Is 'cortisol face' real? Doctors sound off on TikTok's latest trend
Have you noticed your face looking swollen or slightly bloated lately? Don't freak—there are many reasons this can happen, and the effects are usually temporary. But if you've spent any time on TikTok lately, you may be convinced that you have what influencers are calling 'cortisol face'.
Cortisol...what? In a nutshell, the phrase refers to a phenomenon that supposedly occurs when levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the body in response to stress, are elevated for an extended period of time, says double board-certified endocrinologist Caroline Messer, MD. 'The theory goes that these high cortisol levels can cause fat deposits in the face, leading to a fuller appearance,' Dr. Messer adds.
In recent months, TikTok has been flooded with videos claiming cortisol face is an epidemic, but our experts say there's more to this story. Much more. Read ahead to get the full truth.
Meet the experts: Caroline Messer, MD, is a double board-certified endocrinologist and founder of Well by Messer. Molly McBride, MD, is an obstetrician-gynaecologist (OBGYN) at PFRANKMD. Sean Alemi, MD, FACS, is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, is a cosmetic dermatologist and founder of PFRANKMD.
First, what is cortisol?
'Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone" is produced by the adrenal glands', says Molly McBride, MD, an obstetrician-gynaecologist (OBGYN) at PFRANKMD. 'It plays a role in the body's response to stress, metabolism, and immunity.' While the term 'stress hormone' has a decidedly negative connotation, board-certified facial plastic surgeon Sean Alemi, MD, FACS, assures that cortisol is actually an essential element for many normal bodily functions.
'While stress triggers cortisol levels to rise, this isn't necessarily a bad thing—increased cortisol during a stressful event actually helps you stay alert by increasing blood sugar and enhancing your brain's utilisation of glucose', he says. 'So, while cortisol often gets a bad rep, it's only problematic when it remains high for a very long period of time'.
What is cortisol face?
To be clear, 'cortisol face' is not an official medical term, and it's not nearly as common as social media would have you believe. 'While high cortisol levels can be a factor in facial puffiness, it's often temporary and everyday stress does not raise your cortisol levels enough to cause significant facial swelling'. Dr. McBride says. So, while controlling your overall stress levels through meditation or exercise is very important for overall health—and can certainly make you look and feel more refreshed—it's not the main culprit of your swollen face.
The truth is, other factors are more likely culprits of fullness. 'An unhealthy diet, a lack of sleep, and not enough exercise more often lead to facial weight gain, which can masquerade as cortisol face', Dr. Messer says.
What actually does cause facial puffiness?
Turns out, there is real term for a chronically fuller-looking face: cushingoid face or 'moon face.' It's mostly associated with Cushing syndrome, a hormonal disorder that can result in weight gain, inflammation, and significant facial swelling. 'This is a rare medical condition that requires a diagnosis, and can be caused by taking large doses of steroid medications or benign tumors that are secreting steroid hormones', Dr. Alemi adds.
Aside from this official diagnosis, there are a variety of lifestyle factors that can also give the illusion of a fuller face, including lack of sleep, medications, and poor diet, according to cosmetic dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, MD. Dr. Alemi adds that ultra-processed and sugary foods and drinks (like alcohol) can also cause the face to temporarily swell, so it's important to keep an eye on your diet if this is a common issue for you. 'If you are noticing a puffier face, get more sleep, drink more water, and try a healthy diet of protein and vegetables', says Dr. McBride. 'If your symptoms are persistent, seek medical advice to rule out a more serious issue'.
Can I lower my cortisol levels?
Of course, but again, don't expect it to change the shape of your face. Some proven ways to regular your levels: 'Eat well, sleep well, meditate and exercise', says Dr. Frank. If you regularly work out, you can also try implementing stress-relieving, low-cortisol workouts into your routine, such as walking, swimming, yoga, Pilates, and barre are all examples of the types of exercise that can do that trick and are easier on the joints and muscles.
The bottom line: being able to tell if a fuller, rounder face is a side effect of cortisol isn't something you'd be able to discern just by looking at yourself, per Dr. Alemi—so stop listening to TikTok and go see your doctor if you truly feel like something may be off.
'If you feel that your face has become rounder-looking and swollen, but your body weight and body composition have otherwise remained stable, you should seek the advice of medical professionals to get at what's really causing your facial swelling', Dr Alemi says.
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