Is the Moon Face TikTok Trend Legit? A Doctor Weighs In

But what exactly is a moon face, and why does everyone seem to have it now? Is it possible that we all Have high cortisol levels that you can fix at home with the latest shiny product?

To be clear, cortisol is more than just a buzzword: It’s a vital hormone that helps our bodies regulate blood pressure, balance blood sugar levels, and convert food into energy, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). And despite the online smear campaign, we really do need it some cortisol in our body to stay healthy.

In this article, a hormone expert explains what a moon face actually means, whether the claims about it on TikTok are true, and whether it’s possible to lower cortisol levels at home—or if it’s even necessary.

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What is a moon face?

Moon face (also known as “moon face”) is a swelling that builds up on the sides of your face, making it look puffy and round like a full moon, according to the Cleveland Clinic. “It’s a buildup of fatty deposits all over the face and it’s usually due to excess cortisol production, either from your own body or from medications you’re taking,” says Gowri Reddy Rocco, MD, a double board-certified family physician who specializes in regenerative health and hormones.

It’s not a condition, but rather a side effect of underlying health conditions that affect the body’s levels of hormones like cortisol, Dr. Rocco says. She sees it most often in people being treated with corticosteroids, such as prednisone, for conditions like arthritis, asthma, autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis, skin conditions like eczema and rashes, or certain types of cancer.

Some other common causes of moon face include insulin resistance, steroid use, Cushing’s syndrome, and hypothyroidism, Dr. Rocco says, but you’ll notice other side effects of these conditions, too. In the case of Cushing’s: a rounder stomach and waist, thinner arms and legs, easy bruising, and a fatty lump between the shoulders, according to the NIDDK. (But keep in mind that Cushing’s is fairly rare: Only about 40 to 70 people in a million get it each year in the U.S.)

Other medical reasons for a moon face may be more common, such as insulin resistance, diabetes or hypothyroidism, but you’ll likely also experience other side effects, such as fatigue, trouble sleeping and depression or anxiety, Dr. Rocco says.

Are all of TikTok’s moon face claims true?

It’s not likely that all the TikTok girls claiming to have a moon face actually do. Dr. Rocco says they use the term “moon face,” which is usually a side effect of a health condition, to describe general puffiness that you can experience from other things like “fluid retention, weight gain, drinking too much alcohol, dehydration, and a poor diet high in fats, sugars, and ultra-processed foods.” All of which can contribute to a rounder-looking face.

And let’s not forget: everyone’s face shape is different. It’s normal for some people to have rounder faces, but thanks to our recent obsession with prominent cheekbones, sharp jawlines (read: TikTok’s obsession with chin straps and “quick-fix” culture), and even the “Ozempic face”—a rapidly thinning face caused by the effects of taking the popular weight-loss drug—we’ve been led to believe that a thinner face means you’re healthier. But not every round face is a sign of a medical problem, and Dr. Rocco cautions anyone promoting a “quick fix” moon face online.

Can a moon face be caused by stress?

Many TikTok videos claim that stress is the biggest culprit of a full moon face, but is that true? According to Dr. Rocco, stress can contribute to a puffy face, but it is not the direct cause.

“When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to use unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as eating sugary or fatty foods, drinking alcohol, getting little sleep and avoiding exercise. These can contribute to water and fat retention, and therefore a bloated body and face,” says Dr. Rocco.

While a stressful event here and there probably won’t mess with your hormones much, chronic stress can make you more likely to fall into these bad lifestyle habits, which can eventually lead to elevated cortisol levels and side effects like sleep problems, anxiety and weight gain, according to the Mayo Clinic.

In short: Not everyone with a puffy face actually has a moon face or cortisol face. Unless you have an actual medical diagnosis that affects your cortisol levels, a puffy face could simply be the result of certain lifestyle factors such as poor diet, dehydration, and lack of sleep.

So should we all be concerned about lowering cortisol levels?

As we have learned, our body has at least some cortisol to function properly. Healthy blood levels of cortisol typically peak in the early morning and decline throughout the day. For most adults, that’s about 10 to 20 micrograms per deciliter from 6 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 10 micrograms per deciliter around 4 p.m., according to the Cleveland Clinic. So the goal should never be to completely eliminate cortisol from the body.

That said, high cortisol levels (from certain medical conditions or chronic stress) can lead to effects like weight gain, depression, inflammation, and more, Dr. Rocco says. If elevated cortisol levels are the result of a medical condition, you should see a doctor for treatment or medication. But in general, healthy lifestyle habits you may already be practicing can help lower cortisol levels overall — no fancy supplements, e-books, or products required.

Here are Dr. Rocco’s recommendations:

• Get enough sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic sleep problems are linked to higher cortisol levels.
• Exercise daily. Walking, Pilates and other forms of exercise you enjoy can help release feel-good hormones like endorphins and ultimately lower your cortisol levels, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
• Eat a balanced diet. According to Dr. Rocco, eating more fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats while limiting refined sugar and sodium is good for your overall health.
• Reduce your alcohol consumption: Moderate and binge drinking is associated with elevated cortisol levels, according to a July 2023 study in Neurobiology of stress.
• Spend time doing things you like (with people you like). This can help promote feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, according to Dr. Rocco. Find things you enjoy doing that help relieve stress, such as reading a book, being in nature, journaling, etc. Also, spending time with toxic people or people who exacerbate stress can increase cortisol levels, according to the Cleveland Clinic, so try to spend more time with those you love.
• Laugh! Laughter also releases endorphins. According to the Cleveland Clinic, laughing hard every day might be just what the doctor ordered.
• Seek therapy. If you have trouble regulating stress, Dr. Rocco recommends reaching out to a mental health professional who can help you better understand yourself and process unwanted feelings.

“Stress management and mental health are so important,” says Dr. Rocco. She emphasizes prioritizing joy, saying, “the opposite of cortisol is oxytocin and endorphins, which help you feel healthier overall.”

When should you see a doctor for moon face?

Ultimately, not everyone who claims to have a moon face on TikTok actually does. They may be describing general facial swelling that comes from poor lifestyle habits, weight gain or prolonged stress, or even just their natural facial shape. A moon face in particular is usually a side effect of an underlying medical condition like Cushing’s syndrome or insulin resistance, which can be treated by your doctor.

“If you find yourself gaining weight, even with exercise, eating better, and sleeping better, I would 100 percent recommend going to the doctor and getting your blood checked,” Dr. Rocco says. Blood tests can often detect insulin resistance, thyroid function, and cortisol levels.

If you also have other symptoms, such as fatigue, trouble sleeping, missed periods or mental health problems, contact your doctor. This could indicate an underlying hormone disorder.