What is "cortisol face"?
This topic has been a hot topic on TikTok recently. What exactly is the "cortisol face" that everyone is discussing?
Text by Crystal Chan
Edited by Angel Fong
Have you ever looked through old photos and found that you are the person in the photo, but you can't recognize yourself? This is not the usual change in face shape caused by weight change, nor is it the common edema in the morning, but the swelling of the face caused by pressure, which not only makes the face rounder, but also changes the facial features. Recently, this topic has been highly discussed on TikTok. What is the "cortisol face" that everyone is discussing?
What is "cortisol face"?
Cortisol is actually an adrenal cortex hormone that plays a major role in promoting liver glycogenolysis, regulating microcirculation and maintaining blood pressure. When the body is under stress, cortisol will be released to help the body prepare, such as regulating metabolism and blood sugar, so cortisol is also known as the "stress hormone."
Simply put, when the body is under stress, the level of cortisol will increase, accompanied by various changes in the body, the most obvious of which is the accumulation of fat and swelling on the face. This is what modern people often call "cortisol face", and some people also call it "moon face".
Characteristics of "Cortisol Face"
"Cortisol face" is different from general edema. The latter does not last long and can be eliminated through massage. However, the increase in facial fat caused by "cortisol face" will cause swelling in the cheeks and chin, and even cause changes in facial shape and appearance. There is also a chance of "cow neck disease" occurring in the shoulder and neck area.
In addition, if the body's cortisol level continues to be high, even the condition of the skin will be affected. It will become particularly thin, the wound healing speed will be slower, and there will be more inflammation and acne.
How to lower cortisol levels?
The appearance of cortisol is closely related to stress, so to lower cortisol levels, you must first learn to deal with stress. Regular and appropriate exercise can allow the body to release substances such as dopamine, which effectively reduces stress. In addition, getting enough sleep can also relax the body and restore cortisol to a healthy level.
Drinking a small cup of apple cider vinegar before breakfast every morning can also effectively reduce cortisol levels. Apple cider vinegar also has the effect of controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, which is a very good choice for health. If the face has already had swelling problems, you can choose to use a scraping board with facial cream to slowly massage to reduce the swelling. In addition, soaking the face in ice water before putting on makeup can also help reduce swelling.
