Some TikTok users have suggested that stress can cause facial swelling, but is it stress that’s causing it, or is there something else that could be causing it?
Cortisol face, which makes your face round and puffy, has gone viral on TikTok. Many users on the platform claim that it’s a noticeable side effect of high levels of cortisol, or the stress hormone, in the body. To prove their claim, TikTok users have been showing off photos of their “cortisol face” and less puffy “after” faces. When it comes to our bodies, cortisol has many functions. Regulating the stress response is one of its main functions. But is a puffy face the result of everyday stress, or is it just a misconception?
What is Cortisol Face?
The term “moon face” or “cortisol face” literally means a puffy or rounded appearance of facial features, says dermatologist Dr. Neha Khullana. There is no medical diagnosis called “cortisol face.” Rather, it is simply a symptom of physical changes to facial features caused by certain underlying conditions, such as Cushing’s syndrome, which can cause weight gain in the face.
Can everyday stress cause a cortisol facelift?
It’s partially true that cortisol face is related to stress levels: The main cause of this facial appearance is Cushing’s syndrome, which causes the body to produce too much of the hormone cortisol endogenously, says psychiatrist Dr Ashish Bansal.
Cushing’s syndrome is caused by long-term exposure to high levels of cortisol, a study has revealed. Statpearls However, the syndrome is rare, with an incidence rate of 1.8 to 3.2 cases per million people per year, according to a study published in 2010. Best Practices and Research Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism In 2021.
While everyday stress certainly raises cortisol levels in the body, this is temporary and doesn’t cause facial cortisol symptoms, says Dr. Bansal. High cortisol levels can cause fluid and sodium to accumulate in facial tissues, making the face look puffy, but these physical changes aren’t noticeable.
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There are other possible causes of Cushing’s syndrome.
- Pituitary adenomaThe proliferation of benign tumor cells in the pituitary gland leads to the production of high levels of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which increases the production of the hormone cortisol in the body.
- Adrenal tumorsAccording to Dr Bansal, the growth of benign tumours in one or both adrenal glands puts the body at risk for producing excess cortisol.
- Ectopic ACTH syndrome: Tumor growth outside the pituitary gland can occur in the lungs, resulting in more adrenocorticotropic hormone being produced, which stimulates the production of cortisol.
- CorticosteroidsLong-term use of corticosteroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone can increase the levels of cortisol in the blood. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat autoimmune diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
How can I get rid of facial swelling?
The main task is to find the cause of facial swelling.
1. Cushing’s syndrome
Treatments for Cushing’s syndrome include surgical intervention, radiation therapy, and medications to lower the blood cortisol levels, says Dr. Bansal. For tumor cell growth in the pituitary gland, surgery is performed through the nose, called transsphenoidal surgery. For cancer cell growth in one or both adrenal glands, the affected area or gland is removed through adrenalectomy. In certain conditions, mainly when surgery is not an option due to widespread tumor growth, radiation is administered to detect and kill the tumor cells. Certain medications, such as ketoconazole, metyrapone, and mifepristone, can be prescribed by a doctor. These stop the production of the cortisol hormone in the body or inhibit its action.
2. Lifestyle changes
Dr. Craana recommends eating a healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein. Limit your sodium intake, which can lead to water retention and facial puffiness. Also, exercise regularly to keep your weight in check, as high cortisol levels can contribute to being overweight.
3. Avoid drinking alcohol
Drink alcohol in moderation to prevent facial puffiness: Women who drink eight or more drinks a week are more likely to experience facial puffiness than other women, according to a study published in the journal Medical Journal. Journal of Clinical Cosmetic Dermatology 2019.
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4. Avoid inflammatory foods
Inflammation can cause swelling, which contributes to a puffy looking face. Reduce your intake of foods that can cause inflammation in the body. That list includes ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates.
5. Sleep well
Poor quality sleep can have a negative impact on your health. It can make you irritable and even cause facial inflammation. Dr. Bansal recommends getting seven to eight hours of sound sleep a night.
Everyday stress doesn’t cause a “cortisol face,” but stress hormones may contribute to facial swelling. Cushing’s syndrome may also be the cause, but this is rare.
