Why does lifting weights debloat me while cardio does otherwise?

I started heavy lifting since the start of 2025 for half a year and for the first time I finally saw my face toned (especially with tan) after I finally followed advice to up weights instead of doing lots of cardio.

Then I took a pause for 7months cuz of some stuff, did only cardio, stretching, dancing and my face and body started to bloat no matter how many HIITs I would do. I also had problems with breathing and thought cardio would help me. My face started looking round.

I bought weights last week, started the same program I used to do. Guess what happened? :) Debloated face, body started getting toned instantly and I even breathe WAY better and feel good. I stopped heavy breathing when going uphills for the first time in 7months (considering I did lots of cardio and it didn't help).

Is there some science behind it?