The phenomenon of ‘cortisol face’ causes a stir on social networks
In recent months, TikTok has been the scene of a viral trend about “cortisol face”which associate the stress with noticeable changes in the face.
Under hashtags like “cortisol face”, “moon face” or “cortisol face before and after”, millions of users share videos showing facial transformations, claiming that puffiness and roundness of the face They can be reversed with practices such as facial yoga, hydration, or jade stone massages.
With phrases like “You’re not ugly, you just have a cortisol face.”many influencers popularize a term that describes the effect of chronic stress on facial appearance. However, Doctors and specialists warn about lack of medical evidence and the need to better understand this phenomenon, in which various factors intervene.
Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, affects metabolism, inflammation and skin health (Illustrative Image Infobae)
He cortisol It is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which the body releases in situations of stress or low levels of glucocorticoids in the blood.
Among its main functions, cortisol regulates metabolism, controls inflammation and maintains blood pressure. Although their role in stressful situations is essential to provide the necessary energy in times of emergency, elevated and prolonged levels of cortisol can have harmful effects.
Experts agree that chronic cortisol can lead to the accumulation of fat on the face, abdomen and neck, in addition to causing acne and a collagen loss that accelerates facial aging.
Actress and comedian Amy Schumer said that she has Cushing’s syndrome, to raise awareness about the importance of not giving opinions about body changes
Despite the popularity of the term “cortisol face”specialists warn that cortisol is not the only one responsible for facial swelling.
consulted by Infobaethe clinical doctor Ramiro Heredia (MN 117.882) of the Department of Internal Medicine of the Hospital de Clínicas, explained that “the chronic increase in cortisol generates a condition called hypercortisolism, which may be due to greater production by the adrenal glands – which is the main production factory. this hormone from the body – as well as the consumption of exogenous corticosteroids.
The doctor specializing in aesthetic medicine Eva Fischer (MN 183,318), specified that excess of this hormone can decrease collagen fibersaltering the structure of the skin and generating sagging. This, together with the constant tension caused by stress, can accentuate expression lines and produce fluid retention, visible in areas such as the eyelids and around the eyes.
On social media, the term “cortisol face” describes a face swollen by high levels of stress (Freepik)
This year, the American comedian Amy Schumer revealed that he has exogenous Cushing’s syndrome, caused by receiving steroid injections. In an interview, she said that she shared her diagnosis to promote health and body positivity in women. “Shame and criticism of our bodies constantly changing is something I have dealt with and witnessed for a long time,” he explained.
At this point, the dermatologist Rajani Kattaof the Baylor College of Medicine, de Houstonstressed that this disease is one of the few medical conditions in which elevated cortisol causes extreme swelling.
This leads – as Heredia detailed – to different changes in the body that define what is called the Cushing’s syndrome: a change in the distribution of body fat, an increase in water and salt content in the body (hydrosaline retention) and one of the phenotypic characteristics of this syndrome is edema facialknown as “full moon face” or “corticosteroid face.”
A diet high in sodium and ultra-processed foods is a common factor in facial swelling, experts explain (Getty)
Facial puffiness is not always linked exclusively to cortisol; Other elements can also contribute for this purpose. In fact, Heredia clarified that “it is not enough (for these levels of swelling to occur) with the momentary increase in cortisol values as a result of chronic stress, but rather there must be other causes “which generates an increase in cortisol.”
According to the dermatologist Ana Molinathe fluid retention It is a common cause of inflammation in the face and can be due to factors such as high salt consumptionhe insomnia o certain medicationsand even health conditions such as hypothyroidism.
Likewise, a diet high in sugars and ultra-processed carbohydrates impacts the skin through a process called glycation, which damages collagen and elastin proteins, increasing the chances of less firm skin and more prone to wrinkles.
According to Fischer, “both chronic stress and excessive sun exposure are critical factors that accelerate premature aging and increase sagging and dryness of the skin.”
Practicing yoga, meditation and having a balanced diet helps keep cortisol levels stable (Illustrative image Infobae)
Experts suggest that reduce cortisol levels can help minimize its visible effects on the skin.
They recommend incorporate anti-inflammatory foods and rich in tryptophan, such as complex carbohydrates and magnesium, which help regulate blood sugar and improve serotonin production, reducing the impact of stress on the body.
For his part, Fischer advised wellness practices such as meditation and introspection to reduce stress, prioritizing “a profound change inside” which is reflected in healthier skin.
Finally, the Spanish cosmetologist Rachel Gonzalez also suggested the use of soothing cosmetics, such as those containing niacinamide, and facial massagewhich helps decongest the face, promoting better circulation and a smoother and more rejuvenated appearance.
