What Is Cortisol Face? How To Combat The Bloat

The one certainty in the beauty world is that trends will always change. Plump cheeks full of volume were popular in the early 2020s, but by 2023, we saw a rise in people dissolving their filler for a softer look. More filler and volume might come in and out of vogue, but there's always been a clear line between "full" cheeks and puffiness. The internet is brimming with hacks for reducing this undesired look, which leans more towards swollen and bloated than firm and full. And while there are a few reasons why you might experience a puffy face, the recent concern among TikTokers is a specific variation of puffiness that has been termed "cortisol face." In fact, according to data obtained by Glam, the phrase "how to get rid of cortisol face" has risen in Google searches by 60% in the last week.

"When the body produces too much cortisol, it can make one's face gradually become full and puffy, resulting in 'cortisol face,' a term making the rounds on social media," explains Bevery Hills-based plastic surgeon Dr. Patrick Davis, in an exclusive chat with Glam. "It's often caused by the release of hormones — especially cortisol — that [the] body is overproducing due to high stress levels and other lifestyle factors."

While "cortisol face" is common (and concerning) enough to attract millions of views on TikTok, the good news is you can reduce this kind of puffiness with some simple lifestyle changes, including altering your diet and monitoring your stress. 

Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone, so it increases in response to stressful or anxiety-inducing situations. Many people put the effects of a cortisol increase — like a puffy face — down to temporary stress and don't worry too much about them. But Dr. Patrick Davis tells Glam exclusively that "cortisol face" in particular can actually be a sign of a deeper issue which may require your attention. "It can be caused by Cushing's syndrome that occurs when the body is exposed for long periods of time to high levels of cortisol," Dr. Davis says, adding that Cushing's can lead to other symptoms including weight gain, insomnia, lethargy, and difficulty concentrating. The disorder can also result in chronic disease, including heart disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes if left unchecked.

Additionally, there may be other causes contributing to facial puffiness, even if you've written the symptom off as "cortisol face." Dr. Davis reveals that "long-term use of steroidal medications like prednisone, some forms of tumors, chronic stress, Addison's disease (a disorder in which the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones), some aggressive forms of cancer, and obesity" can also lead to puffiness. If you're experiencing what you think is "cortisol face," it's worth exploring the root cause with a health professional to rule out other, potentially more serious conditions. 

If your "cortisol face" really is down to a stress-induced increase in cortisol levels, Dr. Patrick Davis confirms that lifestyle changes are often an effective way to reduce the puffiness. "Adhering to a healthier lifestyle is key and that means eating a mostly plant-based diet, exercising regularly, getting a good night's sleep, avoiding stressful situations, meditating/practicing yoga, and performing deep-breathing exercises are good starts," he tells Glam exclusively. It can also be helpful to keep an eye on factors in your life that may be causing long-term stress, such as a toxic job or relationship, and re-evaluating whether they are still serving you. Along with deep-breathing exercises and meditation, face massages may also help to relieve stress. 

In addition, there are alternative therapies reported to help reduce "cortisol face," but more research is needed to validate their efficacy. "While some supplements like fish oil and ashwagandha extract are purported to help reduce anxiety and cortisol levels in the body, not enough studies have been conducted to confirm those claims," Dr. Davis shares. In any case, it's a good idea to check in with a health professional before incorporating supplements into your routine.