“Cortisol Face,” a term gaining traction on social media, describes facial bloating and puffiness attributed to elevated cortisol levels. Cortisol, a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal gland, oscillates throughout the day, reacting to stress. While chronic stress poses health risks, including heart disease and diabetes, experts emphasize that everyday stress does not typically cause significant physical changes like “Cortisol Face.”
Professor Richard Ross explains, “Cortisol is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal gland. Any stress can cause an acute rise in your cortisol levels.” However, for healthy individuals, the body maintains hormonal balance naturally. Professor Lightman adds, “There is no such thing as ‘raised cortisol’ outside of clinical conditions.”
Cushing’s syndrome, an extremely rare condition affecting one in 40 to 70 million people, involves the body overproducing cortisol, leading to symptoms like facial puffiness. Abbas Kanani notes, “‘Cortisol Face’ can have different causes, not solely stress, including taking steroids and Cushing’s syndrome.” Most individuals experiencing facial bloating are unlikely to have this rare condition.
Kanani advises those with persistent facial bloating to seek medical advice: “If you’re experiencing repeated bloating and puffiness in the face, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis to determine the underlying cause.”
High salt intake can also contribute to facial puffiness by causing water retention. Vijay Murthy suggests, “Reducing your salt intake can decrease water retention while drinking plenty of water helps to flush out excess sodium and reduce bloating.” Ensuring adequate sleep and applying cold compresses or getting lymphatic drainage massages can also help reduce puffiness.
Murthy elaborates on the impact of prolonged cortisol elevation: “This can lead to a dysregulated pattern of cortisol release, with potential spikes and drops. Additionally, prolonged cortisol elevation suppresses the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and inflammation, which can also contribute to facial swelling.”
Despite the hype around “Cortisol Face,” the phenomenon is unlikely to affect most people. Everyday stress does not elevate cortisol levels enough to cause pronounced physical changes unless one experiences high levels of stress for prolonged periods. Kanani concludes, “‘Cortisol Face’ is unlikely to affect most people.”
Understanding the complexities of cortisol and its effects on the body highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. While social media trends can raise awareness about health issues, consulting qualified professionals remains essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Parts of this article has been sourced by Healthline and fact-checked by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.
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