Cortisol Face: Why the Obsession, and Is It Even Real?

If you’ve been doom-scrolling skincare TikTok lately, chances are you’ve come across the term ‘cortisol face.’ With over a billion views across videos tagged with #cortisolface, this viral trend claims that high stress levels are to blame for puffy, bloated, and prematurely aged faces. Influencers are pointing at tired under-eyes and soft jawlines, attributing them to a mysterious surge in the body’s stress hormone: cortisol.

But as with many internet health trends, things aren’t quite as straightforward as they seem. So let’s break it down: what is cortisol face, is it even real, and what can you actually do if your skin is looking a little more ‘meh’ than usual?

According to TikTok trends, cortisol face is what happens when your body is under chronic stress: you might feel more bloated, your face may appear puffier, and your skin looks dull or prematurely aged. Cue: 10-step wellness regimens and #beforeandafter glow-up videos.

But is cortisol face a real thing? Well, yes and no. There’s no medical diagnosis called ‘cortisol face,’ but that doesn’t mean the symptoms people are describing are imaginary.

To understand where this trend gets murky, we need to talk about something serious: Cushing syndrome, a rare endocrine disorder caused by chronically high cortisol levels and usually caused by a tumour or prolonged use of corticosteroid medication. One of the hallmark symptoms of Cushing syndrome is ‘moon face,’ a term used to describe extreme roundness and swelling in the face.

The danger? TikTok is blurring the line between this clinical condition and everyday stress-related puffiness. And that’s where misinformation creeps in.

Let’s clear things up. Cushing syndrome isn’t caused by feeling stressed out from work or skipping your morning meditation. It’s the result of abnormally high levels of cortisol over a long period of time – typically due to a medical condition, not lifestyle factors.

Yes, stress does increase cortisol temporarily, but that’s not the same as the sustained elevation seen in Cushing’s. Harvard Health notes that cortisol spikes in response to acute stress (like a looming deadline), but returns to baseline once the stressor is resolved.

Cushing syndrome, on the other hand, often presents with dramatic symptoms: unexplained weight gain, purple stretch marks, severe fatigue, muscle weakness, and noticeable puffiness between the neck and upper back. So if your face is feeling a little puffier than usual after a big week, it’s probably not Cushing’s – but it may be a sign that your body (and skin) needs some TLC.

Now that we’ve drawn the line between clickbait and clinical diagnosis, let’s get into the very real ways stress impacts your skin. While cortisol face isn’t a medical condition, chronic stress can leave your skin looking worse for wear. Here’s how:

• Increased cortisol triggers inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate skin conditions like acne, rosacea or eczema (AAD).

• Stress can impair the skin barrier, leading to dehydration, dryness, and dullness.

• High cortisol levels can cause fluid retention, contributing to a slightly puffier or bloated appearance (especially around the eyes and jawline).

• Lack of sleep, poor diet and skipped self-care (often stress-induced) all add up on your face.

So while the term ‘cortisol face’ might not be clinically accurate, the skin symptoms people are experiencing are legit. The good news? They’re also manageable, and the solution lies in healing your skin from the inside out.

If you're nodding along thinking, ‘Yep, that sounds like me,’ here are a few expert-approved, skin-friendly strategies to help restore your glow. Let’s tackle that high cortisol face swelling from the inside out:

Stress management isn’t all yoga retreats and bubble baths (although we’re big fans of both). Try:

• Deep breathing exercises or guided meditations (try the Insight Timer or Headspace app)

• Walking outdoors or low-impact movement

• Journalling or gratitude practices

• Prioritise time for yourself (work is important, but your health matters more)

Bonus: Engaging in a consistent skincare ritual can act as mindfulness in motion. Think of it as skincare and self-care.

Too much sodium can cause your body to retain water, especially in the face. Swap salty snacks and processed meals for fresh, potassium-rich foods like avocado, spinach and banana, which help flush out excess sodium.

[Related Article: The Best Ayurvedic Food for Glowing Skin]

This one’s not new, but it’s essential. Proper hydration keeps your lymphatic system moving and your skin cells happy. Aim for 2+ litres of water per day, and consider adding hydrating herbal teas like peppermint or dandelion.

While internal wellness matters, topical care does too. Look for calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients to help de-puff and hydrate:

• Holy Basil – Rich in antioxidants and stress-combatting properties (found in Dr Tanya’s Day & Night Cream)

• Squalene – Helps reduce inflammation and lock in moisture 

• Caffeine and green tea – Help constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness

There are so many benefits to combining botanical skincare ingredients with active, science-backed formulas. This is what makes Dr Tanya Skincare so effective and why it’ll be a game changer in your skin (yes, de-puffing included).

Cortisol levels naturally fall during deep sleep. Lack of quality rest disrupts this rhythm and can contribute to a tired, swollen look. Try to prioritise 7–9 hours of restful, consistent sleep each night.

Gentle lymphatic drainage massage or using a gua sha tool can help encourage circulation and reduce puffiness, especially when paired with a hydrating serum or cream.

If your facial swelling is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms (like weight gain or muscle weakness), don’t self-diagnose based on a TikTok video. Reach out to your GP or dermatologist for personalised medical advice.

Dr Tanya recommends always tuning in to your body’s signals. Occasional puffiness? Totally normal. Chronic, dramatic changes? Worth investigating further.

While cortisol face isn’t a real diagnosis, the stress we’re all feeling is very real. And yes, it does show up on your face.

Instead of chasing viral fixes or fearing every facial fluctuation, let’s focus on what we can control: slowing down, caring for our bodies, and choosing products and practices that support skin from the inside out.

Looking for a place to start? Try pairing stress-reducing rituals with botanical-rich skincare (like our Luxe Recovery Gel or Holy Basil Day & Night Cream) to calm skin, calm the mind, and reset your glow.