What is “cortisol face” and everything you need to know about this hormone

MADRID.- Tik TokThe social network that celebrates beauty trends as quickly as it burns them has a new obsession: cortisol for face. More than 122 million posts with the hashtags “cortisol face” or “cortisol face before and after” show people with round faces that become angular and a defined jaw after following a series of tips such as doing facial yoga and drinking a lot. water, reduce caffeine intake, or massage your face with jade stones or suction cups. Many of these videos have a common tagline: “You’re not ugly, you just have cortisol face.”

Raise your hand if you’ve never stood up swollen face… is it really due to excess cortisol? Let’s start by figuring out what we’re talking about. “Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, that the body releases in situations of anxiety or when glucocorticoid levels in the blood are low, which is why many people know it as the “stress hormone.” Among its functions regulates metabolism, controls inflammation and maintains blood pressure. Its role in combating stress is vital. because it gives us the energy we need to overcome difficult situations,” explains Blanca Galofre, an integrative nutritionist specializing in energy nutrition.

The experts interviewed agree that Excess cortisol can cause bloating, but they warn that not all bloating is caused by cortisol.

. “Lack of sleep, fluid retention, high salt intake, some allergies, hormonal problems, alcohol and even some medications also cause facial swelling. This is why self-diagnosis on social networks is always dangerous,” warns Ana Molina, dermatologist at the Spanish Group of Aesthetic and Therapeutic Dermatology (Gedet) and scientific disseminator.

Millions of TikTok videos claim that stress spikes show up on a puffy face. with more fluid and fat than usual. “Cleanse your face.” Cortisol is a colloquial term used to describe the physical effects of chronic stress, such as swelling, premature aging, acne, or other skin changes. It’s not a medical term,” says Galofre. “Long-term and chronic stress can alter metabolism and increase fat storage in the face, belly and neck. It’s true that elevated cortisol levels cause a number of facial changes such as puffiness, fat accumulation, acne and collagen loss, leading to premature aging. In addition, stress affects hydration levels, and the opposite processes can occur: dehydrated skin or, conversely, overproduction of oil, which triggers acne inflammation,” says Raquel Gonzalez, cosmetologist and technical director of Perricone MD.

We cannot live without cortisol, but we cannot live with excessive levels of it. “Insufficient levels cause dull appearance, less elastic skin and a greater tendency to infections.. Additionally, cortisol affects sleep cycles: too high levels can cause insomnia, while low levels cause constant fatigue. High cortisol levels also reduce sexual desire and affect everyday energy,” explains Claudia Benavente, nutritionist at Nutralie. “Excessive and persistent cortisol levels, as well as long-term use of oral or systemic corticosteroids, are associated with Cushing’s syndrome, a rare and more serious endocrine disorder that should not be confused with cortisol face. “I would blame the stress hormone for minor symptoms such as worsening acne, circadian rhythm disturbances, minor swelling, dryness, etc. But major symptoms such as moon face or Cushing’s syndrome are associated with a more serious and pathological increase in cortisol levels.” Molina adds.

Its level changes throughout the day. “They follow a circadian rhythm similar to the rhythm of wakefulness and sleep: they are higher in the morning, from 5 to 25 micrograms per deciliter, and decrease at night. To determine the level, it is necessary to conduct a morning blood test and supplement this with urine tests within 24 hours,” explains Molina.

Having a high value is just as harmful as having a low one.. “High levels of cortisol can make the face swell, alter metabolism, and promote the accumulation of facial fat. In addition, for many people, stress leads to overeating or consuming less nutritious foods, which also affects fat storage. “Insufficient levels cause severe fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, low appetite, low blood pressure and, in some cases, hyperpigmentation,” Galofre adds.

“To combat acne, puffiness, facial oiliness or dryness associated with excess cortisol. It is important to take care of your skin, maintain a balanced diet, and practice relaxation techniques. such as yoga or meditation, and visit a dermatologist as soon as symptoms appear. Among the foods that reduce stress and its effect on the body, I recommend foods rich in tryptophan, which increase the production of serotonin; complex carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugar, and magnesium, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation,” describes Galofre.

Nutritionist Claudia Benavente notes that “it is important to avoid sugar, saturated fat and processed foods as they contribute to hormonal imbalance. We can reduce the effects of stress through regular exercise, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated.. Exercise helps lower cortisol levels, releases endorphins, and improves your mood. It also helps maintain healthy skin and reduce inflammation.”

Can cosmetics prevent internal stress from being reflected externally? “I recommend using soothing and balancing active ingredients and avoiding very active cosmetics. It’s wise to incorporate formulas into your routine that boost hydration and contain soothing ingredients that reduce redness and prevent inflammation, such as niacinamide or gotu kola, says Lara Gonzalez, Byoode esthetician. It will also be helpful to “use cosmetics that enhance barrier function so that the skin does not become easily sensitized; In this sense, my favorites are squalene and omega. Small gestures like wearing a weekly mask are a good opportunity to stop and meditate,” says Raquel Gonzalez.

Many warn that aromatherapy plays an important role. “Scents activate the limbic system of the brain, which reacts to certain situations. We should surround ourselves with balanced scents like vetiver, geranium or sandalwood,” suggests Bella Hurtado of Aromatherapy Associates. “We can take care of ourselves by incorporating relaxing scented candles and essential oil baths to provide balance between our emotions and the condition of our skin,” he adds.

Guasha stones, rollers, suction cups and much more. massage tools help relieve swelling and reduce swellingbut experts stress that the effect is very immediate. “To use these tools, gently massage upward into the skin to stimulate circulation, promote drainage, and relieve tension. Among its benefits: it increases blood and lymphatic flow, as does any massage performed for this purpose in this area; They relieve tension, stimulate lymphatic drainage and promote healthy looking skin. But its consequences are short-lived.“concludes Estefania Ferrer, chemical engineer, CEO and founder of Lico Cosmetics.

Olga Tarin, Czech Republic

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