Is Cortisol Face A Real Thing?

If you’re plugged into the wellness sphere, you’ll no doubt be familiar with cortisol. It’s the buzzword of the moment – especially on TikTok, where creators have been blaming a slew of health issues on the stress hormone. And where some are quick to pin acne and mood swings on unbalanced cortisol levels, others are fixating on the idea that it can bring on weight gain. This worry extends to the impact of stress on the face, aka: puffiness, or ‘cortisol face’. But is it really a thing? And should we worry about it?

The Truth About Cortisol Face

What Is Cortisol?

‘Cortisol, often dubbed the “stress hormone,” is like your body’s internal alarm system,’ explains Jane Ollis, medical biochemist, environmental scientist and founder of Mindspire. ‘Produced by the adrenal glands, it’s the biochemical equivalent of a morning cup of coffee. But it’s not just waking you up, it’s getting you ready to face a lion – or, in modern terms, that dreaded Monday meeting.’

Like any hormone, it’s important that we have a balance of cortisol to help our body carry out certain functions throughout the day. ‘Cortisol is vital for various bodily functions: it regulates metabolism, reduces inflammation, and assists with memory formulation,’ says Jane. It’s only when the stress gets too much that cortisol might need tamping down. ‘But, when it comes to chronic stress, cortisol can transform from your trusty sidekick to that annoying houseguest who overstays their welcome.’

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Are High Levels Of Cortisol Bad For You?

‘Imagine your body’s stress response as a relentless fire drill,’ Jane says. ‘Just like constant alarm bells disrupt your peace, chronic activation of the HPA axis leads to persistent cortisol secretion, disrupting bodily functions.’

Inflammation is one of the main side effects of high cortisol levels. As our expert explains:

• Immune System: Cortisol moderates the immune system like a vigilant bouncer, preventing excessive responses. Yet prolonged high levels can render it ineffective, leaving the body vulnerable to inflammation.
• Pro-inflammatory Cytokines: Elevated cortisol triggers pro-inflammatory cytokines, intensifying chronic inflammation linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. It’s akin to managing unruly teenagers at a party – they stir up trouble that’s hard to calm.
• Metabolic Impact: Cortisol influences glucose metabolism, akin to a tempting slice of cake. Elevated levels can raise blood sugar and promote insulin resistance, exacerbating inflammation.

What Is Cortisol Face?

With inflammation comes some bodily changes – one of the biggest being, according to TikTok, weight gain. Cortisol face, also called ‘moon face’, refers to the facial puffiness associated with a change in hormones. Moon face, specifically, is when the  sides of your face become rounded from the buildup of fat, to the point where your ears can’t be seen from the front of your face. These fat deposits are thought to be the result of a high release of hormones, like cortisol.

Can Cortisol Make Your Face Puffy?

So, is cortisol really to blame? ‘While chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can contribute to systemic inflammation, there’s no solid scientific evidence linking cortisol specifically to a “puffy face,”‘ clears up Jane. ‘It seems “cortisol face” is more of a catchy phrase than a clinical diagnosis.’

Rather than remain hyper-focused on your cortisol levels, Jane recommends considering other natural factors. ‘Facial puffiness can result from various factors,’ she highlights. ‘Water retention, often caused by high sodium intake or dehydration, is a common culprit. A poor diet, particularly one high in processed foods and low in essential nutrients, can exacerbate inflammation and swelling. Lack of sleep disrupts the body’s fluid balance and can lead to a puffy appearance. Certain medical conditions, such as allergies, thyroid issues and sinus infections, can also cause facial swelling.’

But that’s not to say stress doesn’t play any role in making puffiness worse. ‘Stress can worsen these factors. For example, stress-induced poor sleep and unhealthy eating habits can increase the likelihood of facial puffiness,’ Jane explains. ‘Elevated cortisol levels from chronic stress might contribute to water retention and weight gain, which can sometimes appear as facial swelling. However, blaming cortisol alone is like blaming the last slice of pizza for your entire diet, it oversimplifies the issue and ignores other significant factors.’

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How To Tackle Inflammation

So, cortisol face debunked, how should we go about reducing inflammation? ‘To tackle facial puffiness and overall inflammation, a well-rounded approach to stress management is essential,’ recommends Jane. ‘This includes:

• Adequate sleep
• Balanced nutrition
• Regular physical activity
• Mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga

‘These habits help regulate cortisol levels and reduce its effects on the body.’

Is Cortisol Face A Real Thing?

Thankfully, no. ‘While cortisol plays a role in inflammation, particularly with chronic stress, the direct link to a “puffy face” is more fiction than fact,’ confirms Jane. ‘High cortisol can cause water retention and swelling, but factors like diet, allergies, and sleep quality are more likely causes of facial puffiness.’

Featured image: Gwendal Cottin, Unsplash