“Cortisol face” is a trending topic on social media right now as many people blame the stress hormone for increased facial swelling and puffiness.
Cortisol is the primary stress hormone produced and released by the adrenal glands, which are triangular-shaped organs on top of the kidneys. It affects almost every organ and tissue in the body, explains the Cleveland Clinic.
It participates in regulating the body’s response to stress, suppressing inflammation, regulating blood pressure, increasing blood sugar, helping to manage the body’s metabolism and helping to control the body’s sleep-wake cycle.
Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day and can rise in response to stress or other triggers. Both lower than normal and higher than normal cortisol levels can be harmful to your health.
High cortisol levels can cause symptoms such as weight gain, especially on the face and abdomen, muscle weakness in the arms and thighs, weak bones, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, wide and purple stretch marks on the abdomen, and fatty deposits between the shoulder blades.
This facial swelling and puffiness, which often results in a round and puffy appearance, is what people characterize as “cortisol face.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Getty
Amy Schumer Diagnosed With Cushing’s Syndrome, Hormonal Disorder That Has Fans Questioning Her ‘Puffier’ Face
However, experts note that daily stress does not raise cortisol levels high enough or long enough to cause significant facial swelling or puffiness.
“It would have to be very, very high levels of stress to have a more visible, lasting effect,” said Dr. Rajita Sinha, a licensed clinical psychologist and director of the Yale Interdisciplinary Stress Center. The New York Times.
These symptoms usually only occur when the body produces too much cortisol — a very rare hormone disorder called Cushing’s syndrome. It’s the same condition that Amy Schumer has. She revealed her diagnosis in January after fans began questioning why she had a “puffier” face during her promotional tour for season two Life and Beth.
“I think the ‘cortisol face’ trend is trying to explain away a perceived cosmetic problem, like a round face, and trying to medicalize it, so it can take control of fixing it,” Dr. Cristina Psomadakis, a London-based dermatologist, told the outlet.
Although cortisol levels may be higher when an individual is stressed, Psomadakis said, “this does not necessarily indicate illness or disease.”
Those who may be concerned about their cortisol levels can consult their doctor to determine if there are any underlying health problems. Health care providers can measure cortisol levels through blood, urine, or saliva tests.
Otherwise, those experiencing stress-related “cortisol face” are encouraged to practice typical stress management techniques. This includes physical activity, a healthy diet, regular and quality sleep, guided meditation, deep breathing and more.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education