Yes, your face changes when you cry.
How Crying Alters Facial Appearance
Crying is not just an emotional release; it's a physical process that has noticeable effects on your face. According to Dr. Dagny Zhu, a board-certified ophthalmologist, the production and shedding of tears impacts the entire facial structure due to increased blood flow.
Physiological Changes During Crying
- Blood Vessel Dilation: When you cry, the blood vessels around your eyes, face, and nose become dilated. This is a result of increased blood flow to these areas.
- Swelling and Puffiness: This dilation leads to swelling and puffiness, particularly around the eyes.
- Redness: The increased blood flow also causes redness in the face and around the eyes.
Table Summary of Facial Changes
Facial Change | Description | Cause |
---|---|---|
Swelling/Puffiness | Increase in size, mainly around the eyes | Dilated blood vessels and increased blood flow |
Redness | Visible reddening of the face and skin around the eyes | Dilation of blood vessels and increased blood flow |
Why These Changes Occur
These changes happen as part of your body's response to emotional stress, which triggers physiological processes that lead to tear production and its related effects on facial blood flow.
Example Scenarios
- After a Sad Movie: You might notice your eyes feel puffy, and your cheeks look flushed.
- During Intense Grief: Significant crying can result in more pronounced redness and swelling around the eyes and nose.
These changes are temporary and typically subside after crying has stopped.