India, April 17 -- A puffy face after a long week, under-eyes that refuse to bounce back, and skin that looks inexplicably dull. Last year, social media labelled it "cortisol face". Now, the term has resurfaced, with actor Deepika Padukone, model Kendall Jenner and YouTuber Mira Kapoor talking about lymphatic drainage as a possible fix. Experts, however, say the trend is an oversimplification of a far more complex link between stress and skin. Stress does leave its imprint on the face, but not in a uniform way. Dermatologists say the face is often the first place where chronic stress becomes visible. "The cortisol face trend is the internet's crude shorthand for a real phenomenon: chronic stress accelerates ageing," says Dr Satish Bhatia, dermatologist and cosmetologist, Indian Cancer Society, Mumbai. The signs can be subtle yet noticeable: puffiness around the cheeks and under-eyes, acne flare-ups, dullness, and early fine lines. "Cortisol affects how salt and water move in tissues, which can lead to fluid retention. This shows up as puffiness around the cheekbones or under the eyes," he explains. Stress can also speed up collagen breakdown, weaken skin structure, and trigger low-grade inflammation. What makes the trend resonate is how closely it ties physical appearance to emotional well-being. "When stress becomes constant, the body remains in a heightened state. Sleep suffers, energy dips, and over time, it can lead to anxiety, burnout, and a persistent sense of exhaustion. When these changes begin to reflect on the face, it can create a feedback loop," says Dr Vinay Saini, psychiatrist, Maarga Mind Care, Gurugram. "Cortisol face is not a formal medical diagnosis. It is largely a social media term," says Dr David Chandy, director of endocrinology at HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. A puffy face alone can stem from several factors such as poor sleep, high salt intake, allergies, or temporary fluid retention. It is not specific to cortisol-related conditions, he adds....