Ever Heard of Cortisol Face?

If you’ve been on social media in the last few weeks you will have seen someone at some point talking about Cortisol.

And even more dreaded “Cortisol Face”.

While someone who looks like a model is explaining to you all about the issues with Cortisol we’re no closer to figuring out what Cortisol actually is.

Head of Nutrition at Advanced Nutrition Programme, Lorraine Perretta, explains: “Cortisol is triggered by stress. Cortisol does a lot of things including fight or flight, including producing more sebum, it even leeches calcium out of your bones. It doesn’t care about if your bones are strong it’s trying to keep you alive this minute. It’s all to do with stress and overall stress uses a lot of nutrients.

“The body gets its nutrients from food, from supplements, and then it distributes them according to the needs of the body. So if you’re calm, it helps all your organs like your heart, your liver, your kidneys, your brain, the vital organs. If you have enough, it will also feed your skin. But when you’re in fight or flight mode, cortisol is part of the stress reaction and stress needs a lot of Vitamin C.

“It needs a lot of magnesium and a lot of immune support vitamins. So when people are stressed you notice they are more prone to getting a cold, because you have no Vitamin C. People who are stressed have trouble sleeping because your magnesium, which helps us relax, is used up. Stress also uses up all your B vitamins that helps you make energy and that’s why you’re tired. Stress causes nutrient deficiency.”

Jane Ollis, medical biochemist, environmental scientist and founder of Mindspire breaks down everything we need to know about Cortisol.

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What is the role of 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, except it’s not just waking you up; it’s getting you ready to face a lion. Or, in modern terms, that dreaded Monday meeting.

Cortisol is vital for various bodily functions: it regulates metabolism, reduces inflammation, and assists with memory formulation. But, when it comes to chronic stress, cortisol can transform from your trusty sidekick to that annoying houseguest who overstays their welcome.

What are the impacts of high levels of cortisol?

Unfortunately, they’re not great! Living life in a constant fight or flight state makes it impossible for your body to relax and get the benefits of all the good vitamins and nutrients in your body.

According to Jane, Cortisol moderates the immune system like a vigilant bouncer, preventing excessive responses. Yet prolonged high levels can render it ineffective, leaving the body vulnerable to inflammation.

Elevated cortisol triggers pro-inflammatory cytokines, intensifying chronic inflammation linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. It’s akin to managing unruly teenagers at a party—they stir up trouble that’s hard to calm.

Cortisol influences glucose metabolism, akin to a tempting slice of cake. Elevated levels can raise blood sugar and promote insulin resistance, exacerbating inflammation.

@maramacologist #cortisolface #cortisol #cortisollevels ♬ original sound – maramacologist

What is Cortisol Face?

Cortisol Face is the dreaded term floating around social media. That, of course, is apparently the idea that Cortisol makes your face “puffy” or “bloated”.

Jane admits, while chronic stress and 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. Water retention, often caused by high sodium intake or dehydration, is a common culprit. A poor diet, particularly one high in processed foods and low in essential nutrients, can exacerbate inflammation and swelling. 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 can worsen these factors. For example, stress-induced poor sleep and unhealthy eating habits can increase the likelihood of facial puffiness. Elevated cortisol levels from chronic stress might contribute to water retention and weight gain, which can sometimes appear as facial swelling. However, blaming cortisol alone is like blaming the last slice of pizza for your entire diet, it oversimplifies the issue and ignores other significant factors.

How can you deal with facial puffiness?

Jane explains simply that a well-rounded approach to stress management is essential. This includes adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga. These habits help regulate cortisol levels and reduce its effects on the body.

While cortisol plays a role in inflammation, particularly with chronic stress, the direct link to a “puffy face” is more fiction than fact. High cortisol can cause water retention and swelling, but factors like diet, allergies, and sleep quality are more likely causes of facial puffiness.

The more you know!

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