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Your skin is constantly communicating with you. And recently, the “cortisol face” trend has revealed that it appears when stress increases. Morning eye swelling is often caused by poor sleep habits, genetics, changes in blood circulation and inflammation. But at its core, it’s our body’s stress response to seeking attention. To reframe puffiness as a cue for care and balance, we consulted puffiness experts and estheticians. jumy song.
Relationship between stress and skin
Chronic stress and burnout especially affect women. We carry a lot of baggage, and our bodies often expose it. Puffy eyes, “cortisol face,” and puffiness are not just cosmetic issues. They are signals that something is out of balance. A surge of stress hormones causes inflammation, which is visible in the delicate skin around the eyes.
The good news? Intentional rituals like lymphatic drainage and a few strategic, science-backed products can support your body’s natural healing processes and reduce puffiness under your eyes.
Causes of eye swelling due to lifestyle habits
Environment is important. Swollen eyes can be caused by seasonal allergies, lack of sleep, dehydration, and even the climate where you live. In some cases, swollen eyes can also indicate an underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid problem, so you should always be on the lookout for patterns.
Relationship between food and skin
Song often sees that diet plays an important role in under-eye puffiness.
“Eating too much salt causes your body to retain water, and the thin skin around your eyes is the most susceptible,” she explains. “Increased alcohol intake can also dehydrate your body, which can cause your eyes to swell.”
Choosing foods that support hydration and digestion can make a noticeable difference.
“You should avoid salt, alcohol, and anything that can harm your digestive system, such as gluten, spices, dairy, and sugar,” she says. “Also, be sure to drink plenty of water, as medications that dehydrate the body can cause severe water retention in the face.”
Ingredients that relieve eye swelling
There are no true “quick fixes.” The body needs time to eliminate excess fluid. However, Song recommends incorporating ingredients that support blood circulation.
Both are known to stimulate blood flow in capillaries and reduce swelling over time.
She also emphasizes avoiding anything that stings or irritates the skin, such as alcohol, menthol, strong essential oils, retinoic acid, and ascorbic acid. When the skin barrier is compromised, swelling and inflammation only get worse.
Daily habits to prevent eye swelling
To improve swelling in the long term, you need to address its root cause. Although we cannot get rid of work, children and responsibilities, can Build daily habits that support coordination and prevent the vicious cycle of stress, sleep, and inflammation.
Lifestyle habits to reduce stress
- Start your day with a grounding or energizing morning routine
- Hydrate intentionally (think mocktails at night and “sexy water” in the morning)
- Get some sunlight early in the day. The circadian rhythm is in order.
- Move your body gently
- Adopt breathing techniques
- Practice gratitude, journaling, meditation, and prayer
- Prioritize sleep quality to support nighttime repair
When your nervous system feels supported, your skin will follow.
Skin care habits to reduce swelling
According to Song, the tool is highly effective because it stimulates circulation and increases lymphatic drainage. These two important mechanisms help reduce stagnation caused by stress, sodium, and quiescence.
“The most effective and accessible treatment for eye puffiness is to stimulate blood flow, which provides oxygen, removes toxins, and reduces water retention by reducing inflammation and swelling,” explains Song. “You can use your hands or your favorite tool.”
Tools to support lymphatic drainage
- gua sha
- ice roller
- dry brush
- appearance
- microcurrent or red light
- your hands (always!)
Of course, you can also treat yourself to a spa day.
“Stimulating your body’s metabolism by taking a hot shower or taking a sauna can help reduce swelling,” Song added. Even rituals you perform at home can help release stress and excess water from your body.
An inside-out routine is the most effective way to treat puffy eyes. These expert-backed products and tools can help calm inflammation, support lymphatic flow, and restore hydration. This is an important step to reduce swelling around the delicate eye area. Whether you want instant refreshment or long-term results, these options are designed for your current situation.
Nourishing Eye Cream & Serum
Daily eye care can make a big difference in preventing swelling over time. These creams and serums use circulation-promoting ingredients like vitamin K, peptides, and antioxidants to strengthen capillaries, reduce fluid retention, and keep the under-eye area hydrated and elastic. Think of them as your everyday defense system.
Targeted treatments and patches under the eyes
For mornings when you need a quick fix, these patches and masks provide instant hydration and chill relief. By increasing hydration, removing excess water, and calming inflammation, your eyes will appear more awake in minutes. Perfect before makeup, before a big event, or when you can’t sleep.
Tools and devices for circulation, lymphatic drainage and relaxation
These tools rely on movement and microstimulation to move fluids and reduce the causes of swelling. From gua sha and kansa wands to microcurrent and red light therapy, each can support lymphatic drainage, increase circulation, and help release stagnation in the skin caused by stress, sodium, or prolonged periods of stillness. Use consistently for maximum effectiveness.
This post was last updated on December 17, 2025 with new insights.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
