Have you ever looked at your old pictures and wondered why your face is looking puffier than usual? Or maybe even under periods of high stress?
Well, this is called moon face, and there’s a reason for it. I’m sure many of you have heard people talk about the effects of stress on the body, especially in recent years, as well as cortisol - aka the body’s primary stress hormone.
🌚 What is Moon Face?
Moon face is a term used to describe a round, swollen appearance of the face. This condition is often caused by fat deposition and fluid retention, which can obscure the natural contours of the face. It's frequently linked with conditions that lead to fluid retention or abnormal fat distribution, such as Cushing’s syndrome or prolonged use of corticosteroids. Those with Cushing's syndrome produce too much cortisol, which affects blood pressure and blood glucose, and can also cause inflammation. This inflammation means that people with this condition may have moon face. Sometimes it also presents in people that are under chronic stress, i.e., longterm cortisol exposure.
The Role of Cortisol
Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, plays a crucial role in the body’s stress response. It helps manage stress, regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, and aid in memory formation. However, when cortisol levels remain high due to chronic stress, it can lead to several adverse effects, including the development of moon face.
High Stress and Cortisol Production
When the body is exposed to prolonged stress, it produces more cortisol to help cope with the situation. While this is beneficial in the short term, consistently high cortisol levels can cause the body to redistribute fat, particularly to the face, abdomen, and upper back, leading to the characteristic roundness of moon face.
How Cortisol Causes Puffiness
Cortisol influences the body’s balance of water and salts, contributing to fluid retention. This can result in swelling, particularly noticeable in the face. Additionally, high cortisol levels can lead to increased fat deposition in specific areas, such as the face and neck, further contributing to the puffiness associated with moon face.
Key Mechanisms
Fluid Retention - elevated cortisol disrupts the balance of sodium and water in the body, causing fluid retention. This leads to swelling, especially in the face.
Fat Redistribution - high cortisol levels promote fat redistribution from peripheral areas to the face, abdomen, and upper back, resulting in a rounded, full appearance of the face.
Muscle Wasting - chronic high cortisol can cause muscle wasting, including in the facial muscles, making the swelling and fat deposition more pronounced.
Moon face is often seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This has to do with the inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and insulin resistance.
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The good news? If you believe that stress and high cortisol levels are contributing to your moon face, there are several strategies to help manage and reduce this!
🧘🏻♀️ Stress Reduction Techniques
Mindfulness and Meditation Practices - mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress and lower cortisol levels. Regular practice can significantly improve stress management.
Physical Activity - regular exercise is a powerful stress reliever. Activities such as yoga, walking, or gentle stretching can help lower cortisol levels and reduce stress.
Adequate Sleep - ensuring you get enough restful sleep is crucial for stress management. Poor sleep can elevate cortisol levels, so aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
🍒 Dietary Changes
Balanced Diet - a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help regulate cortisol levels. Avoid excessive caffeine, sugar, and processed foods, which can exacerbate stress and inflammation.
Hydration - staying well-hydrated helps maintain the body’s fluid balance, potentially reducing puffiness.
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The TikTok above is a real example of this girl experiencing moon face, and what she did to help get rid of it. Moon face can be a distressing and disheartening condition, but it’s not permanent and can be reversed! It all has to do with your lifestyle and managing your external stressors. And remember, this is not just about improving your appearance, but also about enhancing your overall well-being and health.
Have you ever had “moon face”, if so how did you manage it?
I hope you enjoyed, and thank you for taking some time out of your day to read to my post! See you next week! :)
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Ohh interesting! Great read 🙏
Thank you for the informative red Sara! I am definitely working to not only manage my stress, but also working on my diet to help curb fat retention in my body.