Cortisol face: we know what actually causes a puffy face and how to get rid of it quickly

Cortisol face – a trend or reality?

A new trend is sweeping the internet and they call it cortisol face. A puffy face is supposedly caused by the excessive production of cortisol, which the body releases during periods of prolonged stress. Except that’s an overly simplified explanation. While cortisol may play a role, it’s definitely not the only culprit. However, if you add poor lifestyle habits, a lack of sleep, alcohol consumption and a lack of exercise, that can absolutely show up on your face.

What are the causes of facial puffiness?

Here are the 5 main culprits:

1. 1. Chronic stress
   2. Lack of sleep and exercise
   3. A slow lymphatic system
   4. Hormone fluctuations
   5. Sugar, salt and alcohol
      

What can you do about a puffy face? Change your lifestyle!

Relax, exercise

Chronic stress isn’t good for your skin or your body. Incorporate meditation, mindful breathing and therapy into your daily routine, or simply create a cosy atmosphere at home with scented candles. Not working? Dietary supplements – adaptogens such as ashwagandha – can also help. They help you regain that lost balance and peace of mind while also helping to reduce water retention.

Sport can do the same thing. And you don’t have to head straight to the gym. All you need is a few bits of fitness equipment or a good pair of running shoes. Start by moving for just a few minutes a day and gradually increase the time spent doing it.

Cut down on sugar and add antioxidants

Salt causes water retention, and sugar causes inflammation – and both can lead to a puffy face. Try cutting down your salt intake, cutting out sugar entirely, and avoiding alcohol too. Your skin will improve in no time, and the puffiness will go. You can also add more anti-inflammatory foods to your diet – foods rich in antioxidants (such as green tea) and omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, nuts and seeds.

Make sure you get enough sleep

For some people, it’s a given, but for others, it’s a luxury. It’s not necessarily about how long you sleep but about going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. A regular routine leads to better-quality sleep. It’s often the quality that determines whether we feel rested in the morning or not. Adults generally need 7–9 hours of sleep, but this does of course vary from one person to the next. If you’re getting a puffy face, don’t sleep on your stomach and try a thicker pillow.

Try food supplements for water retention and balance

Food supplements can help reduce fluid retention and depuff your face, but don’t expect miracles overnight. In addition to adaptogens, the following may also help:

1. Potassium – helps balance excess sodium in the body and supports correct fluid balance.
2. Magnesium – is particularly useful during times of stress and hormone fluctuations.
3. Vitamin C – supports vascular health and microcirculation, and alleviates puffy eye bags in the morning.
4. Probiotics – among other things, they reduce inflammatory processes in the body, which can also cause facial puffiness.

Enhance facial lymphatic flow

As soon as lymphatic flow slows down, fluid begins to accumulate. Typical symptoms include swollen eyelids in the morning, puffiness under the eyes and along the cheekbones, and a generally puffy face when you wake up. But you can fix this yourself at home with a simple lymphatic facial massage. A few strokes using your fingers or facial massage tools can stimulate lymph flow and flush out retained fluid.

How do you do a lymphatic face massage?

1. For increased comfort, you can apply facial oil to your face, neck and décolletage.
2. Massage the area around the collarbone using gentle strokes, moving from the centre to the shoulders, from the inside outwards. Alternate sides. You can use your fingers or try a gua sha tool.
3. Move up to the neck. Gently stroke down the sides of the neck from the ears to the collarbone.
4. Move upwards and use your fingers to massage the area around your ears (both in front of and behind them) as well as your earlobes.
5. Gently massage your face as well – moving from the bottom upwards and from the inside outwards. Start at the chin and jawbone, and gradually move up towards the cheekbones, eye area and forehead. Don’t be afraid to run your fingers up to the hairline.

Tip! When getting a lymphatic massage, it’s a good idea to increase your fluid intake – plain water is best. So don’t forget to stay hydrated both before and after the massage.

However, if you’re not just bothered by a puffy face in the morning but also swollen legs at the end of the day or cellulite or extreme fatigue, give lymphatic drainage a go – with a professional manual lymphatic body massage or pressotherapy. Just choose a salon that offers these massages and enjoy the pleasure of relaxation.

Emergency care for puffy eyelids and face

1. Cool the puffy areas. Cold water, ice cubes or cooling rollers and massage tools can help.
2. Eye creams containing caffeine, peptides or hyaluronic acid are ideal for puffy eyelids and eye bags under the eyes.
3. Massage, using fingers, massage tools or facial massage devices, stimulates lymph flow.
4. Hydrogel masks and pads around the eyes straight from the fridge help depuff thanks to both their cooling effects and their ingredients.
5. Cucumber slices on the eyes help soothe the skin and depuff.
6. Cooled green or black tea bags help constrict blood vessels, to reduce puffiness and dark circles.

Key takeaways

Cortisol face isn’t entirely a myth, but the whole theory can sound quite simplistic. It’s just the way social media likes it – pretty pictures, quick fixes. Cortisol (the stress hormone) is certainly one of the culprits, but it’s definitely not the only one. In most cases, a puffy face is caused by a combination of chronic stress, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, poor diet, slow lymphatic drainage and insufficient hydration. If you address all of these factors, not only will you give your skin a break, but you’ll feel better overall and be full of energy. So, are you going to give it a try?