“Cortisol face,” also known as “moon face,” is a term that has gained immense popularity on social media recently and discusses the effects of stress on our physical appearance.
It primarily refers to facial swelling and puffiness that can occur when cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone, are consistently high.
While this condition can seem alarming, it's important to understand what causes it, how serious it is, and what you can do if you have aesthetic concerns related to it.
Understanding Cortisol and Its Role in the Body
Cortisol is a crucial hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including regulating blood sugar, controlling blood pressure, and reducing inflammation. Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” because it is released in higher amounts during periods of stress as part of the body’s fight, flight, or freeze response.
Under normal circumstances, cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning and gradually decreasing by night. However, when stress levels are consistently high, cortisol production can become excessive, leading to several physical effects, including changes in facial appearance.
How Cortisol Affects the Face
Cortisol face occurs when chronic high levels of cortisol lead to fat deposits accumulating around the face, giving it a fuller, more rounded appearance. This effect is often associated with conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, where cortisol levels are abnormally high over an extended period. However, it’s important to note that such pronounced facial changes are typically linked to severe medical conditions rather than everyday stress.
In more common situations, factors like poor diet, dehydration, and lack of sleep may contribute to puffiness and facial swelling, which might be mistaken for cortisol face. High cortisol can also lead to water retention, which might cause subtle facial bloating, but the effects would generally be mild unless cortisol levels are significantly elevated due to other underlying conditions.
The Importance of a Holistic, Balanced Lifestyle
While the idea of cortisol face can be worrying, it's crucial to understand that the dramatic effects of cortisol on the face are not common in everyday stress scenarios. However, maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle is key to managing cortisol levels and, by extension, reducing the risk of developing cortisol face.
Healthy lifestyle choices include getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients, practising mindfulness, and ensuring you get adequate sleep. These practices not only help keep cortisol levels in check but also contribute to overall wellbeing, which naturally reflects in your appearance.
Addressing Aesthetic Concerns
If you’re concerned about facial changes such as puffiness or a fuller face, it’s important to consider both lifestyle factors and potential treatments.
At TAE, we offer treatments that can help address these concerns, including those for bruxism and jaw clenching, which can be exacerbated by stress, as well as treatments that target unwanted fat deposits and skin laxity.
If you are concerned about changes in your facial appearance, we encourage you to visit our clinic. Our team can analyse your facial structure and recommend the best treatment options tailored to your needs.
Book a consultation with us today to discuss how we can help you look and feel your best!
•Please note, all medical cosmetic procedures carry risks and must be discussed in a consultation prior.
