The silent killer continues to claim lives
The "moon face" trend on TikTok, where users are sharing experiences of facial swelling supposedly caused by stress, has garnered a lot of attention. Experts caution against glorifying this side effect, warning that it can reflect deeper hormonal imbalances and health issues. Balancing awareness with education is key to managing such trends responsibly.
Curious to learn more about moon face? Click through now to explore.
Social media users have been flocking online to talk about how cortisol, a stress hormone, can cause cheeks and eyelids to swell, a condition coined "moon face."
Social media users claim it's from high cortisol levels caused by high stress. However, according to dermatologist Dr. Rajani Katta, a clinical assistant professor at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, “While chronic stress can lead to increased levels of cortisol in the body, those levels don’t usually rise high enough to create a moon face.”
Steroid medications, particularly corticosteroids like prednisone, can cause moon face. This occurs because corticosteroids influence the body's hormonal balance and fat distribution.
Moon face can be a byproduct of having Cushing's syndrome which is a condition where the body has extremely high levels of cortisol.
Water retention in moon face causes facial swelling due to sodium and fluid buildup, while fat redistribution involves steroid-induced fat accumulation in the face, giving it a rounded appearance. Both factors contribute to the characteristic look, but water retention can fluctuate more quickly than fat gain.
Acne or facial redness (flushing) can also occur with moon face.
Cortisol is a hormone that your adrenal glands produce and release. Cortisol is widely known as the stress hormone and can affect almost every organ system in your body.
Though stress and cortisol from everyday stressors may not be the reason behind moon face, they can still take a toll on the face. The face creates more oil, which can lead to breakouts for some. What's more, conditions like eczema and psoriasis are exacerbated by stress.
Dehydration may worsen puffiness by causing the body to retain water, thus exacerbating moon face.
Elevated cortisol inhibits the skin's production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, which can lead to signs of premature aging.
Eating habits during periods of stress can play an important role in the appearance of your face. a lot of people tend to consume more sodium when they are stressed which can increase face puffiness.
When stressed, people also tend to consume more ultra-processed carbohydrates and sugars that can impact facial puffiness.
These foods can also have long-term negative impacts, damaging the skin’s collagen through a process called glycation.
This process causes sugar molecules to stick to proteins such as collagen and elastin, making the skin less flexible and more likely to wrinkle over time.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, moon face is a common side effect, especially related to corticosteroids used and from certain health conditions.
Weight gain isn't officially moon face but can lead to a similar appearance. Be sure to maintain a weight that is healthy for you.
Moon face can usually be reversed depending on the cause of the condition.
According to Clevland Clinic, hormonal imbalances especially in women can cause Cushing's syndrome and rapid weight gain in your face.
People with diabetes or insulin resistance may gain weight and then excess glucose in the form of fat is stored. Over time, the extra weight can lead to a swollen, puffy face.
There are many tips and strategies you can implement to help lower cortisol levels.
Exercises, specifically yoga, meditation, and breathing can be extremely helpful in not only maintaining a moderate weight but also reducing stress.
Getting enough sleep, usually seven to eight hours a night, is essential in maintaining good health and reducing stress.
Consuming a diet rich in potassium, magnesium, and other nutrients can help reduce fluid retention and facial puffiness.
Gently massaging your face daily or even using ice can help the face drain excess fluid from your lymphatic system and restrict the blood vessels to reduce inflammation.
Moon face can cause people to feel a lot of shame, embarrassment, or body negativity.
If you have a persistent moon face, there are a few strategies that might help. Be sure to emphasize body appreciation, first and foremost. Another option is to consider joining a support group.
If your moon face or swelling is persistent, severe, or painful you should consider seeking medical advice.
Sources: (CNN Health) (USA Today Life) (Real America News) (ScienceDirect) (Cleveland Clinic (Medical News Today)
See also: The biggest beauty trends in 2024
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The "moon face" trend on TikTok, where users are sharing experiences of facial swelling supposedly caused by stress, has garnered a lot of attention. Experts caution against glorifying this side effect, warning that it can reflect deeper hormonal imbalances and health issues. Balancing awareness with education is key to managing such trends responsibly.
Curious to learn more about moon face? Click through now to explore.