What Is Cortisol Face: There are many types of hormones in the human body, which are triggered for different reasons, and are responsible for different functions. One such hormone is cortisol, it is also called stress hormone. According to its name, this hormone is released in the body when we are under stress. Its work helps in understanding and handling emergencies and problems.

But it becomes difficult when its level starts increasing in the body. Due to this, sometimes swelling, dullness and dark circles under the eyes start appearing on the face. This is being called cortisol face on social media. But this term is limited to TikTok because there is no mention of any such disease or disorder in the medical dictionary.

Moon face, not cortisol face, is the real problem.
American doctor Brianna Connor told Verywellmind that cortisol face is a temporary condition, in which the face starts looking round due to excessive stress. But “Moon facies” is a real medical condition. In this, excessive swelling or fat gets accumulated on the face, due to which the face looks round and puffy. Sometimes it may also cause pain. This may be a sign of some internal disease, such as Cushing’s syndrome. This problem can also occur due to taking steroid medicines for a long time.

When to worry?
If your face swells only during times of stress, there is no pain and it heals on its own after some time, then it can be called cortisol face. This is a normal side effect of stress. But if the swelling on the face is continuously increasing. If there is pain and there are other symptoms like weight gain, weakness then it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Ways to deal with stress
If you are under a lot of stress, do deep breathing exercises to control it. Along with this, some daily exercise, meditation, good sleep and reducing screen time can prove beneficial. Keep in mind that in most cases, mild swelling of the face is caused only by stress and can be cured with the right lifestyle.