Yes, not drinking enough water can lead to temporary "chubby" or puffy cheeks because dehydration causes your body to retain fluid, resulting in bloating and swelling, especially noticeable in the face, while staying hydrated helps flush excess water and toxins. Other factors like high sodium intake, alcohol, refined carbs, and poor sleep also contribute to facial puffiness, but adequate hydration is key to preventing water retention and achieving a slimmer-looking face.
Signs your body is dehydrated will show up quickly in your face, especially around the eyes where the skin is thinner. Too much alcohol, not drinking enough water, and foods with a high sodium content contribute to face puffiness and eye puffiness.
If you become dehydrated parts of your body including your cheeks can become bloated and puffy. Make sure that you drink the daily recommended amount of water (6-8 full cups per day). An excess of alcohol can cause chubby cheeks via a build up of fat and increased water retention.
Common face swelling causes include: Allergic reactions, including hay fever, bee stings or food allergies. Drug reactions, including medication allergies and side effects. (Prednisone can cause facial swelling in some people, for example.)
Salty and processed foods: High sodium content leads to water retention, making your face look puffy. Alcohol: Dehydrates your body, causing fluid imbalance and swelling. Refined carbohydrates: White bread, pastries, and sugary snacks contribute to inflammation and bloating.
Excess fat in the cheeks is typically caused by a poor diet and a lack of exercise. Some medications and medical conditions can cause puffiness in the face, and some people never seem to lose the baby fat that causes chubby cheeks.
Start by making small changes to your diet. Cut out sugary drinks, processed foods, and refined carbs. Instead, focus on eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
How to Slim Down Cheeks Naturally and Medically – Worth Trying
Reduce your salt intake: Too much salt (sodium) can cause your body to retain fluid, which increases swelling. Try to eat less processed foods. Drink more water: When you're dehydrated, your body holds onto more fluid, leading to swelling. Make sure to drink plenty of water every day.
Loss of Collagen and Elastin : As we age, the production of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases, leading to sagging skin that starts to droop and lose volume. This causes the face to appear longer or more expanded, particularly around the jawline and chin area.
The myth of dewy skin
Unfortunately, downing extra liters won't automatically translate to having plump skin. “The main impact that hydration has on skin appearance is improved blood flow to the skin, delivering nutrients and oxygen to it as well as detoxifying the body,” Mraz explains.
A healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce overall fat, including in the face. Keep in mind, however, that you can't spot-reduce fat from specific areas of the body. Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential for your health and can be helpful if you're trying to reduce facial fat.
"Alcohol causes dehydration and inflammation, so when it's removed, the skin often looks less dull, less puffy and more even within just a few days to a couple of weeks," he says.
Here are seven strategies you can try to reduce facial bloating:
Water weight changes quickly — You might gain or lose 2 to 5 pounds in a day or two. Fat gain happens slowly, over time. Swelling is usually soft and even — Fluid retention tends to cause puffiness in the fingers, face, stomach, or ankles. Fat feels firmer and settles in areas like the hips, thighs, and belly.
Beyond genetics, lifestyle factors significantly impact facial fullness. Weight gain, influenced by dietary habits, alcohol intake, and hydration levels, can lead to increased fat deposition around the face and specifically within the buccal fat pads, resulting in noticeably fuller cheeks.
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.
Smiling can activate certain facial muscles, helping to tone the cheeks and jaw, but it's not a substitute for more targeted facial exercises or overall fat reduction.
And as we age, we naturally lose facial fat. "Our facial fat pads shrink, and our facial skeleton even shrinks, all of which leads to deflation and ultimately contributes to sagging as that internal support is diminished," said Kristy Hamilton, MD.
Water retention is one of the most common reasons faces appear fuller. Drinking too little water or consuming a diet high in salt can cause the body to hold onto fluid, especially around the face. Staying well-hydrated helps reduce puffiness and supports normal digestion, energy levels and skin health.
Is chubby cheeks attractive? Attractiveness is subjective; many people find chubby cheeks appealing as they can give a youthful and healthy appearance.
Weight gain is typically the cause of facial fat, and your diet plays a critical role. People who eat food with saturated fat and transfats tend to gain weight overall, and the face is no exception. Lack of an adequate amount of exercise can also lead to weight gain and fat deposits in the face.
Watermelon. This hydrating fruit is super low in calories and one of the best fruits that can help to get rid of excess water stored in the body and around the face.