Swollen, Puffy Face? New TikTok Trend Helps Understanding ‘Moon Face’ and How to Reduce It.

YEET MAGAZINE

20 Sep 2024 • 8 min read

Reduce swollen, puffy face using these tips :

By YEET MAGAZINE

Understanding Moon Face: Causes, Treatments, and How to Reduce It.

Moon face causes
Swollen face from prednisone
Cushing’s syndrome symptoms
What is cortisol face?
How to reduce moon face swelling
Steroid-induced moon face treatment
Moon face vs. weight gain
How to prevent prednisone moon face
Cushing’s syndrome and moon face connection
Puffy face from stress treatment

If you're noticing extra heaviness around your face or wondering why it's starting to resemble a 'MoonFace', it might be time to check your stress levels

If your face seems fuller, rounder, and puffy, you could be suffering from a moon face. Here’s all you need to know about the condition.

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like your face was rounder than usual? You might be experiencing what is known as “moon face” or “cortisol face” – a condition in which the face appears swollen and puffy. Moon face occurs when excessive fat builds up around the sides of the face, causing it to appear swollen, round, and puffy. In medical terms, it is a symptom often associated with high levels of corticosteroids, either produced by the body in cases of Cushing's syndrome or introduced through medications.

In some cases, the condition develops slowly, so it might not be immediately noticeable. As the face becomes rounder, individuals may also experience swelling around the neck and upper back, areas where the body stores fat due to hormonal changes. The swelling itself isn't painful, but its visual impact can be distressing for many.

Other Causes of Moon Face

Aside from corticosteroids and Cushing's syndrome, moon face may also result from:

Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism can contribute to abnormal fat distribution, including in the face. Hormonal conditions such as PCOS and hypothyroidism can contribute to abnormal fat distribution, including in the face.
Liver and Kidney Disease: These organs regulate water retention in the body. If they are not functioning properly, it may cause fluid buildup, especially in the face and extremities. Liver and kidney disease can also lead to fluid buildup, especially in the face and extremities.
Obesity: Being overweight may naturally lead to a fuller, rounder face. Although it may look similar to moon face, it's typically associated with general weight gain rather than a specific health condition.
Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to bloating and puffiness, including facial swelling.

Is Moon Face Dangerous?

While moon face itself isn't life-threatening, it often signals an underlying condition that requires attention. Cushing's syndrome, if left untreated, can lead to more severe issues like diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Additionally, long-term corticosteroid use can cause a weakened immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to infections.

If you notice facial puffiness accompanied by other symptoms like weight gain, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, or easy bruising, it's critical to consult a doctor. These symptoms may indicate something more serious that warrants medical evaluation.

Treatment for Moon Face

Medication Adjustments: If moon face is a result of corticosteroid use, one possible approach is to adjust the medication under your doctor’s supervision. Never stop corticosteroids abruptly, as it can lead to adrenal insufficiency, which can be life-threatening. Instead, your doctor may gradually reduce your dose to allow the body to adapt.
Hormonal Therapy: If the swelling is linked to a condition like Cushing's syndrome or hypothyroidism, hormonal therapy might be required to balance the body's cortisol levels.
Surgical Options: In severe cases of Cushing's syndrome caused by tumors in the adrenal or pituitary glands, surgery might be necessary to remove the tumor and restore normal hormone production.
Diuretics: In some cases, doctors may prescribe diuretics to reduce water retention in the body, which can help decrease swelling in the face and other areas.

It’s also worth noting that TikTok has seen a rise in posts discussing moon face and cortisol face, often linking it to everyday stress. While this trend has raised awareness, some health experts are debunking these claims, explaining that true moon face is primarily caused by medical conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome or long-term use of corticosteroids like prednisone. TikTok creators might present quick fixes or lifestyle tips to manage puffiness, but doctors stress the importance of consulting medical professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment rather than relying on social media remedies.

Long-Term Lifestyle Changes

Addressing moon face often requires long-term lifestyle modifications, especially if it’s related to medication or a chronic condition. Addressing moon face often requires long-term lifestyle modifications, especially if it’s related to medication or a chronic condition. These steps may include:

Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Eating foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce swelling. Opt for fruits like blueberries, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 rich foods such as salmon and chia seeds.

Limit Processed Foods: Processed and packaged foods are often loaded with sodium, which leads to water retention. Reducing your intake of processed and packaged foods can decrease puffiness and fluid buildup.
Exercise Regularly: Regular cardiovascular exercises, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, help maintain a healthy weight and reduce inflammation. Regular cardiovascular exercises, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, help maintain a healthy weight and reduce inflammation.
Hydration: Drinking enough water every day helps flush out toxins and sodium, reducing water retention in the body. While it may sound counterintuitive, proper hydration prevents the body from holding on to excess water, which contributes to swelling.
Adequate Sleep: Sleep plays a critical role in regulating hormones, especially cortisol. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to elevated cortisol levels, contributing to puffiness in the face. Aim for 7–9 hours of restful sleep each night.

How Stress and Cortisol Affect Your Face

Although moon face is often a direct result of medications, prolonged stress can also cause facial swelling. When you're stressed, the body produces cortisol, a hormone that helps the body cope with stressors. However, high cortisol levels for long periods can cause fat to redistribute to the face, neck, and abdomen, leading to the characteristic puffiness seen in moon face.

Some individuals with high-stress lifestyles may experience temporary swelling that mimics moon face. Some individuals with high-stress lifestyles may experience temporary swelling that mimics moon face. In these cases, adopting stress-management techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help reduce cortisol levels and prevent facial swelling.

Social media platforms are filled with advice on how to "cure" moon face, but much of the information is inaccurate or incomplete. Common myths include:

Quick Fixes: Many TikTok users claim that certain detox drinks or face massages can reduce moon face overnight. In reality, treating moon face requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root cause of the swelling. In reality, treating moon face requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root cause of the swelling.
Dietary Supplements: Some influencers recommend over-the-counter supplements like collagen or biotin to reduce facial puffiness. While these supplements may improve skin health, they are unlikely to have any significant impact on moon face without medical intervention.
DIY Treatments: Using DIY remedies such as ice packs or face rollers may temporarily reduce puffiness by stimulating circulation, but they won’t address the underlying cause of moon face.

When to See a Doctor

If you’ve tried lifestyle changes but are still struggling with persistent facial swelling, or if the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained weight gain or fatigue, it’s important to see a healthcare professional. If the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained weight gain or fatigue, it’s important to see a healthcare professional. A doctor can perform tests to determine if the swelling is related to Cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism, or another underlying health condition.

Here’s the revised version of your post without the hashtags:

Know the signs! Understanding the symptoms is the first step in seeking help.
If you're experiencing any of these, don't ignore them—talk to your doctor. Early detection can make a big difference! 💚
Adrenal carcinoma can be tricky to diagnose—here are some symptoms to watch out for.
Depending on the study, about one-third to more than half of adrenal cancer patients had Cushing’s syndrome.

10 Common Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome:

Weight Gain (especially around the abdomen and face)
Fatigue and muscle weakness
High Blood Pressure
Skin Changes (easy bruising, purple stretch marks, thinning skin)
Mood Swings (irritability, depression, anxiety)
Rounded Face (often called "moon face")
Buffalo Hump (fat accumulation between the shoulders)
Irregular or Absent Menstrual Periods (in women)
Decreased Libido and erectile dysfunction (in men)
Bone Loss (osteoporosis, leading to fractures)

Comments

Personally, I had number 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10. What were the symptoms that alerted you?

With everything going on good news is something I needed and I got it. I have officially been dionosed with Cushing Syndrome and I get to have surgery to remove a tumor that has been producing to much cortisone in my body for around 8-9yrs. Mom would be jumping for joy because this has been a such tiring long hull for this.

Mom we did it, I didn't give up and kept thinking positive like we always told eachother.

DIAGNOSIS OF CUSHING SYNDROME

Excessive endogenous cortisol production can be caused by an overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) through pituitary tumors or ectopic sources (ACTH-dependent cases), or it can be caused by autonomous cortisol overproduction by the adrenal glands (ACTH-independent cases).

I can not wait until I get into an Endocrinologist to get this Cushing Syndrome under control. I seriously look like I have been in a UFC fight lmao 🤣 😂. I bruise like crazy and my skin is so thin that a simple itch can break open my skin. This is just my arms. My legs are not any better.
I do a lot of laughing with all of this because I refuse to be upset about all of this.

Reading up about Cushing's is pretty interesting but there needs to be more information out there about it.
I do see good things to come. I will turn this into a positive. I really want to educate others about this because I think I have had Cushing's for quite a few years.
This is just a couple of many symptoms that people with Cushing's have. More doctors need to study up on this because I think many more have this bit do not know like me. I am just so grateful I finally had a doctor figure it out.