Have you seen the term "moon face" or "cortisol face" trending on TikTok lately? Avoid the self-diagnosis and learn what cortisol is and its effect on the body. Cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, can do more than just keep you up at night—it can affect your appearance too. Let’s dive into what cortisol is, how it impacts your skin, and most importantly, how you can keep it in check.

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is a type of steroid hormone produced in our adrenal glands right above our kidneys. This powerful hormone affects all parts of the body by regulating stress, suppressing inflammation, regulating blood sugar/pressure, and even helping with your natural sleep-wake cycle.

Essential for survival, but can be dangerous to your health if your cortisol levels are chronically high. It can take a toll on your body—and your face. "Cortisol face" refers to the visible effects of stress on your skin, including puffiness, redness, and even breakouts. Long-term stress can keep your cortisol levels elevated, leading to these unwanted changes.

Understanding Cortisol Face

So, what exactly is everyone discussing when they say "cortisol face"? How do you know if your puffy face is associated with the effects of cortisol on appearance? Before jumping to conclusions, we recommend you get tested to see if your levels fall in the range of 10 to 20 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) in the morning or 3-10 at night.

Stress shows on your skin when you are burning out your adrenal glands by consistently producing cortisol (hypercortisolism). This can look like puffiness around the eyes, redness, and increased breakouts. When you’re stressed, your body prioritizes survival, sometimes at the cost of your skin’s health.

How to Lower Cortisol Levels

Lifestyle Changes:

Sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet are your first line of defense against high cortisol levels. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, regular physical activity, and meals rich in whole grains and omega-3 fatty acids to help keep cortisol in check. Avoiding food high in sugar is recommended to prevent spiking cortisol levels which is harmful to your overall health.

Stress Management Techniques:

Stress and skin health go hand in hand. Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga into your routine. These techniques can help calm your mind and lower cortisol levels naturally. In turn, you will also prevent chronic stress which over time leads to harming your adrenal glands.

Dietary Adjustments:

Certain foods can help regulate cortisol levels. Incorporate more omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, and focus on whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoiding foods high in sugar and processed sugar like cookies and cake will prevent random cortisol spikes. Dietary effects play a substantial role in stress-induced skin conditions like fine lines and wrinkles, and hair loss.

Professional Help:

If you’re finding it hard to manage your response to stress on your own, it may be good to find a therapist. If you get tested and your cortisol levels remain high, it might be time to talk to a healthcare professional. They can help guide you toward effective treatments or therapies to prevent high blood pressure and diabetes.

Additional Tips for Healthy Skin

While you’re working on reducing cortisol levels, don’t forget about your skincare routine. Gentle cleansing, regular moisturizing, and using products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants can help your skin bounce back from the effects of stress. You can also establish a good facial massage or Gua Sha routine to sculpt and depuff your face.

By making some lifestyle changes, managing your stress, and taking care of your skin, you can minimize the effects of cortisol and keep your skin looking its best. Start adopting healthier habits today, and you’ll see the difference not just in your skin, but in your overall well-being.

FAQs

How do I reduce sugar in my diet?

• Reducing sugar in your diet to prevent cortisol face can be easier than you think. With the currently available sugar alternatives, our product specialists at Sweet Additions recommend switching to Allulose, Organic Syrups, or Organic Syrup Solids. To find syrups and syrup solids on nutrition labels look for the names "Tapioca Syrup" and "Rice Maltodextrin."

Can cortisol face be reversed?

• Yes, with consistent stress management, healthy lifestyle choices, and a good skincare routine, you can reduce the appearance of cortisol face. If you need a fast way to reduce stress try out Rescue Remedy or supplements like GABA.

What are the signs of high cortisol?

• Signs include weight gain, wide stretch marks on your abdomen, muscle weakness, fatigue, high blood sugar/pressure, and excessive hair growth.
• We recommend getting a blood or urine analysis to test for the exact levels with a health professional.

Don't Let Social Media Get You Down

While the term "cortisol face" may be trending, it's crucial to understand the real impact of cortisol on your body and skin. By taking proactive steps such as managing stress, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and caring for your skin, you can combat the effects of elevated cortisol levels. Remember, your appearance is a reflection of your overall well-being, so prioritizing stress management and self-care is key to looking and feeling your best. If you're struggling with persistent symptoms, seeking professional guidance can help you get back on track to a healthier, more balanced life.

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