What is cortisol
Cortisol, a hormone that is activated in stressful situationscan influence various bodily functions when released in excess, especially in those experiencing chronic stress.
This phenomenon has captured the attention of millions of people on social networks, with comparisons of before and after they show the visible effects of this hormone on the face.
Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys, and its main function is to help the body react to risky or dangerous situations. When faced with stress, the brain sends signals for the body to prepare, increasing heart rate, blood pressure and releasing cortisol.
When the stress level drops, the hormone decreases and the body returns to its normal state. However, In situations of chronic stress, cortisol remains elevatedwhich can affect different systems in the body, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and even cognitive function.
Accumulated stress
Among its most visible physical manifestations is “cortisol face”, a face with swelling, redness and a tendency to develop acne due to overproduction of sebum and inflammation of the skin.
This effect is similar to a swelling that resembles a doll or an inflated face, something that chronic stress sufferers have begun to document online. The “cortisol face” has gained attention on platforms like TikTok, where users show how their faces change dramatically when they manage to reduce stress and balance their hormone levels.
Are there adequate levels of cortisol?
Its levels vary throughout the day. “They follow a circadian rhythm similar to that of wakefulness and sleep: in the morning they are higher, from 5 to 25 micrograms per deciliter, and at night they decrease. To detect the levels, you must perform a morning blood test and complement it with urine studies for 24 hours,” explains Molina.
It is as harmful to have it high as it is low. “High cortisol can swell the face, alter metabolism and promote the accumulation of facial fat. In addition, for many people, stress leads them to overeat or consume low-nutritious foods that also affect fat accumulation. “Insufficient levels cause extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, low appetite, low blood pressure and, in some cases, hyperpigmentation,” adds Galofré.
Keys to keep it stable
“To combat acne, puffiness, facial oil or dryness related to excess cortisol It is important to take care of your skin, follow a balanced diet, practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, and visit a dermatologist as soon as the first symptoms appear. Among the stress-reducing foods and their effects on the body, I recommend those rich in tryptophan, which increase the production of serotonin; complex carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugar levels and magnesium, vitamin C and omega 3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation,” describes Galofré.
Nutritionist Claudia Benavente points out that “it is important to avoid sugars, saturated fats and processed foods because they contribute to hormonal imbalance. We can reduce the effects of stress with regular exercise, adequate sleep and good hydration.. Physical exercise helps reduce cortisol levels, promotes the release of endorphins and improves mood. In addition, it contributes to maintaining healthier skin and reducing inflammation.”
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