What Is ‘Cortisol Face’, and Is Stress To Blame? Behind the Viral TikTok Claim
A doctor reveals the real cause of a round, puffy face, plus how you can treat it
Is stress taking a toll on your body? Social media claims you can spot it just by looking in the mirror. “Cortisol face,” the latest health trend to sweep TikTok, describes a rounder-looking appearance linked to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Many influencers are promoting a variety of quick-fix changes to combat it. But is there any truth to this trend? To unpack this further, we spoke to Lesley Rabach, MD, a Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon at LM Medical, who weighs in on the science behind cortisol face, what causes it and key takeaways.
What TikTokers are saying about cortisol face
Surging in popularity this past month, cortisol face (also called “moon face”) is an unofficial term used to describe a rounder, puffier face. Users have been sharing before and after photos of their faces and pointing to high cortisol levels as the cause. Watch this viral TikTok video below:
@itsbrookeelle I literally dont even recognize myself WHAT 🫠 #cortisolface #cortisol #cortisollevels #cortisolimbalance #glowup #howtoglowup #faceglowup #faceslimming #facetransformation #lensbuddy
But why the spike in cortisol? Users have cited various lifestyle factors, including excessive phone usage, caffeine in the morning and high-intensity workouts, that put unnecessary stress on the body. They say these can lead to weight gain, particularly in the face.
To fix cortisol face, TikTokers have encouraged self-treatment. Walking more, drinking less caffeine and even drinking diluted apple cider vinegar have all been said to lower stress. (More on what actually works later.)
What is cortisol face, really?
“Cortisol face is a round appearance of the face,” says Dr. Rabach. “This is due to buildup of fat around the face and sides of the skull that makes the face look round.”
Dr. Rabach distinguishes the appropriate medical condition as moon facies. “Someone with a true moon facies has fatty deposits all over the body, causing significant weight gain — increased fat on the chest and body, and fat buildup on the back of the neck and shoulders called buffalo hump,” she explains. Other symptoms of high cortisol include high blood pressure, mood swings, poor sleep and easy bruising. A clinical diagnosis usually involves assessing cortisol levels in urine, blood and saliva.
According to Dr. Rabach, “cortisol face occurs most commonly in patients who are on high dose steroids, who have weight gain [not technically moon facies] or, very rarely, who have hormonal issues,” such as Cushing’s syndrome.
“Cushing’s syndrome, also called hypercortisolism, is a rare disease of the pituitary gland that causes your body to make too much cortisol,” explains Dr. Rabach. “This happens after prolonged periods of time of high cortisol.” However, Dr. Rabach emphasizes that it is extremely rare, affecting “approximately five to 10 people [out of every] million people.”
How accurate is the cortisol face health trend?
So, how accurate is TikTok’s portrayal of cortisol face? According to Dr. Rabach, it’s oversimplified and far less common. Facial puffiness can be caused by a variety of factors besides stress, including allergies, fluid retention, dietary habits, hormonal changes and medications.
“High stress — defined as severe stresses related to significant illness and/or emotional stress — over prolonged periods of time can [cause] high cortisol levels, but even this doesn’t typically cause cortisol face,” Dr. Rabach says.
The “before” photos shown in these viral videos often depict unmanaged stress. “Regular stress, what we all have, will not cause moon facies in and of itself. Stress eating, drinking, poor lifestyle habits due to stress and the weight gain that arises from this causes global weight gain. Moon facies is not an accurate term for this type of weight gain.”
How to treat cortisol face
Addressing the root cause facial puffiness is crucial. Dr. Rabach explains that for those who have true moon facies related to high-dose steroid use, they should consult their physician for ways to combat weight gain. Patients with Cushing’s syndrome, however, usually require specific medication.
If you’re concerned about persistent facial puffiness, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. “In patients who have just gained weight due to stress — not high cortisol or true moon facies — lifestyle modification with regular exercise, high nutrition foods and significant water intake can help reduce total body fat and thus facial fullness,” says Dr. Rabach.
More TikTok health trends unpacked by experts:
What Is the Yellow Dragon Fruit Cleanse and Does It Help Bowel Movement?
The Themed Bath Trend Is Here! How to Spice Up Your Soak Time With Bath Bombs, Candles and More
TikTok’s #Watertok Trend: How the Tasty Twist on Drinking Water Boosts Weight Loss
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
