In another instance of don’t take health advice from influencers on TikTok, the recent trend “#cortisolface” has gained enormous traction on social media platforms. Cortisol Face, so it sounds, involves many users attributing facial swelling and puffiness to elevated cortisol levels. Is an inflamed face due to high levels of cortisol actually that common, however? Before blindly believing social media trends like Cortisol Face, it is crucial to understand the underlying factors. Dr. Maria Olenick, an associate professor at Texas A&M University School of Nursing, offers valuable insights into the concept of “cortisol face,” its effects on the body, and methods for lowering cortisol levels. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of Cortisol Face and its implications.
TikTok and Cortisol Face
When it comes to health and beauty, the internet is always trying the convince you that this one thing is the source of all of your problems, and that the solution is this simple, easy fix. In the case of cortisol face, influencers usually start their videos with statements such as “You’re not ugly, you just have cortisol face,” and then promote various remedies and lifestyle changes as solutions. However, experts caution that while high cortisol can contribute to these symptoms, it is not the sole cause of facial puffiness.
What is Cortisol?
Cortisol, often known as the stress hormone, serves as the body’s “built-in alarm system.” It plays a crucial role in the body’s response to stress, metabolism, immune activity, and maintaining homeostasis. Naturally, the body’s cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day in response to different mental and physical stressors, following a diurnal pattern where levels are higher upon waking, increase significantly over about 30 minutes, and steadily decrease from the peak throughout the rest of the day, reaching the nadir in the middle of the night.
“Among healthy individuals, cortisol follows a diurnal pattern in which levels are higher upon waking, increase significantly over about 30 minutes, and steadily decrease from the peak throughout the rest of the day, reaching the nadir in the middle of the night,” said Olenick
What is the Role of Cortisol in the Body?
Hormones such as cortisol act as chemical messengers working through the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions. Cortisol utilizes receptors that receive and utilize the hormone in different ways, communicating with the brain to control mood, motivation, and fear. Its diverse functions include regulating blood pressure, metabolism, blood sugar, managing the body’s use of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, suppressing inflammation, controlling the sleep/wake cycle, and aiding in forming memories.
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What is Cortisol Face?
The TikTok trend of Cortisol Face has brought attention to facial swelling and puffiness supposedly caused by elevated cortisol levels. While high cortisol levels are a factor in some cases of facial swelling and puffiness, the symptom is not as common as popular media portrays it. It’s essential to differentiate between superficial puffiness caused by factors like high-sodium foods and more severe symptoms like moon face, which is a serious issue requiring medical diagnosis and intervention.
Should You Be Concerned About Cortisol Face?
It’s important not to dismiss issues related to facial puffiness, especially when they might indicate underlying medical issues or lifestyle factors. While high cortisol levels do play a role in facial swelling, it is essential to seek professional medical advice rather than relying solely on social media influencers’ remedies and lifestyle recommendations. Pay attention to all symptoms and visit your doctor if you think that there may be something wrong.
“You need to make sure that if you are having issues with cortisol levels that you don’t really have a tumor or something more serious. If you feel like you are having symptoms and they’re not resolved by implementing lifestyle changes, make sure you see a health care provider, because that could be something very different and it might need significant medical care,” Olenick said.
What Causes High Cortisol Levels?
High cortisol levels in the body may result from chronic emotional or physical distress and sustained stress response system activation. Additionally, prolonged use of corticosteroid medications and underlying conditions such as Cushing syndrome, which is characterized by excessive levels of cortisol in the body, can contribute to elevated cortisol levels.
“Some of the more severe things like moon face and other symptoms are what you might consider a serious issue when a person should really go and see their health care provider, because that would require some medical diagnosis,” Olenick said.
Symptoms of High Cortisol Levels
Symptoms of high cortisol levels may include facial puffiness, weight gain, memory and concentration problems, trouble sleeping, severe fatigue, high blood pressure, and psychiatric disturbances. It’s essential to undergo cortisol level checks through blood, urine, or saliva tests to validate any potential issues.
How to Manage Cortisol Levels Naturally
Managing cortisol levels can involve maintaining a healthy diet, adhering to a regular sleep schedule, incorporating regular, moderate exercise, and effectively managing stress through healthy coping mechanisms. It’s crucial to avoid extreme measures such as severe caloric restriction or high-intensity workouts that can increase cortisol levels due to the stress they place on the body.
“There are a lot of things you can do to regulate your cortisol, like eating well, sleeping well and lowering our stress. Basically, things to take care of ourselves,” Olenick said.
Don’t Believe Everything You See On TikTok
While the TikTok trend of Cortisol Face has gained significant attention, it’s important to approach the topic with a discerning eye and seek professional medical advice when dealing with issues related to cortisol levels and facial puffiness. Understanding the underlying factors contributing to facial swelling and puffiness, whether related to cortisol levels or other lifestyle and health conditions, is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.
Read More: Recognize The Signs Of High Stress: 8 High Cortisol Symptoms