Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” plays a crucial role in our body’s response to stress. When we’re under pressure, our adrenal glands release cortisol to help manage the stress. While it’s essential for our survival, elevated cortisol levels over long periods can lead to unwanted effects, especially on your skin.
High cortisol can manifest as puffiness, redness, and acne on the skin, while your body may experience weight gain (especially around the midsection), fatigue, muscle weakness, and even increased blood pressure. Chronic stress can also weaken your immune system, making your skin more prone to irritation and breakouts.
We sat down with Elase Medical Aesthetician, Katarina Forster, from our Ponte Vedra location to learn more about this trending topic and how to deal with the effects of cortisol at home and at Elase.
What Causes High Cortisol Levels?
Cortisol can spike for many reasons. Aside from stress, other factors like inflammation, poor diet, lack of sleep, and even certain lifestyle habits contribute to cortisol imbalances. But puffiness or inflammation in the face isn’t always just about cortisol—it could be a combination of triggers, such as:
- Dehydration: Are you drinking enough water? If not, puffiness may be a sign your body needs hydration.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause puffiness and redness.
- Artificial fragrances: Candles, perfumes, and air fresheners with synthetic fragrances can inflame sensitive skin.
- Alcohol and salty foods: Both can lead to water retention, making your skin appear swollen.
- Travel: Jet lag or flying can impact hydration and blood circulation, contributing to puffiness when you step off the plane.
- Hormone Imbalance: Thyroid issues or changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, can also cause cortisol to spike. An underactive or overactive thyroid, for instance, can disrupt the body’s hormone regulation, leading to an increase in cortisol production.
How Does Cortisol Affect Our Skin?
When cortisol levels remain high, it can wreak havoc on your skin. Here’s how:
- Puffiness: Cortisol contributes to water retention, leading to a swollen or bloated appearance in your face.
- Redness: Increased inflammation can make your skin appear red and irritated.
- Acne: Cortisol triggers excess oil production, clogging pores and resulting in breakouts.
How to Reduce Cortisol and Improve Your Skin
Fortunately, there are ways to manage cortisol and its effects on your skin, both at home and with professional skincare treatments.
At-Home Solutions:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and reduce puffiness.
- Washing Your Face: Use cooler water to cleanse your skin, reducing inflammation and preventing irritation.
- De-stressing: Prioritize sleep, incorporate daily walks, and eat a balanced meal before consuming caffeine to help stabilize your cortisol levels.
- Healthy Eating: Limit processed foods, salty snacks, and alcohol, all of which contribute to inflammation.
- Ice Globe Massages: These cooling facial massages help reduce puffiness and calm inflamed skin.
Elase Skincare Treatment Options:
If you’re looking to elevate your skincare routine and tackle cortisol’s effects head-on, Elase offers advanced treatments designed to support healthy, glowing skin.
- HydraFacial Platinum: This luxury treatment includes deep cleansing, six powerful serums that continue working for up to a week, and lymphatic drainage using gentle cupping techniques. The lymphatic drainage helps improve blood circulation, increase oxygen levels in the skin, and reduce puffiness.
- Facial Massage: Available in all facials at Elase, this featherlight massage targets the fascia, helping to break up tension and promote collagen production. For an added boost, ask for ZO Growth Factor Serum, which strengthens collagen and helps keep skin tight and bright.
- DiamondGlow: This treatment stimulates blood flow and circulation while providing lymphatic drainage, which is key in reducing puffiness and inflammation. It’s perfect for detoxifying stressed skin and promoting a radiant complexion.
- Daily Power Defense: A hydrating product that balances and replenishes the skin’s barrier, leaving it stronger and more resilient.
Pre & Post HydraFacial
Check out that reduction in acne after one HydraFacial session!
Pro Tips for Dealing with Cortisol Naturally
In addition to professional treatments, small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in managing cortisol and its impact on your skin:
- Eat Before Caffeine: Start your day with a balanced meal, like a protein or healthy carb, before drinking coffee to reduce the cortisol spike from caffeine.
- Sleep and Exercise: Prioritize sleep and incorporate light physical activity like walking to naturally lower cortisol levels.
By taking steps to reduce stress and incorporating professional skincare treatments, you can combat the negative effects of cortisol and keep your skin looking healthy, balanced, and radiant.
Dealing with the symptoms of cortisol face? Visit Elase for personalized recommendations and advanced skincare solutions tailored to your unique skin needs.
