The proof is in THE PUFFING?

Cortisol face is trending on Tik Tok - we asked if stress is really written on our face

- Elaine Obran

You may have heard the expression: "You're not ugly, you just have cortisol face." If, however, this sentiment doesn't ring any bells, congratulations - either you're not on Tik Tok or you haven't yet curated an algorithm that serves unsolicited medical advice. For the uninitiated, let us explain.

While the term "cortisol face" isn't one officially recognised by medical professionals, Tik Tok users have coined the expression to describe what they believe is the link between chronic stress and a puffy or swollen-looking face.

But, like everything you see online, just because an influencer claims something to be true, that doesn't mean it is. Shock, horror! According to GP specialist Dr Karen Spielman, spokesperson for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, facial puffiness can sometimes signal an underlying health issue - but, more often than not, stress isn't the main culprit.

Intrigued? Let's stop doomscrolling and break it down.

FRIGHT. FLIGHT. FREEZE

Much like our ancestors who lived off the land and fought off wild animals, our relationship with stress remains an important survival instinct - although, today, it's more about circling back to emails and perfecting a parallel park than escaping predators.