Is Stress To Blame For Your ‘Cortisol Face’? Here’s What Experts Say

Social media is always brimming with new trends and the latest example is ‘Cortisol face’ or ‘moon face.’ Cortisol Face is generally characterised by face swelling and bloating, resulting in a round, puffy appearance. Now several social media influencers and TikTok users are attributing this condition to high levels of stress. Creators are actively sharing their personal recommendations on managing stress and reducing this puffiness, while many others are documenting their journeys to showcase visible changes in their appearance.

What is Cortisol Face or Moon Face?

While this mass diagnosis trend has taken over the internet, many people are associating the symptoms associated with ‘cortisol face’ with Cushing Syndrome. It is a rare condition that is characterised by excessive cortisol production. However, many health experts suggest that everyday stress is unlikely to cause such extreme physical changes.

Dr Vijay Murthy, PhD, a leading functional medicine doctor and co-founder of Murthy Health, told Healthline, that the notion of ‘cortisol face’ affecting everyone under stress is a misconception.

He explained that facial swelling is typically associated with more serious endocrine disorders than common stress.

“While chronic high cortisol levels can lead to facial swelling, this is usually seen in more severe endocrine disorders rather than in the everyday stress most people experience,” he explained.

Dr Murthy further noted that significant medical conditions are usually necessary for such drastic facial changes.

“Chronic high cortisol levels can lead to facial changes, but such pronounced effects are not commonly seen outside of significant medical conditions. In most cases, everyday stress does not elevate cortisol to the levels needed to produce such a dramatic physical change,” he said.

Treatments For Puffy Face

If you are experiencing puffy face, it is important to understand the underlying causes and explore treatment options. Factors contributing to a puffy face may include high salt intake, allergies, certain medications like steroids and medical conditions like hypothyroidism or kidney disease. Lack of sleep can also exacerbate facial swelling. Dr Murthy suggested reducing salt consumption and staying well-hydrated to combat water retention.

Abbas Kanani, superintendent pharmacist at Chemist Click told Healthline that applying a cold compress and getting lymphatic drainage massage can help reduce face swelling.

For persistent issues, it is best to recommend a medical professional to address the potential underlying conditions rather than relying solely on influencers whose suggestions may be misleading.