Skin Puffiness and ways to reduce it

By-Dr Sunil Kumar Prabhu, Consultant Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician, Aster RV Hospital

 Skin puffiness can be caused by various factors, and one common culprit is a high-sodium (salty) diet. When you consume too much salt, your body retains more water to balance out the sodium levels, which can lead to puffiness, especially around the eyes, face, and sometimes the hands or feet.

 How a salty diet contributes to skin puffiness:
• Water Retention: Salt causes the body to hold onto extra water. This excess fluid can build up in tissues, leading to swelling and puffiness in various areas of the body, including the face.
• Dehydration: Ironically, eating too much salt can also dehydrate the body. As the body tries to retain water to dilute the excess salt, the skin might look puffy due to water retention, and you might feel bloated overall.
• Inflammation: A diet high in sodium can also cause inflammation in the body, which may contribute to skin puffiness. Inflammatory responses can lead to fluid buildup, especially in more sensitive areas like under the eyes.

 To reduce puffiness caused by a salty diet:
Once you reduce salty diet and drink water, eat a balanced diet and eat less processed foods that may contain Sodium salts you should see improvement in approximately 2-4 weeks.

 Other causes of Skin puffiness
Skin puffiness can occur due to various factors other than a salty diet. Here are some common causes:
1. Allergies: Allergic reactions to certain foods, pollen, medications, or skincare products can lead to puffiness, especially around the eyes and face.
2. Fluid Retention: This can be caused by various factors like hormonal changes (such as during menstruation or pregnancy), dehydration, or kidney or heart conditions.
3. Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can cause fluid to accumulate under the eyes and lead to puffiness, often seen as bags under the eyes.
4. Inflammation: Conditions like dermatitis, eczema, or other inflammatory skin conditions can lead to swelling and puffiness.
5. Sinus Congestion: If your sinuses are congested due to a cold, allergies, or infection, you may experience puffiness, particularly around the nose, eyes, and cheeks.
6. Corticosteroid Use: Long-term use of corticosteroid medications (oral or topical) can cause fluid retention and puffiness, especially in the face.
7. Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can lead to puffiness, particularly around the eyes, due to fluid retention and reduced metabolism.
8. Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, can lead to dehydration followed by fluid retention, contributing to puffiness, especially in the face and eyes.
9. Poor Circulation: Inadequate blood flow can lead to fluid buildup, causing puffiness in certain areas of the skin, such as the legs, arms, or face.
10. Injury or Trauma: Any kind of injury, such as a bump or fall, can cause localized swelling and puffiness as part of the body’s natural healing process.
11. Age: As we age, the skin loses collagen and elasticity, which can cause the skin to sag and become more prone to puffiness due to weaker support structures.
12. Medications: Certain medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills, and blood pressure medications, may cause fluid retention as a side effect, leading to puffiness.