Scrolling through TikTok can feel like a masterclass in finding new things to worry about. The latest? Your face might be betraying your stress levels (cue collective panic and endless mirror checks!). But before you start scrutinizing your selfies for signs of stress, let’s look at what’s really going on with so-called cortisol face.
Meet cortisol—your body’s built-in alarm system
Think of cortisol as your morning coffee and an emergency brake combined. This stress hormone helps you wake up in the morning, responds to threats, and regulates everything from your metabolism to your immune system. We need cortisol to help convert fat, protein, and carbs into energy, regulate blood pressure, and help manage blood sugar levels.
Cortisol is not the villain social media makes it out to be—it’s more like that intense friend you love to bits but who’s best in small doses.