Yes, drinking plenty of water helps reduce moon face (facial puffiness) by flushing out excess sodium and preventing the body from retaining fluids, but it's most effective alongside other steps like reducing salt, getting good sleep, managing stress, and addressing the root cause, such as stopping corticosteroids, note Healthline, CNET, Verywell Health, Cleveland Clinic, Banner Health, Health.com, My Crohn's and Colitis Team, WebMD, Medical News Today, Healthline, YouTube, body+soul and Healthians.
Although there's no quick way to get rid of moon face and you can't prevent it, you can take some steps to reduce facial swelling. Steroids can cause water retention (fluid buildup). Eating high amounts of salt can make water retention worse, and consuming less salt can decrease it.
Sometimes the solution to puffiness or swelling is more water. When you're dehydrated, your body's cells and tissues absorb water and hold onto it. This may lead to puffiness. As you drink up, the cells release the stored-up water and help the swelling subside.
The quickest thing to do is to cool your face down. This helps constrict blood vessels and reduce the puffiness. I always keep sheet masks in the fridge and I'll wear one of those for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also do an ice roller or even just a cold spoon from the freezer.
Moon face occurs due to fluid retention, fat redistribution, or hormonal imbalances, often linked to endocrine or metabolic disorders. Identifying the cause early can help manage symptoms and prevent further complications.
How To Reduce Cortisol Face
If the weight fluctuation is very rapid (for example, a weight increase of 1-3 kg from one day to the next), it's definitely water, because fat doesn't accumulate that quickly! If it's water retention, swelling is often localized, manifesting as puffiness in the legs, ankles, hands, and abdomen.
Avoid salty and processed foods, as they cause water retention. Get enough sleep and reduce alcohol intake, which can also lead to facial bloating. You may gently massage your face or use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Eating fruits like watermelon and cucumber can also help due to their high water content.
You may simply have a genetic pre-disposition to store more fat in your face and buccal fat pads. Additionally, many people are simply born with a naturally larger or thicker buccal fat pads. This fat storage isn't always evenly distributed either – you may have larger buccal fat pads but have a slim body.
Drink more water
Drinking more water each day can help reduce facial puffiness and support overall weight loss. Aim to drink around 1.5 litres of extra water daily, ideally 30 minutes before meals.
However, if you suspect you may be overhydrated, look for symptoms like cloudy thinking, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, spasms or cramps and headaches. In severe cases symptoms could include mental confusion, seizures, unconsciousness and even coma.
Not only does the roller help to encourage lymphatic drainage, but the cold temperature helps to constrict the blood vessels and further reduce puffiness.
The term "moon face" is commonly associated with conditions that cause an imbalance in the body's hormonal or metabolic processes. In most cases, the condition is reversible with appropriate treatment of the underlying cause.
This distortion makes closer body parts look disproportionately larger, contributing to the idea that “the camera adds weight.” For example, a standard smartphone lens with a focal length of 24mm can distort facial features by up to 30%, depending on how close the subject is.
Too much cortisol can cause side effects such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. Some foods may lower cortisol levels or manage its side effects. To help balance your cortisol levels, try avocados, fermented foods, bananas, dark chocolate, and spinach.
More care about your sleep
Getting more sleep is an important overall weight loss strategy. It can also help you lose face fat. Lack of sleep can cause an increase in cortisol levels, a stress hormone that comes with a long list of potential negative effects, including weight gain.
A slim face with pronounced contours makes you look much more attractive than a chubby face. So, you should consult professionals on weight management and facial aesthetics if you want to get rid of your chubby cheeks and double chin. They can give you a slimmer face with no side effects.
Alcohol, caffeine, and sodium can all dehydrate you and lead to a buildup of puffiness in your face, especially overnight. They do so by causing your body to hold on more desperately to the water reserves it already has. This fluid retention interacts with your blood vessels to make your face look red and puffy.
“Carbs such as bread, white rice, and pasta retain water,” Cruise says. “Try to cut down on carbs and your bloat will likely diminish.” Replace carbs with good fats, like avocado and coconut oil, and avoid trans fats. “Eating a low-carb diet flushes out water by reducing inflammation and glycogen levels,” says Dean.
How to get rid of water weight
At 22% body fat, men often have a softer midsection, less muscle definition, and a healthy but not overly lean look, while women typically appear athletic and toned, with some ab definition visible when flexing and definition in arms and legs, sitting in the "fitness" or "average" range for both genders, though visual appearance varies by individual.
Symptoms of Hypervolemia