Credits: Social Media
You can prevent a ‘puffy face’ by changing your sleeping position, says dermatologist
Have you ever woken up with a puffy face? You may have maintained the perfect skincare routine, healthy diet, and exercise, yet your face is swollen in the morning and you can’t stop wondering why. Well, you could be sleeping on the wrong side.
Your preferred sleeping position has a direct impact on your health. Not only does turning to one side recommended by a doctor contribute to better bodily functions, but resting in the incorrect position leaves you with a puffy face.
Dermatologist reveals sleeping position that causes puffy face
I almost always wake up with my face puffed up. It would go back to its usual size with time. But I was itching to know if my sleeping habit had anything to do with it, so I asked certified dermatologist�Dr. Hannah Kopelman to share her knowledge on this topic with The Focus.
I love sleeping on my stomach face down, but it’s not good for the face it seems. When asked about the influence of resting position on the way we look, Dr. Hannah said:
“Yes, sleeping on your stomach or with your face down can contribute to facial edema. This position allows fluid to accumulate in the facial tissues overnight, leading to puffiness in the morning.”
I couldn’t help but wonder what position would avoid this, to which the dermatologist responded:
“I always advise my patients to sleep on their backs with their heads slightly elevated. This helps reduce fluid accumulation in the face and can prevent morning puffiness.”
You can reduce the puffiness by using an extra pillow or a wedge pillow to keep your head elevated throughout the night.
How lifestyle and other factors affect your look
Aside from sleeping in the position the dermatologist asks to avoid, what you eat, how well-rested you are and the status of your health contribute to puffiness in the face.
When asked what else causes a puffy face in the morning, Dr. Hannah explained:
“There are several other common causes of a puffy face in the morning. Poor sleep quality or inadequate sleep can lead to fluid retention and swelling. Consuming high amounts of sodium can also cause water retention, leading to facial swelling. Allergies can cause swelling, particularly around the eyes.”
Women may go through this more during menstruation or pregnancy owing to the hormonal changes, which cause more fluid retention and puffiness.
“Additionally, underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease or thyroid disorders can cause persistent facial swelling. If facial puffiness is a frequent issue, it’s important to consider these factors and address them accordingly,” said Dr. Hannah.
Certified dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman has completed two clinical fellowships in dermatology hair loss from Columbia University and skin cancer from Boston University. Shes also the host of the weekly podcast Derm Club, featuring interviews with leading dermatologists and skincare experts from all corners of the globe.
