Face Swelling: Causes and Tips

Face swelling frightens us in the mirror and does not feel good. Where it comes from and how you can avoid or treat it, you can find out here.

Face Swelling: Causes

Alcohol

If you drank a lot of alcohol the day before, chances are that your face is swollen. If you even drink alcohol regularly or are addicted to alcohol, you risk a permanently swollen face. This is because the liver is damaged by the alcohol, which leads to water retention in the face.

Too much salt/taste enhancer

Flavor enhancers such as glutamate trigger sensitive reactions in many people. These can also affect the face and skin. Salt, on the other hand, binds a lot of water, which leads to increased retention. Therefore, it is better to use unprocessed, fresh foods rather than fast food and ready-made meals.

Spicy food

Spicy food is also a possible cause of a bloated face. The sweat glands produce a lot of water when chilli is eaten, for example, and the face and tongue swell up.

Little movement

A little exercise or even sport does not only have a positive effect on our health. If you just sit all day, you risk that the fluid in your body accumulates and cannot be removed as easily. Sweating is a good way to get rid of water retention. So, for both prevention and relief, go for a round of jogging or at least a walk.

Allergy

No matter whether it is animal hair, pollen, dust, lactose intolerance etc. – various allergies can cause a bloated, swollen face. If you suffer more from itchy eyes or a runny nose without feeling ill, then it is usually an allergy. It is best to consult your doctor to find out which allergy it is. Your doctor can recommend appropriate remedies such as tablets, nasal sprays or eye drops to relieve the symptoms.

Hormonal changes

A deficiency or even an excess of certain hormones can also be a possible cause of a bloated face. This can also be hypothyroidism, i.e. an underactive thyroid. The organ does not produce enough thyroid hormones and a resulting symptom is a bloated face.

Flat pillow

When the body is in a horizontal sleeping position for sleeping, the lymphatic system has a hard time getting rid of the fluid. As a result, the water accumulates in the face and swelling can occur. It is therefore recommended to lie with the head slightly elevated so that the fluid is well distributed.

Sunbathing

A too long bath in the blazing sun can also cause the face to appear swollen. Especially if you do not use sunscreen or use insufficient sunscreen. This is mainly due to the skin burning in the sun and the water collecting in the skin.

Dairy products

Especially for people who lack certain symptoms for the breakdown of lactose (milk sugar), the consumption of dairy products can lead to swelling and water retention in the face.

Gestose

EPH gestosis, also known as preclampsia, is a pregnancy disorder. It causes high blood pressure as well as oedema and water retention in the face.

Autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a classic autoimmune disease. It is an inflammation of the liver due to an incorrect reaction of the immune system. As with heavy alcohol consumption, this causes swelling and water retention in the face. In addition, the disease is also accompanied by weight gain.

Face Swelling: 4 tips what you can do about it

1. Cold: You can put two teaspoons in the freezer for 10 minutes and then put them directly under your eyes. Or you can wash your face with very cold water. The cold shock causes the capillaries to contract and the swelling to subside.
2. Massage: A massage has a positive effect on the blood circulation and the congested fluid can be drained better. With a Jade roller you also get firmer contours and a slimmer face. Always stroke the scooter from the inside out and from top to bottom.
3. Caffeine: A face mask can also stimulate the blood circulation and tighten the skin. It is best to use a gentle gel with hyaluronic acid.
4. Drinking: Drinking enough is one of the measures to prevent a bloated face. However, you should not overdo it in the evening. Because then it can happen that the body does not drain the liquid as well when lying down.