Gen Zen: Is the “cortisol face” on TikTok really a thing? Relax, daily stress won’t give you a ’round face’

SINGAPORE – Something a woman said in a TikTok video made me sit up: “You’re not ugly. You just have a cortisol face.”

Wait, what is the “cortisol face”? Isn’t cortisol a hormone?

Once the algorithm on my phone started to detect my “interest” in this topic, I slowly fed videos of many women talking about the “cortisol face”, showing their pictures with faces that thick and proud.

Then, they talked about how they managed to “reduce their cortisol levels”, which resulted in a magical glow that now has thinner faces.

A search on Google brought up more information on the “cortisol face”, which is said to refer to the appearance of a person with a round, puffy face due to “high cortisol levels”.

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the body’s adrenal glands in response to stress.

I was surprised. I looked at my face in the mirror and wondered if it would look so puffy when I was under stress. Is cortisol that bad?

As expected, these TikTok videos don’t explain much about this. However, these women share what they have done to combat the “cortisol face” like experts, such as drinking cider vinegar in the morning, avoiding caffeine immediately after waking up and stopping vigorous exercise. a lot.

I went to a health professional and a psychologist to find out the truth.

Immediately, experts told me that “cortisol face” is a social media fad that exaggerates the effects of cortisol rather than being a real medical condition.

Dr. Stephanie Ho, a dermatologist who has developed her own private practice, explained that some medical conditions involving long-term cortisol levels can cause wrinkles on the face and body.

However, it is an exaggeration to suggest that daily stress can raise cortisol levels enough or long enough to noticeably change a person’s appearance.

“It’s an exaggerated claim with little medical evidence to back it up,” he asserted.

And Angelin Truscott, a psychologist who provides counseling at Annabelle Psychology, said that some of the symptoms associated with the “cortisol face” are similar to those of Cushing’s syndrome, a rare hormonal disorder characterized by prolonged periods excess cortisol.

However, unlike the ‘cortisol face’ (shown in those TikTok videos), patients with Cushing’s syndrome may have other symptoms such as pink or purple spots on the skin or the appearance of black hair on the face and body without a round face. .”

WHAT IS CORTISOL?

Cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, is important in the body’s response to stress.

Dr Ho said that during stress, cortisol helps prepare the body for the “fight or flight” response by increasing heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, blood sugar and muscle tension. .

It also keeps the body alert, alert and focused.

“Most of us experience a brief period of stress where cortisol levels are high, and then stabilize once the stressful event is over.

“This definition allows us to face the challenge, but balance is restored once the challenge is over.”

However, chronic stress presents a different challenge.

Ms Truscott explained that prolonged exposure to stress disrupts various body systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and gastrointestinal systems, among others.

Rather than just causing a puffy face, she said, chronic stress increases the risk of developing a host of health problems, including anxiety, depression, digestive problems, and more. diet, headaches, muscle tension and pain, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and sleep problems.

More importantly, both experts advised internet users to be more careful when using health-related content.

“Social practices that raise more awareness about stress can be beneficial in encouraging better self-care.

“However, medical differences in body image pose a risk of misleading the public with incorrect medical information and spreading fad treatments,” Ms Truscott said.

Dr Ho warned that such practices also oversimplify the perception of health and send incomplete, inaccurate and sometimes exaggerated messages.

“Some fans may misdiagnose themselves and develop health concerns or unrealistic beauty standards, leading to increased anxiety and stress about their appearance. .”

NOT ALL KINDS OF PRESSURE ARE BAD

Although the TikTok videos on “cortisol face” seem to promote the idea that cortisol is bad, both experts stressed that cortisol is an important hormone for various bodily functions – and maintaining the right levels is important for general health.

In addition, Dr Ho said that having a high level of cortisol during the fight or flight response can help us focus, solve problems and face problems.

“As long as there are enough periods of rest and cortisol levels are allowed to decrease and restore balance, having a high cortisol level is not always a bad thing.”

He also says that a person can often feel relaxed and calm after the initial cortisol increase.

In that regard, Ms. Truscott said that depression often gets a bad name, but not all forms of depression are dangerous.

Eustress, which means stress that leads to a positive response, can be exciting, motivating and motivating.

These positive pressures can be associated with:

• Other major life changes such as starting a new job, getting into a relationship or becoming a parent
• New experiences such as visiting new cities, trying new foods or having the first day at school
• Small challenges like learning a new skill or riding roller coasters at the park

“Eustress, in fact, can increase mental alertness, motivation and even resilience in the face of adversity,” he added.

HOW TO CONTROL YOUR OPINIONS

When it comes to managing stress, Dr Ho said some effective and efficient methods include regular exercise, good sleep, and a healthy diet that reduces sugar, saturated fat and processed foods. , along with breathing exercises and meditation.

Cognitively, Ms Truscott said we can think about changing our thoughts in stressful situations.

“Ask yourself the following questions: Will this situation last forever? Does this situation affect all areas of your life? Am I the only one responsible?”

He also recommended practicing good self-talk, where we talk to ourselves in a kind, encouraging and supportive way as we would when showing someone else that we care.

“Focus on what you have control over, so you can act on what you have the power to change, while accepting what is beyond your control.”