Why Does Your Face Get Puffy in the Morning?

Waking up with a puffy face is something most of us have dealt with. It’s usually nothing serious—it just means your body’s holding onto extra fluid while you sleep. This can happen for a bunch of reasons: lying flat all night, eating salty food the day before, not drinking enough water, or even just how your body responds to sleep and stress. Your lymphatic system (which helps move fluid through the body) slows down while you rest, so things can settle, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and jawline.

There are a few simple ways to bring things back to normal pretty quickly.

5 Easy Ways to Depuff Your Face

1. Splash with Cold Water or Use a Cold Compress

This one’s simple but effective. Cold temperatures help tighten the skin and reduce swelling. Splash your face with cold water, or press a chilled washcloth, spoon, or even a cold eye mask around puffy areas for a couple of minutes. It wakes you up and calms puffiness at the same time.

2. Try a Gentle Face Massage

Using your fingers or a tool like a jade roller, gently massage your face in upward and outward motions. Start from the center (like the nose and chin) and move out toward your ears. This helps move the built-up fluid and can make your face feel lighter and more relaxed.

3. Drink Water Right After Waking Up

Your body gets dehydrated overnight, which can actually cause it to hold onto water. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning can help flush out that extra fluid and get things moving again.

4. Cut Back on Salt and Late-Night Snacking

Eating salty food—especially late at night—can lead to morning puffiness. If you’ve noticed your face feels puffier after certain meals, it might be worth paying attention to how much salt or processed food you’re eating before bed.

5. Sleep with Your Head Slightly Elevated

Try using an extra pillow or adjusting your bed so your head is a little higher. This helps gravity keep fluids from settling in your face while you sleep. It’s a small change that can make a noticeable difference in the morning.