Have you been noticing the term “cortisol face” popping up lately and wondering what it’s all about? Let’s take a closer look.
So, What Exactly Is Cortisol Face?
Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” plays a vital role in our fight-or-flight response. It’s necessary in short bursts, but when it hangs around too long (due to stress from deadlines, endless tasks, or lack of sleep), it starts to take a toll on your skin. Over time, you might start to see:
- Dull, fatigued skin
- Puffiness, especially around the eyes and jawline
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Poor circulation and sluggish lymphatic drainage
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it could be a sign your skin is feeling the effects of stress more than you might realize.
Simple Ways to Combat Cortisol’s Impact on Your Skin
While managing stress is crucial, there are some simple, daily wellness practices you can do to help calm, firm, and refresh your skin. Here are three of my favourite techniques inspired by Face Yoga:
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Gentle Lymphatic Drainage
Using light, sweeping motions, start from just behind your ears and move downward toward your collarbone. This helps the lymphatic system drain excess fluid, reducing puffiness and promoting better circulation for a more radiant look.
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Cheek & Jaw Lift
With your index and middle fingers, gently glide upward along your cheeks and then down your jawline. This helps lift and firm the skin while also releasing any tension in your jaw (which, let’s be honest, we all tend to hold when stressed).
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Eye Area Massage
Using your ring fingers, softly massage the area around your eyes — under the eyes, along your temples, and just under the brows. This relieves tension, reduces puffiness, and helps lighten those pesky dark circles. For an extra calming effect, try breathing deeply through your nose while you do this — it’ll also help lower cortisol levels.
Remember, consistency is key. These techniques only take a few minutes each day — whether in the morning or before bed — and with regular practice, you'll start to notice smoother, more vibrant skin, as well as a greater sense of calm.
Why These Practices Pair So Well with Skincare
When you combine wellness rituals, Face Yoga, and a gentle skincare routine, your skin really starts to glow. If you’re already using a soothing, effective skincare product, these practices will enhance its results by boosting circulation, calming inflammation, and reducing puffiness.
If you haven’t already checked out my recommended skincare line, Skinlab Face Fitness, it’s specifically designed to complement your Face Yoga practice. It’s the perfect addition to help your skin feel its best.
Want to dive deeper into this topic? I’ve written an entire document that breaks it down! Check it out here: Why It Happens & How to Fix It Naturally
Sending lots of love,