Actress Park Ji-hyun has revealed how she manages facial puffiness in her daily routine.
Park, who starred alongside Kim Go-eun in the Netflix series Two Women, earned a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress at the 54th International Emmy Awards—becoming the first Korean actress nominated in the category.
In a recent video on Marie Claire Korea’s YouTube channel, Park showcased the essentials she carries in her bag and described her anti-puffiness routine. “I used these this morning, too,” she said, pulling out a set of ear acupressure patches. She added that she also regularly drinks pumpkin-red bean tea.
Here is a look at the science behind Park’s methods and how effective they are.
Acupressure patches before filming: How do they work?
The first item Park highlighted was a set of ear acupressure patches. Calling them “an essential I always carry when filming,” she showed the sticker-like patches. “I studied which pressure points help reduce puffiness in different areas, and I apply them before filming to bring down swelling,” Park explained.
Ear acupressure patches use small raised bumps or metal beads to apply continuous pressure to specific points on the auricle. Based on auricular acupressure principles, this technique stimulates reflex zones on the ear to help manage pain, stress, and fluid balance. Users can also gently press the raised beads with their fingers for additional stimulation.
However, care is needed to prevent skin irritation. Leaving patches on for extended periods or pressing too hard can cause redness, itching, or localized pain. Individuals with sensitive skin or adhesive allergies should exercise caution and remove the patches if irritation occurs.
Pumpkin-red bean tea: Which nutrients combat swelling?
Along with acupressure patches, Park noted, “I’ve also been drinking pumpkin-red bean tea diligently.” Pumpkin and red beans are widely recognized in traditional health practices for reducing swelling, and teas combining the two are commercially popular.
Both pumpkin and red beans are rich in potassium, an essential mineral that regulates sodium balance and promotes sodium excretion through the kidneys. Consuming high-sodium foods causes the body to retain water, leading to temporary swelling in the face, hands, and feet. Getting adequate potassium helps offset this excess sodium.
However, the potassium concentration in pumpkin-red bean tea varies based on raw ingredients and brewing methods. Consumers should check product labels to ensure no added sugars or high-fructose corn syrups are present. Individuals with impaired kidney function, who must restrict potassium intake, should consult a healthcare provider before drinking it regularly.
Waking up with a puffy face: Daily habits to curb morning swelling
It is common to wake up with noticeable facial or eyelid swelling, particularly after eating high-sodium meals late at night or experiencing poor sleep.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, mild morning facial swelling occurs when gravity and reduced swallowing during sleep allow body fluids to pool in facial tissues. Disrupted sleep schedules—either too little or too much sleep—can exacerbate this fluid accumulation. The swelling typically subsides naturally as posture changes and movement increases throughout the morning.
Controlling sodium intake remains the most effective way to prevent puffiness. It is best to avoid high-sodium late-night options such as ramen, stews, or salted seafood. Elevating the head slightly with a supportive pillow while sleeping and applying a cold compress in the morning can also speed up fluid drainage.
If facial swelling persists or recurs frequently, it may stem from an underlying medical condition rather than temporary diet or sleep factors. Persistent swelling around the eyes, especially when accompanied by leg edema or foamy urine, can indicate impaired kidney function and warrants medical evaluation.
