Why is my face puffy even though I'm skinny?

Author: Deja Greenfelder  |  Last update: Friday, December 19, 2025

Moon face is a condition that causes a round, puffy-looking face due to an accumulation of fat deposits on the sides of the face. It is not a disease, but it can be a symptom of a medical condition or a result of taking certain medications like glucocorticoids.

Why am I skinny but my face is puffy?

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.

What deficiency causes a puffy face?

Thyroid hormone helps break down sugar molecules in your body. If you don't have enough thyroid hormone, the sugar molecules may build up in your skin. Sugar molecules attract water, which your body retains, causing your face to swell.

How do I get rid of face fat even though I'm skinny?

Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help you burn calories and reduce overall body fat. Some exercises, such as facial exercises, may also help tone your facial muscles and reduce face fat. Try exercises such as cheek lifts, jaw movements, and lip pulls, which can help strengthen your facial muscles.

Why am I getting fat only on my face?

Lack of Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to weight gain, affecting the face. If you don't exercise, insufficient calories are being burnt to offset your food intake, and fat deposition results. Water Retention: This condition is often caused by high sodium (salt) intake, leading to facial puffiness.

The #1 Reason for a PUFFY and BLOATED Face (How to Fix it)

How to get slim face in 3 days?

Reducing alcohol consumption, getting plenty of sleep, staying hydrated, and limiting salt intake are a few simple ways to reduce swelling and fluid retention, which may make the face appear slimmer.

Why am I gaining face fat but not body fat?

Your genes play a role in where your body stores most of its fat. Some people are genetically predisposed to having fat deposits build up in their cheeks instead of anywhere else. That's why when you gain weight, your face might start getting fuller but not the rest of your body.

Why am I skinny with a chubby face?

If you have a slim body but still experience chubby cheeks, it could be due to large buccal fat pads in your cheeks. These are located between the facial muscles beneath the cheekbones and are often consistent in volume throughout life.

How can I slim down my face only?

How to lose face fat
  1. Try facial exercises. Some small studies on facial exercises suggest they can tone facial features, potentially making your face look slimmer. ...
  2. Increase your cardio and strength training. ...
  3. Reduce alcohol intake. ...
  4. Be smart about carbs. ...
  5. Get enough sleep. ...
  6. Monitor your sodium intake.

Can chewing gum reduce face fat?

The answer to 'does chewing gum reduce face fat' would be no. Chewing gum does not reduce face fat. It is a popularised myth that chewing gum reduces face fat. The simple fact is that you cannot reduce fat from one spot.

What organ causes puffy face?

Your face can get a rounded, “moon-faced” swollen look from this rare condition. It happens when your adrenal glands make too much of the “stress hormone” cortisol for too long. You might also have more fat around your belly and neck, weaker muscles, and purplish bruises or stretch marks.

What does cortisol face look like?

“Cortisol face” isn't an official diagnosis

It's a combination of fat accumulation and soft issue swelling, associated with thinning of the skin. All of this can lead to a more round-looking, puffy face with pinker cheeks.

What are the facial signs of B12 deficiency?

The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].

Why is only my face puffy?

A swollen or bloated face has many causes, including allergies, injuries and infections. It's also a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Most cases of facial swelling require treatment — but the type of treatment depends on the cause.

How to reverse pcos moon face?

You can reduce how much your face swells by:
  1. Reducing salt intake: Salt increases fluid retention.
  2. Drinking more water: Poor hydration makes your body hold onto fluid.
  3. Getting adequate sleep: A lack of sleep can cause inflammation which can lead to facial swelling.

When do you start seeing weight loss in your face?

For a weight change to show up on your face, you'd need to change your BMI by 1.33 points, the study found. That means a woman and man of average height would need to gain or lose eight pounds and nine pounds, respectively.

Why am I gaining weight in my face?

As with our bodies, putting weight on in our faces is a result of a build-up of fat deposits. This excess fat is usually caused by overall weight gain, which is typically linked to one or more of these factors – poor diet, lack of exercise, ageing or genetic conditions.

What to eat to lose face fat?

Cut out sugary drinks, processed foods, and refined carbs. Instead, focus on eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. These healthy food choices will help to boost your metabolism and promote weight loss. Incorporate some cardio into your routine.

Is a chubby face attractive?

Facial fat significantly impacts facial attractiveness, as it can alter the shape and contours of the face, leading to a less defined appearance. Weight gain can result in a puffier face with rounded features and a less prominent jawline, while weight loss can enhance facial angles and create a more sculpted look.

Why am I skinny but I have a double chin?

People are prone to carrying their weight in certain areas of their bodies. Some of us carry extra fat around our waistline, while others instantly gain weight in their thighs. If you have a double chin despite being skinny, your body just happens to genetically store extra fat around the jawline.

Does drinking water reduce face fat?

When your body is dehydrated, it tends to retain water, which can make your face look bloated or swollen. Staying hydrated helps flush out excess sodium and reduces water retention, which makes your face appear slimmer. It also supports proper metabolism and digestion, aiding in overall fat loss.

Why is my face so big but I'm skinny?

People with imbalanced diets and irregular lives may store fat in their faces despite sporting a skinny build. Certain foods, especially those containing refined carbs, can be at fault for a puffy face. Examples include pasta, rice, white bread, sugary drinks, syrups, and cereals.

What causes a moon face?

It happens when excess body fat or fluid makes a person's face appear very round. It can result from hormonal changes, steroid use, or weight gain. One common cause of moon face is the use of certain medications, including the steroid prednisone. Other causes include Cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism, and weight gain.

How to get slim face in 2 days?

Get 7-9 hours of sleep and drink 8 glasses of water per day to effectively lose weight. Practice facial exercises to slim your face. For example, suck in your cheeks or say "X" and "O" 20 times each day. Talk to your doctor if your face is gaining weight rapidly.

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