Social media thinks so, but is the stress hormone cortisol really to blame for facial puffiness?
What is cortisol?
Cortisol, often dubbed the ‘stress hormone’, is like your body's internal alarm system. Produced by the adrenal glands, it’s the biochemical equivalent of a morning cup of coffee. It regulates metabolism, reduces inflammation, and assists with memory formulation.
Too much of a good thing
Imagine your body's stress response as a relentless fire drill. Just like constant alarm bells disrupt your peace, chronic activation of the HPA axis leads to persistent cortisol secretion, disrupting bodily functions, leaving it vulnerable to inflammation, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and autoimmune disorders. Elevated cortisol levels can raise blood sugar and promote insulin resistance, exacerbating inflammation.
Can it make your face puffy?
While elevated cortisol levels can contribute to systemic inflammation, there’s no solid scientific evidence linking cortisol specifically to a puffy face. It seems ‘cortisol face’ is more of a catchy phrase than a clinical diagnosis.
Facial puffiness can result from various factors, including water retention and a poor diet. Lack of sleep disrupts the body’s fluid balance and can lead to a puffy appearance. Certain medical conditions, such as allergies, thyroid issues, and sinus infections, can also cause facial swelling.
Stress-induced poor sleep and unhealthy eating habits can increase the likelihood of facial puffiness.
Tackle inflammation
To tackle facial puffiness and overall inflammation, take a well-rounded approach to stress management. This includes adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga. These habits help regulate cortisol levels and reduce its effects on the body.