The Korean rubber band hack for a less puffy face, explained

If your eyes are the windows to your soul, could your ears be the secret to a less puffy face?

Facial puffiness, especially in the morning, is something most of us experience from time to time and can be caused by a number of factors, from overindulging in salty foods or alcohol to lack of sleep, staying up late, congestion and allergies. If you find yourself looking a little more swollen than usual ahead of an important shoot, presentation or occasion, this TikTok hack might be worth trying.

All you need is a pair of rubber bands. First popularised in Korea, the hack involves placing two rubber bands around your ears for about 10 to 15 minutes. The idea is that the gentle pressure around the ears may help stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, particularly around the preauricular and posterior auricular lymphatic areas, potentially helping to reduce the appearance of puffiness and excess fluid.

Just make sure the rubber bands aren’t too tight. Excessive pressure can cause discomfort, skin irritation and headaches, and may interfere with blood flow. If you experience pain, numbness, tingling or significant discomfort, remove them immediately.

The technique is loosely reminiscent of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices such as auriculotherapy and ear seeding, which involve applying pressure to specific points on the ear to stimulate local nerves and are based on the idea that different areas of the ear correspond to different parts of the body. However, the rubber-band hack itself is a beauty trend rather than an established medical treatment.

As with most quick-fix beauty hacks, think of this as something that may temporarily help with the appearance of puffiness rather than a long-term solution. For more sustained results, lifestyle habits such as moderating your salt intake, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep can help. You can also incorporate gentle lymphatic drainage facial massage into your routine.

And if you’re after a more defined-looking jawline, lifting and firming skincare can be another way to complement your routine. Here are some tried-and-tested favourites to add to your lineup:

Litology PDRN Hydrating Essence Toner, from $24.90

This lightweight essence toner features astaxanthin microcapsule technology and is infused with 3D-PDRN, peptides and purslane extract to help combat oxidative stress, hydrate and soothe the skin, and strengthen the skin barrier.

Dermalogica FutureCode Booster, $155

Inspired by the principles of biohacking, this formula is designed to support skin longevity by helping defend against stressors that can contribute to DNA damage. Its Longevity Renew Complex, a blend of teprenone, niacinamide and sunflower sprout extract, is said to support NAD+ levels, a molecule involved in cellular energy and repair processes that naturally decline with age. Firming tara fruit extract, red algae and soy protein help support skin firmness, while biomimetic phospholipids strengthen the skin barrier and enhance the absorption of active ingredients. Saccharide isomerate and hyaluronic acid provide an additional boost of hydration.

Re: Erth Firming Night Cream, $110

Powered by Deep Renewal Technology, this night cream combines nano-encapsulated retinal with the brand’s Lipodisq delivery system, which is designed to enhance retinal delivery by up to 10 times. Liposomal ceramides and niacinamide help support the skin barrier and replenish skin overnight, while retinal works to promote skin renewal.

Sekkisei BLUE Timeless Radiant Vitalizing Serum, from $108

Drawing on the Eastern philosophy of “Qi”, this serum combines Eastern botanicals, peptides and Japanese rice extract to help firm the skin and create the appearance of a plumper, more youthful-looking complexion.

Dolce & Gabbana Ever Youth Gold Peptides Cream, $255

This rich, balmy cream contains gold peptides, vegan PDRN and geranium extract to help improve skin resilience, bounce and moisture levels, leaving the complexion feeling supple and replenished.

Avène DermAbsolu Intensive Resculpting Night Cream, $114.70

Formulated with 1 per cent bakuchiol, 2 per cent pro-ceramides and 2 per cent niacinamide, this gel-cream melts into the skin to help redensify, resculpt, nourish and illuminate the complexion.

Elixir Total V Firming Cream, $145

The renewed formula features V Build CP EX and the brand’s trademarked Collagenerator technology, which targets “internal tension”, a factor the brand says can affect skin firmness, while supporting the production of proteoglycans.