Cortisol: the quiet collagen thief How chronic stress can dull your glow (and what to do about it) Cortisol is your main “stress hormone,” produced by your adrenal glands when your body feels pressure. In small, short bursts, cortisol is useful. It helps you wake up, focus, and respond to real-life demands. But when stress becomes chronic (busy mind, multitasking, emotional overload, poor sleep, burnout), cortisol can stay elevated longer than your body was designed for. And
