What TikTok Gets Wrong About Inflammation and Stress

With “Cortisol Face” trending, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s a common condition, but it’s not.

In fact, it’s not even an official diagnosis. Some of the symptoms people associate with “Cortisol Face” are also associated with Cushing Syndrome, a condition that occurs when the body overproduces cortisol.

However, Cushing Syndrome is very rare, and while stress can contribute to inflammation, health experts say it’s likely not the only culprit if you feel your face is appearing swollen and bloated.

Vijay Murthy, PhD, leading functional medicine doctor and co-founder of Murthy Health, says the idea that “Cortisol Face” affects everyone who experiences stress is largely a myth.

“While chronic high cortisol levels can lead to facial swelling, this is usually seen in more severe endocrine disorders rather than in the everyday stress most people experience,” he explains.

“Chronic high cortisol levels can lead to facial changes, but such pronounced effects are not commonly seen outside of significant medical conditions. In most cases, everyday stress does not elevate cortisol to the levels needed to produce such a dramatic physical change,” Murthy notes.

Abbas Kanani, superintendent pharmacist at Chemist Click, agrees that “Cortisol Face” is unlikely to affect most people.

“’Cortisol Face’ can have different causes, not solely stress, including taking steroids and a condition called Cushing’s syndrome, which happens when the body produces too much cortisol, but this is typically rare,” he explains.

Still, when you’re stressed, you might notice that you look a little puffier than usual. Why is that?

“A process known as Lipogenesis sometimes occurs when cortisol increases in the body,” explains Kanani. “It creates fatty tissue especially around the face, neck and stomach.”

Additionally, high levels of cortisol can cause water and sodium retention, located in facial tissues. Kannai says as a result you are left with a puffy face.

However, it’s important to point out that these changes will likely be subtle. Murthy says such pronounced effects are not commonly seen outside of significant medical conditions, so feeling occasionally stressed is unlikely to have much of an effect.

Swelling and bloating may be a little more pronounced if you’re chronically stressed.

“In the final stage of chronic stress, the adrenal glands may become exhausted from the continuous demand for cortisol production. This can lead to a dysregulated pattern of cortisol release, with potential spikes and drops,” Murthy explains.

In turn, this can lead to persistent swelling.

“Additionally, prolonged cortisol elevation suppresses the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and inflammation, which can also contribute to facial swelling,” Murthy adds.

The key word here is “prolonged”. You are unlikely to experience “Cortisol Face” unless you are under high levels of stress for a prolonged period of time.

“Everyday stress, even if chronic, does not typically elevate cortisol to the levels needed to produce such a pronounced physical change,” Murthy surmises.

He says most people’s bodies can handle and adapt to everyday stress without causing a significant, sustained increase in cortisol levels.

“The body’s feedback mechanisms generally keep cortisol levels within a normal range, even under stress. For cortisol face to develop, there would need to be a persistent, abnormal overproduction of cortisol, which is not common in a typical stress situation.,” he explains.

If you’ve noticed that your face is looking more puffy and swollen than usual you might be wondering what you can do to treat it.

First things first, it can be useful to understand what factors contribute to a puffy face.

Murthy says these include:

• Dietary factors: High salt intake can lead to water retention and swelling.
• Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause facial swelling.
• Medications: Certain medications, like steroids, can cause fluid retention and bloating.
• Medical conditions: Conditions like hypothyroidism or kidney disease can also cause facial swelling.
• Lack of sleep: Poor sleep can lead to water retention and a puffy appearance.

Tweaking your diet may prove helpful in decreasing bloating of the face.

“Reducing your salt intake can decrease water retention while drinking plenty of water helps to flush out excess sodium and reduce bloating,” says Murthy.

Prioritizing sleep can help, too.

“Ensuring you get adequate sleep can improve overall appearance and reduce puffiness,” Murthy explains.

Meanwhile, Kanani recommends applying a cold compress to bring down puffiness and getting a lymphatic drainage massage to encourage fluid drainage.

Both experts agree that if you’re worried about facial swelling, you should talk with a healthcare professional.

“If you’re experiencing repeated bloating and puffiness in the face, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis to determine the underlying cause,” Kanani advises.

“Cortisol Face” (also known as “Moon Face”) is a condition characterized by facial bloating and puffiness that is trending on TikTok.

Creators on the platform claim that “Cortisol Face” is caused by high levels of stress. However, it is not an official diagnosis, and experts say stress is unlikely to cause noticeable puffiness or swelling.

Some of the symptoms people associate with “Cortisol Face” are also associated with Cushing Syndrome, a condition that occurs when the body overproduces cortisol. However, Cushing Syndrome is very rare.

Common stress alone is not likely to cause any noticeable changes to the appearance of your face.