Online meetings has helped us in so many ways, some of them wonderful and some not so pleasant. On the negative side of the equation: Giving us the impression that we have more “face fat” than we did, as the internet puts it. If it’s concerning you, we encourage you to look farther than the camera on your phone or computer, which may not be reflecting reality.
In a report published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, a group of dermatologists defined the issue of device-adjusted self-image as “Zoom dysmorphia.”
In other words, Zoom—and other technology used with front-facing cameras—can make you appear different than you are. The study goes on to add that what’s strange about all of this is that Zoom dysmorphia may be motivating people to seek cosmetic operations to modify their appearance.
In other words, Zoom—and other technology used with front-facing cameras—can make you appear different than you are. The study goes on to add that what’s strange about all of this is that Zoom dysmorphia may be motivating people to seek cosmetic operations to modify their appearance.
There’s no need to go on that extreme level. Even if you have fat on your face, there are certain things you can do that help to not go under the knife or the needle.
Unfortunately, targeted facial weight loss does not exist. “As much as it would be great to be able to pick and choose where we lose weight, it isn’t possible,” says Nicole Avena, Ph.D., a nutrition and dieting expert and neurology professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
So, while you can’t really cut weight in your face, there are a few things you can do to expose your facial structure. Here are some of them.So, while you can’t really cut weight in your face, there are a few things you can do to expose your facial structure. Here are some of them.
Reduce the consumption of salt to prevent facial puffiness
“Water is attracted to sodium like a magnet,” says Melissa Majumdar, R.D., Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesman. “Whenever we consume foods high in sodium, we retain more water, which can cause bloating and puffiness.”
Majumdar advises cutting back on processed meals (yes, that includes bacon) and increasing the consumption of potassium to balance out your electrolytes.
“Adding in more fresh foods like produce can accomplish both the short-term goal of less puffiness and the long-term goal of weight loss,” Majumdar explains. She points out that “most fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium.” Legumes are high in protein, so eat lentils, pinto beans, and kidney beans.
Embrace Sobriety: Make friends with the non-alcoholic drink for at least part of the night
If your face appears puffy in the morning after a few drinks, this is because alcohol dehydrates the body, causing your skin to retain as much water as possible.
Drinking less alcohol and drinking more water can both help. Remember that reducing alcohol intake doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. Some fantastic non-alcoholic beers demonstrate this nicely.
Let your facial hair grow out
According to Jaimie DeRosa, M.D., a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder and head facial plastic surgeon of DeRosa Centre Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Boston and Palm Beach, trying the scruffy style can be an easy approach to disguise problematic face fat. Growing facial hair “can help better define the jawline from the neck,” she claims. “It also helps to make the chin appear stronger.”
Consider your face shape when getting a haircut
A simple haircut adjustment can have a tremendous effect on your facial shape and appearance. “In general, haircuts that keep the sides of the hair short with more height and/or fullness on top will help ‘pull’ the face up and make it look less full,” explains Dr. De Rosa.
Glamour Glasses: Enhance Your Look with the Right Eyewear
The appropriate eyewear can draw attention to or hide specific elements of your face.
“If your face is more square-shaped, wearing a round frame will help soften your angular features, and wearing a more oval frame will help soften the squareness of the face,” Dr. DeRosa explains. “For a more rounded face, choose a frame that is bold and angular, which will help to better define the face and draw attention away from fullness.”
Consult a medical professional
If modifying your diet and trying everything did not help, you should consider getting a check-up. Allergies, a bacterial skin infection known as cellulitis, or a sinus infection will not cause weight gain in your face, but they can all produce facial edoema and are all treatable.