Late night? Just stepped off a plane? Or perhaps it’s simply one of those mornings. If your face is feeling a little puffy, know that there are plenty of options to remedy it.
Puffiness can often be put down to dehydration and water retention – and it’s a common issue (especially first thing in the morning).
Here, Liz shares some of her favourite ways to depuff her complexion for a more contoured, chiselled look.
How Liz Earle reduces the appearance of a puffy face
Focus on hydration
Dehydration is a common culprit behind a puffy face. Ensuring we drink plenty of water throughout the day is an easy fix for puffiness, as is adding electrolytes to your morning glass of water to up hydration levels.
“The morning is an especially good time to replace our electrolytes as we dehydrate as we sleep,” explains Liz. “This is especially true if the bedroom is too warm, we’ve had hot flushes or drunk any alcohol the night before.”
Not only will hydration help to banish puffiness, but it also works to increase blood flow and oxygen to the area for a natural glow.
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Cold compresses
Cold compresses can be a saving grace for calming puffiness caused by heat or inflammation.
Make your own by wrapping an ice cube or two in a tissue – never place the ice directly on your skin. Then, sweep the tissue-wrapped ice cube across your complexion to calm and reduce any puffiness or redness.
Liz is also a fan of facial ice baths to give her skin an added glow.
Gua sha
Gua sha is based on an ancient practice originating from traditional Chinese medicine. It has become a popular facial technique in the West in recent years to contour and massage the face, and can also help to reduce puffiness.
“I was sceptical at first,” admits Liz. “But I’ve been doing gua sha for a few years and I have to say I love it. It’s a very quick and effective way of taking down a bit of puffiness around the eyes, and also for boosting circulation to give the skin a genuine glow.”
The skincare technique uses a stone – often made from jade or rose quartz – and is also said to help to aid lymphatic drainage.
Make sure to use a facial oil to help the stone glide over the skin and avoid any dragging.
Try it: Eko Botanicals Makeda Radiance Oil
Replenish, brighten and firm skin with this multi-tasking oil inspired by the ancient Queen of Sheba. Also great to use for gua sha to help the tool glide over skin. Save 20% with LIZLOVES.
Reusable under eye patches
While you can purchase single-use under eye patches, our preferred option is a reusable pair. Better for our purse and better for the planet!
Reusable patches work with a favourite eye product or serum to help soothe the under eye area and calm puffiness. We love these ones by Dr Jart+.
Stainless steel cryo sticks
Just like a cold compress, using something cool on the skin can help to banish any puffiness.
Liz is a fan of stainless steel cryo sticks for keeping her complexion calm. Simply sweep across the face for an instant refresh.
These can be kept in the fridge to cool down your face even further, and used with a serum so they glide better across the skin. On a budget? Pop a pair of teaspoons in the fridge for a similar effect.
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All prices correct at time of publishing
