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Your skin is always talking—and lately, the “cortisol face” trend has made one thing clear: when stress is high, it shows up. Puffy eyes in the morning are often the result of poor sleep, genetics, and changes in blood circulation and inflammation. But in reality, our body’s stress response is begging for attention. To help us rebrand bloat as an indicator of care and moderation, we turned to anti-bloat expert and speech therapist Joomee Song.
Joomee’s song
Esthetician, author, and CEO of Joomee Song Inc. and Faceworks Inc., a beauty specialist known for its KAIKA method of recording facial massage, which uses Japanese-made microcurrents for inner light.
The Stress-Skin Connection
Chronic stress and burnout disproportionately affect women—we carry more, and our bodies tend to express the burden. Puffy eyes, “cortisol face,” and bloating aren’t just aesthetic concerns; they are signs that something is wrong. When stress hormones rise, inflammation follows, and is clearly visible in the delicate skin around the eyes.
The good news? With deliberate practices like lymphatic drainage and a few techniques, science-backed products, you can support your body’s natural healing processes and reduce under-eye puffiness.
Lifestyle Causes of Watery Eyes
Nature is important. Puffy eyes can be caused by seasonal allergies, lack of sleep, dehydration, or even the weather where you live. In some cases, bloating may indicate an underlying health condition—such as a thyroid imbalance—so it’s worth paying attention to patterns.
The Diet-Skin Connection
Song often sees food playing an important role in under eye swelling.
He explains: “Too much salt causes your body to retain water, and the thin skin around your eyes is at greater risk. “Drinking too much alcohol also dehydrates the body, which can make your eyes puffy.”
Choosing foods that support fluid flow and digestion can make a noticeable difference.
“You should avoid salt, alcohol and anything that interferes with your digestive system, which often includes gluten, spices, dairy, and sugar,” he said. “Also, any medication that dehydrates your body can cause you to retain too much water in your face, so make sure you drink plenty of water.”
Ingredients for Soothing Puffy Eyes
There is no real “quick fix”—your body needs time to excrete excess fluid. But Song recommends including supplements that support circulation:
Both are known for their ability to stimulate blood flow in the capillaries, which helps reduce inflammation over time.
She also emphasizes avoiding anything that stings or irritates the skin, including alcohol, menthol, strong essential oils, retinoic acid, and ascorbic acid. When the skin barrier is disrupted, swelling and inflammation become worse.
Daily Habits That Help Prevent Puffy Eyes
To improve puffiness for a long time, you have to deal with its causes. While we may not be able to finish our jobs, children, or responsibilities, we it can be create daily habits that support the law—preventing the stress-sleep-inflammation cycle from continuing.
Lifestyle Ways to Reduce Stress
- Start the day with a basic or energizing breakfast plan
- Deliberately hydrate (think nightly and morning “sexy water” mocktails)
- Get some early morning sunlight—your circadian rhythm will thank you
- Move your body, even gently
- Combine the work of breathing
- Practice gratitude, writing, meditation, or prayer
- Prioritize sleep quality to support nocturnal adjustment
When your nervous system feels supported, your skin tends to follow.
Skin Care Habits to Reduce Puffiness
According to Song, the tools can be incredibly effective because they stimulate blood circulation and improve lymphatic flow – two important methods that help reduce drowning caused by stress, sodium, or silence.
“The most effective and affordable treatment for puffy eyes is to promote blood flow, which helps reduce fluid retention by bringing oxygen, detoxification, and reducing swelling and puffiness,” explains Song. “You can use your hands or whatever tools you like.”
Devices That Support Lymphatic Flow
- Good morning
- An ice roller
- Dry brush
- The plane of the body
- Microcurrent or red light
- Your hands (always!)
And yes—you can treat yourself to a spa moment.
“Bathing with warm water or jumping into a sauna to get some exercise will help reduce puffiness,” adds Song. Even a home culture can help your body to relieve stress and excess water.
When it comes to treating puffy eyes, the inside-out approach works best. These expert-backed products and tools help relieve inflammation, support lymphatic flow, and restore drainage—important steps in reducing inflammation in the delicate eye area. Whether you’re looking for instant rejuvenation or long-term results, these options are designed to meet you where you are.
Nourishing Eye Creams & Serums
Daily eye care can make a significant difference in preventing puffiness 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 firm. Think of them as your daily defense system.
Targeted Treatment for Under Eyes and Patches
In the mornings when you need a quick fix, these patches and masks deliver fast-acting hydration and cooling relief. By increasing moisture, removing excess fluid, and soothing inflammation, it helps your eyes look more awake in minutes. It’s perfect before makeup, big events, or sleep at any time it didn’t happen.
Instruments and Devices for Circulation, Lymphatic Flow and Assist
These tools rely on agitation and fluid resuscitation to move the fluid—reducing swelling in the well. From gua sha and kansa wands to microcurrent and red light therapy, each supports lymphatic drainage, increases blood circulation, and helps your skin release wrinkles caused by stress, sodium, or long periods of inactivity. Use them consistently for maximum impact.
This post was last updated on December 17, 2025, to include new information.