A "cortisol face," also known as "moon face," is characterized by facial swelling and bloating, resulting in a round, puffy appearance. While often attributed on social media to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, this connection isn't as straightforward as many believe.
Understanding the Claim
The claim circulating on platforms like TikTok suggests that excessive stress leads to increased cortisol, causing facial inflammation and the characteristic puffy look. This is partially true; high cortisol levels can contribute to facial swelling. However, many sources emphasize that this isn't the sole or even most common cause of a puffy face. A rounded face can also be a symptom of Cushing's syndrome, a condition involving prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol.
What Experts Say
Numerous medical professionals and articles dispute the widespread social media diagnosis of "cortisol face." While elevated cortisol can contribute to facial puffiness in some cases, it's often not the primary culprit. Other factors, such as fluid retention, allergies, and even genetics, can cause similar facial swelling.
Furthermore, while cortisol can increase oil production, leading to potential acne flare-ups, this is distinct from the overall puffy appearance associated with the term "cortisol face."
Symptoms and Contributing Factors
While a rounded face, puffy cheeks, and swollen eyes are often described as features of "cortisol face," these symptoms can stem from a multitude of causes. High cortisol levels from conditions like Cushing's syndrome are one such cause, but not the only one. Other possibilities include:
- Fluid retention: This can be caused by various factors, including diet and underlying medical conditions.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can lead to facial swelling.
- Genetics: Facial structure is partly determined by genetics.
- Medication side effects: Some medications can cause facial swelling as a side effect.
The Takeaway
The "cortisol face" trend highlights the importance of consulting medical professionals for accurate diagnosis and treatment. While elevated cortisol can contribute to facial puffiness in specific cases, attributing a puffy face solely to high cortisol based on social media trends is inaccurate and potentially misleading.
