This week, I’m freaking out about possibly having a cortisol face.
Just what is cortisol face, you might ask?
Think chubby cheeks, rounded jaw, and puffy eyes.
Verywell Mind / Michela Buttignol
Here’s a little biology lesson: when your body gets ~stressed~ it releasescortisolaka the stress hormone.
Brynna Connor, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician, says.
Elevated levels of cortisol in the body can cause some puffiness and swelling due to stress.
Anxious about a job interview?
Worried about your upcoming appointment with the doctor?
Most cortisol faces are a stress reaction but sometimes they can be a sign of something deeper.
How do you know if it’s stress causing your puffy face or something underlying?
So, Cortisol Face Is…?
It’s usually temporary and rarelyif everpainful.
And then there’s moon faciesa condition similar to cortisol face but not quite.
However, cortisol face is temporary and can be reversed with better lifestyle choices like exercising or meditation.
Moon face is a symptom of a deeper underlying medical issue and should be addressed with a medical professional.
When Is It Cortisol Face or Something Deeper?
Go ahead and take a deep breath.
Your puffed-up appearance might be triggered by stress.
Some meditation or breathing exercises can help regulate your system and decrease swelling.
But if your puffed-up face is painful and worsens over time, call your local doctor.
You might have an underlying health condition like Cushing’s syndrome.
How to Manage Your Stress and Prevent Cortisol Face
Phew, do you feel calmer now?
I know I do.
And lucky for you, there are several easy (and did I mention free?)
lifestyle changes that can chill you out.
Pate also recommends making a joy list.
Write things that bring you joy like playful and light-hearted activities, she explains.
[Knowing] what brings you joy is important because joy combats stress.
Butterflies in your stomach?
or Lightness in your body?
Get Your Zzzs
Can’t forget about sleep hygiene!
Having a solid nighttime routine can reduce stress tremendously.
If possible, avoid drinking coffee late at night and scrolling through your phone.
Sorry, but you have to put down TikTok.
Takeaways
If you want to eliminate your cortisol face, stress reduction is key.
There’s no quick fix, of course.
But changing your habits and routines and adding more wellness-focused activities is a great start.
Try listening to a soothing podcast on your morning commute or practice yoga stretches after work.
Go to a happy hour with friends or pick up a new romance book.
you might self-care your way out of a cortisol face.
Hoenig, L. J.
