Puffy Face In The Morning: Causes, Treatments, And Prevention

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What causes a puffy face in the morning?

Medically reviewed by Bukky Aremu, APRN — Written by Jon Johnson — Updated on February 18, 2025

Causes
Treatments
Prevention
When to contact a doctor
Summary

A puffy face in the morning is often due to fluid retention. While a person is asleep, fluid can accumulate in the face, resulting in a puffy appearance. This should get better when a person gets up.

Temporary puffiness in the morning is usually harmless. However, if it does not improve during the day, it could be a symptom of an underlying condition.

This article explores the reasons for facial puffiness in the morning and ways to avoid it.

Causes of puffiness in the morning

A man looking in a bathroom mirror for signs of puffiness in the morning. — Image credit: Anindam Ghosh/EyeEm/Getty Images

Several factors may contribute to a person waking up with a puffy face in the morning.

Sleep

Many people wake up with a puffy face due to overnight fluid retention. Lying down causes fluid to collect in a person’s face, but this typically disperses after they get up.

As the person starts their morning and spends time upright, these fluids usually disperse.

Foods

Eating certain foods at night or in the evening may lead to extra puffiness in the morning. For example, eating foods high in sodium can cause the body to retain more water. According to a 2017 article, this increase in sodium usually makes people thirsty, so they drink more. However, the body does not release this extra water in urine. Instead, the water collects in different areas, including the face.

Some examples of high sodium foods include:

processed meats, such as bacon and pepperoni
salted chips, nachos, and pretzels
fast food, such as burgers and fries
many premade frozen meals

Alcohol

Some people wake up with puffy faces after drinking alcohol the night before.

Alcohol causes a person to urinate more, which can cause mild dehydration. In response, water retention may occur in any area of the body, including the face.

Periods

Menstruation often causes fluid retention. Before a period, a person may notice more puffiness in the face upon waking.Fluid retention may be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) for some people. PMS is a collection of symptoms that can occur just before a period begins. Other symptoms of PMS include:

tender breasts
acne
mood changes

Allergies

Facial puffiness in the morning could be a result of allergies. People may inhale allergens during the night or develop a reaction if their skin comes into contact with an allergen.

Signs that puffiness may be due to an allergy include:

itchy or watery eyes
itchy or inflamed skin
hives
a blocked or runny nose
sneezing

Potential allergens that could cause a reaction during sleep include:

dust mites
dander
pollen
mold
makeup
laundry detergent

Sinus infection

A puffy face can also be a sign of a sinus infection. This can occur when a virus or bacterium inflames the sinuses in the face, resulting in:

pain and tenderness in the face
headaches
a stuffy nose
postnasal drip
pain in the teeth
a fever

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. One of the symptoms can be facial puffiness. Other potential symptoms include:

weight gain
fatigue
cold intolerance
dry skin
thinning hair

Anyone who suspects they have hypothyroidism should talk with a doctor, who can order a blood test.

Cushing syndrome

Sometimes, Cushing syndrome can cause a puffy face first thing in the morning. Cushing syndrome involves the body having cortisol levels that are too high. This often occurs as a side effect of certain medications.

Cushing syndrome can cause facial puffiness at all times, but this may be more noticeable in the morning. Other potential signs include:

weight gain
increased weight around the bottom of the neck
a hump between the shoulders
broad, dark stretch marks
weaker muscles
easy bruising
irregular or no periods

Treatments for a puffy face

Depending on the cause, various home care techniques and medical treatments can reduce or prevent facial puffiness in the morning.

Staying hydrated

Fluid retention sometimes occurs due to dehydration, which may happen overnight while a person sleeps. Drinking water after waking and throughout the day may help address this.

Cold therapy

Cold temperatures can constrict the blood vessels, potentially reducing any swelling in the face. There are several ways people can use this technique, including:

applying a cold compress
splashing the face with cold water
using a cooling face roller or massager

Massage

Some people report that massaging the face helps to reduce puffiness. Techniques such as lymph drainage massage may help fluid to drain from the face.

People can combine this with cold therapy or use it on its own.

Exercise

Getting the heart pumping can promote circulation in the body, including the face. Any type of exercise, including running, swimming, or cycling in the morning, may help reduce puffiness.

Medical treatments

If facial puffiness is persistent or occurs with other symptoms, it may indicate an underlying condition. Some people may need medical treatment.

If a person has a condition such as hypothyroidism or Cushing syndrome, they may need medications.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that other conditions, such as sinus infections, improve on their own.

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Preventing a puffy face

It may not always be possible to prevent facial puffiness in the morning, but it may help to:

stay hydrated throughout the day
avoid consuming foods high in sodium, especially late at night
limit alcohol
elevate the head slightly during sleep
identify and avoid allergens, where possible

When to contact a doctor

Facial puffiness in the mornings is usually no cause for concern, and it tends to fade quickly. However, if it is severe and persistent and does not decrease during the day, people should speak with a doctor.

Seek immediate medical attention if a person develops:

a fever
swelling in the mouth or airways
difficulty breathing

Summary

While waking up with a puffy face may be alarming or irritating, it often occurs due to fluid retention. This is usually harmless and fades away during the day.

A person can make various dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent the issue, and there are several ways of reducing the puffiness at home.

If the puffiness is persistent or troubling, it may be a good idea to consult a doctor.

Dermatology
Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Bankir L, et al. (2017). Relationship between sodium intake and water intake: The false and the true.https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/463831
Boucai L. (2024). Hypothyroidism.https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/thyroid-disorders/hypothyroidism
Causes and signs of edema. (2022).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279409/
Cushing’s syndrome. (2018).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/cushings-syndrome
Sinus infection basics. (2024).https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/about/

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Medically reviewed by Bukky Aremu, APRN — Written by Jon Johnson — Updated on February 18, 2025

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