On social media, the “moon face” topic has gained popularity, fueled by testimonials from users describing how stress appears to alter the appearance of their faces.
Many of these comments suggest that the stress hormone cortisol is responsible for visible puffiness in the cheeks and eyelids, causing a rounded effect that has been compared to the shape of the moon. This phenomenon has sparked a debate about the effects of cortisol on facial appearance and skin in general.
One of the most influential users on TikTok shared her personal experience of how stress during the pandemic affected her face, causing her cheeks to puff up until they resemble a balloon.
These types of statements have resonated on other platforms, where many people report similar symptoms, attributing them to their stress and, therefore, cortisol levels. However, the connection between this hormone and facial swelling is more complex than it seems.
According to dermatologist Dr. Rajani Katta, who practices at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, while it’s true that chronic stress can raise cortisol levels in the body, it’s usually not enough to cause the type of visible swelling seen. in some cases.
The true “moon face” is related to a condition known as Cushing’s syndrome, which occurs when cortisol levels are extremely high for a long time.
This condition, which is more common in people who use steroid medications such as prednisone or who have an adrenal gland disorder, may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as a buildup of fat in the neck or a hump between the shoulders.
However, Dr. Katta warns that Elevated cortisol is not solely responsible for facial puffiness. The causes of fluid retention can be multiple, from high sodium intake in the diet to underlying medical conditions such as kidney problems. Even some prescribed medications can have this effect.
In these cases, appropriate treatment, such as the use of diuretics, can help reduce swelling. Despite this, it is important not to attribute everything to the stress hormone, since Fluid retention and bloating have several possible causes.
Eating habits should be taken care of during periods of stress
Although daily stress alone does not cause a “moon face” in most people, it can have visible effects on the skin. Cortisol, when chronically increased, can trigger acne breakouts, dullness and accelerate aging.
Eating habits during periods of stress also play an important role in facial appearance. Many people tend to consume more sodium, ultra-processed carbohydrates, and sugars when they are stressed, which can contribute to facial puffiness.
These foods also have a long-term negative impact, damaging the skin’s collagen through a process called glycation. This process causes sugar molecules to stick to proteins such as collagen and elastin, making the skin less flexible and more likely to wrinkle over time.
Reducing cortisol levels through stress management can have positive effects on both your skin and overall health. Activities such as exercise, meditation and deep breathing help reduce stress levels and increase blood flow in the skin, which promotes the regeneration of skin cells. AND
Quality sleep also plays a crucial role in this process. During deep sleep, the body secretes growth hormone, which stimulates the production of new skin cells.
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