Miyeon of the K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE has revealed her personal morning routine for managing facial puffiness.
Appearing on the YouTube channel 117 – Sungchan's Eterview, Miyeon walked viewers through her daily de-puffing habits. "I tend to get quite puffy, so I drink red bean tea every single morning," she shared, adding that her preferred tea blend also incorporates Job's tears, beet, and burdock root. On days when swelling is particularly severe, she hooks rubber bands around her ears, drinks green tea sweetened with sugar, and performs a gua sha facial massage.
Known throughout the industry for her exceptionally small face and defined jawline, Miyeon explained that maintaining her sharp V-line requires consistent daily effort. Facial puffiness generally occurs when the body's fluid balance is disrupted by high sodium intake, sleep deprivation, or hormonal fluctuations. While no single method can permanently reduce face size, managing daily habits can effectively minimize temporary swelling.
Meanwhile, (G)I-DLE has built a strong global following through a string of hit singles including "Latata," "Tomboy," "Nxde," and "Queencard" since their 2018 debut. The group recently made a comeback with their ninth mini-album, We made, and is actively promoting the title track "Gimme Dat Love."
The Core Routine: Daily Red Bean Tea
The centerpiece of Miyeon’s anti-puffiness routine is red bean tea. Depending on the blend, it is often combined with Job's tears, beet, and burdock root.
Red beans are widely recognized for fluid management due to their high potassium content. Potassium is a key mineral that promotes the excretion of excess sodium, helping restore the body’s fluid balance after consuming salty foods. Red beans are also rich in dietary fiber, supporting gut health and regular bowel movements.
Similarly, Job's tears provide dietary fiber to assist with fluid regulation, beets contain potent antioxidants that support vascular health, and burdock root contains fiber that aids in waste elimination.
However, drinking red bean tea does not yield instant results or shrink facial structure. Managing puffiness is most effective when paired with adequate hydration, a low-sodium diet, and a balanced daily routine.
Hooking Rubber Bands Around the Ears: Does It Work?
On days with severe swelling, Miyeon places rubber bands around her ears—a technique also popularized by actors Myung Se-bin and Go Jun-hee. The underlying theory is that light pressure around the ears stimulates facial circulation and encourages lymphatic drainage.
In practice, gentle massage or mild stimulation around the ears can temporarily relieve the sensation of tightness or swelling. However, there is limited scientific evidence proving that wearing rubber bands directly reduces facial fluid retention. Furthermore, wearing tight bands for prolonged periods can cause ear pain or skin irritation.
Green Tea with Sugar: Myth vs. Reality
Green tea can be a beneficial addition to a de-puffing routine. The caffeine in green tea acts as a mild diuretic to aid water excretion, while catechins—powerful antioxidant compounds—support blood circulation and cardiovascular health.
However, adding sugar does not accelerate fluid loss. While sugar helps cut green tea’s natural bitterness, unsweetened green tea remains the superior choice for managing puffiness and avoiding unnecessary calorie intake.
Gua Sha Massage: Temporary Relief, Not Permanent Reshaping
Gua sha massage is another staple in Miyeon's regimen and a popular technique among celebrities. The practice involves gently scraping a smooth tool over the skin to promote facial blood and lymphatic flow while releasing muscle tension.
When performed on a puffy face in the morning, gua sha can help drain trapped fluid, making facial contours appear temporarily more defined. Nevertheless, gua sha does not eliminate facial fat or permanently alter bone structure. Applying excessive pressure can also lead to bruising and skin inflammation.
