Skincare Influencer Cassandra Bankson on the Three Types of Facial Puffiness, and How They Can be Treated

In a recent video titled “The 3 Types of Facial Puffiness & How To Treat It Like An Esthetician,” skincare educator and creator Cassandra Bankson shared a deeply personal and practical breakdown of a concern many people quietly struggle with: facial and under-eye puffiness. Bankson, who has been candid about stepping away from the internet during a difficult period of trauma and recovery, explained that facial puffiness is often misunderstood. “Not all facial puffiness is the same,” she noted, an insight that reframes how people think about swelling, under-eye bags, and facial fullness. Rather than offering a single solution, Banks outlined three distinct types of puffiness, each with different causes and treatment responses.

Facial puffiness is often amplified by emotional and physical stress

Bankson began by addressing the emotional layer behind facial changes. She described how stress, disrupted sleep, crying, hormonal shifts, and mental health struggles can intensify facial swelling. For many people, comments like “You look tired” can feel especially sharp during periods of vulnerability. According to Bankson, these emotional stressors don’t just affect mood; they show up physically on the face. This aligns with broader dermatological understanding that stress hormones such as cortisol can influence fluid retention, inflammation, and circulation, contributing to facial puffiness.

Type one: overnight or general facial puffiness

The first category Bankson identified is what she calls overnight facial puffiness. This type typically appears in the morning and affects the entire face. Common triggers include sleeping position, high sodium intake, poor fluid balance, hormonal fluctuations, and disrupted sleep. For this kind of puffiness, Bankson explained that lymphatic drainage and cold therapy can be particularly helpful. Gentle pressure and cooling can encourage fluid movement and reduce visible swelling. Importantly, she emphasised that this is often temporary and responsive to simple, consistent interventions rather than aggressive treatments.

Type two: temporary under-eye puffiness

The second type is targeted under-eye puffiness that occurs throughout the day. This differs from structural under-eye bags and is often related to fluid accumulation rather than skin laxity. Bankson shared that she has tested numerous topical products and found that many creams offer only short-lived results. Instead, she highlighted the effectiveness of under-eye patches that apply gentle mechanical pressure. This pressure helps drain fluid from the under-eye area, while active ingredients such as caffeine, niacinamide, peptides, and antioxidants can support skin tone and brightness.

She also discussed micro-dart or micro-infusion patches, which allow ingredients to penetrate more effectively without traditional needles. For Banks, these patches provided visible depuffing and brightness, particularly when worn overnight or after days of poor sleep or high salt intake.

Type three: structural or long-term puffiness

The third category Bankson addressed is longer-term puffiness caused by changes in skin structure. As collagen and elastin decline with age, weight fluctuations, or sun damage, the skin may lose its ability to retain underlying fat and fluid. This can lead to persistent under-eye bags, hooding, or sagging. For this type, Bankson discussed at-home laser devices that are FDA-cleared and designed to stimulate collagen by delivering controlled heat into the skin. She explained that these devices work by activating fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, thereby improving skin firmness over time.

She emphasised that these tools require consistency and are better suited to maintenance and gradual improvement rather than instant results. Banks also addressed concerns about radiofrequency treatments and fat loss, noting ongoing research and explaining why she currently prefers laser-based options for certain areas.

Cold therapy as a supportive tool, not a cure-all

Bankson also discussed cryotherapy tools, such as chilled face masks, which provide cooling without direct ice contact. She cautioned against using ice directly on the skin, especially when combined with salt-based products, due to the risk of tissue damage. When used correctly, cold masks can reduce swelling, improve circulation, and enhance the absorption of skincare products by limiting evaporation. For Bankson, these tools offer a middle-ground option; more effective than ice rollers but gentler than invasive procedures.

A broader message about care, not perfection

Beyond products and devices, Bankson’s video carried a broader message about self-compassion. She acknowledged that there are days when caring for oneself feels harder than others, and that tools and routines can serve as small anchors during recovery. Her approach reframes facial puffiness not as a flaw to fix, but as a signal; one influenced by sleep, stress, hormones, and emotional well-being. In doing so, Bankson encourages viewers to respond with understanding rather than self-criticism. As skincare conversations increasingly move away from quick fixes toward individualised care, her message reflects a growing shift: treating the face not in isolation, but as part of a whole, living system shaped by both biology and lived experience.