Can I fix my puffy, tired looking face (with photos)?

[Oldpuffyface]

I had some family photos done recently and it’s made me realise quite how haggard I’m looking. Main issues are the dark circles and general puffiness of my face (I’ve gained a few lbs recently but still a steady size 12 so not overweight) I’ve also developed these additional ridges on the top of my cheeks which really don’t add to my looks

Is there anything non invasive that can be done or do I have to learn to live with
It? I’m only 47 and definitely not ready for old age decline but not interested in injections or surgery! Name changed in case I’m recognisable!

I would say extra protein, lots of water, green veggies and niacinamide (the ordinary powder is fabulous, btw)

I get puffy dark under eyes if I drink alcohol

I also drink lots of diet drinks though but they don't seem to cause an issue for me - it's just the booze.

Try the Ordinary caffeine solution to reduce the puffiness that isn’t fat IYSWIM - it won’t make a drastic difference but will help a bit and is v cheap. Your skin is great, if I were you I wouldn’t do anything drastic but definitely look into massage.

Have a blood test to check your thyroid levels.
An under active thyroid can cause a puffy face, weight gain etc

You've hardly got any wrinkles at all and lovely smooth skin, so I don't think you should be trying to treat the puffiness with lotions and potions. As others have said cut out sugar, booze and gluten and you will see a big different I'm sure :)

your skin looks ace esp considering your age! Seriously, you look good.

Try a quartz dermaroller , they encourage lymphatic drainage - might help

Some lotions and potions do make a difference, though CeibaTree. I believe less is usually more myself, but by the time we’re in our forties a well-judged bit of skincare can pay dividends. Using caffeine on my eye area has made me look about 50% less tired than before, for peanuts and practically no effort. Cutting out alcohol, sugar and gluten is a big ask - I don’t drink, but you’ll take my pizza and chocolate from my cold dead hands

Quit the sugar and alcohol! And the smoking, obvs. I’ve never smoked but when I gave up alcohol and reduced my sugar intake it honestly took about 10 years of me (and I lost a stone). Get more fresh air too. Your skin looks gorgeous btw - really clear and youthful. The puffiness is probably just diet and lifestyle!

Off me, not of 🙄

I suggest face oil and avacados for skin fat/oil/health.

I looked gaunt after losing baby Weifht but using facial oil helped a lot.

Face roller and gua sha op. I swear by mine.

What about trying some lymphatic facial massage every evening? The method that Eve Lom recommends for her cleanser has always really helped my puffiness. The cleanser is way too spendy but you can still use the technique. I promise you that this works!

I get this from hormonal changes (start of period), allergies (dust/hayfever) and sinusitis

At the moment I have all 3! So I take a steri one, and also use caffeine eye cream and/or tea bags on my eye bags

Helps a bit

Doing exercise and getting my blood circulation helps de-puff A bit too

I never have it in the evening though, mainly when I wake up/morning

Does your puffiness subside during the day?

Steri one = ceterizine

Thank you all so much such great ideas (& glad to hear I'm not alone!). It's definitely worse first thing and does settle over the day but never goes away and I definitely look worse after alcohol or if I've not had much water. This is a biggie for me as I hadn't realised how little water and how many other diuretics I drink - a typical work day:
2 x proper coffee & 1 instant in the morning ,Diet Coke with
Lunch and a tea in the afternoon. Possibly a glass of squash with dinner or occasionally red wine. Water drunk = 1 glass

I've downloaded a water app to remind me (I'm not averse to water just never remember!) and bought a face oil for massage and will look at some of the video links for tutorials.