct contact with anything we’re allergic to, it can swell at the point of contact.