Every day, a new health concern seems to make the rounds on TikTok, with the inevitable “solutions” doled out by influencers and the medical community alike. Stress has increasingly been blamed for skin issues, such as thinning, fine lines, and dullness. Recently, the complaint of “cortisol face”—a puffy face attributed to high stress levels—has been prevalent.
“When we experience chronic stress, our body releases more cortisol, which can directly impact our skin,” says Hannah Kopelman, DO, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery in New York. Because cortisol is a stress hormone, hormonal balance, and stress management are worth pursuing as they affect everything from mood to sleep to skin health. But social media isn’t necessarily the best place to learn about medical conditions or treatments for high cortisol.
Plus, the trend has created opportunities for brands to sell products targeting stress reduction, which muddies the waters and makes it more confusing. And it’s tricky …