With the increasing popularity of GLP-1 medications for diabetes and weight management, dermatologists are seeing an increasing number of patients experiencing skin concerns related to these medications. While GLP-1 medications don’t directly damage skin, there are associated side effects like volume loss, dryness, and hair shedding that can be concerning. These secondary effects of GLP-1 medication use are responsible for the popular term, “Ozempic face,” which has been making its rounds online. This is not a medical diagnosis, but if you’re experiencing cosmetic skin concerns related to GLP-1 medications, there are some skincare steps that may reduce the potentially adverse impact of these medications on skin.
Why Does Weight Loss Affect Your Skin?
For those who take GLP-1s, it’s important to understand how weight changes impact skin health and how to adjust skincare during weight loss to minimize adverse effects. GLP-1s do not cause skin changes. Instead, the body’s response to rapid weight loss leads to skin health concerns. Many of these noticeable skin changes are related to lost structural support that makes fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. Additionally, increased skin dryness and barrier damage lead to sensitivity and inflammation.
Common Skin Changes During GLP-1 Weight Loss
Most skin side effects during GLP-1 weight loss improve with time, especially if skincare routines are adjusted to address concerns. Some of the potentially negative side effects GLP-1 users experience include:
- Facial volume loss.
- Decreased facial fullness.
- Increased visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Skin laxity.
- Dryness.
- Dullness and texture changes.
- Telogen effluvium, a form of temporary hair shedding related to physiological stress.
Best Skincare Ingredients During Weight Loss
The goal of skincare during weight loss should be supporting hydration, boosting collagen production, and strengthening the skin barrier. The first step is to find skincare products with the right ingredients to support skin health at all stages of weight loss. Below, we walk through some of the most important skincare ingredients and recommended products.
Hyaluronic Acid for Hydration & Temporary Plumping
While no topical product can fully restore lost facial volume, hyaluronic acid serums provide an immediate boost of hydration and a temporary increase in fullness. Additionally, hyaluronic acid draws moisture to the skin, leading to longer-lasting hydration. Some of the most highly recommended hyaluronic acid skin plumping products include:
Vitamin C for Brightening & Collagen Support
Collagen damage from UV rays, pollutants, and other environmental aggressors increases the adverse effects of rapid weight loss on skin. Products that contain vitamin C offer antioxidant protection, brighter complexion, and defense from environmental damage. Some of top collagen support skincare products recommended by dermatologists include:
Retinol & Retinoids for Smoother Skin
Retinol and prescription-strength retinoid products accelerate skin cell turnover, revealing healthier skin below. With consistent use, these products soften fine lines, improve texture, and lead to firmer-looking skin. Because retinols work by dissolving away outer layers of skin cells, they can cause sensitivity and increase risk for sun damage. For these reasons, it’s important to apply retinol in the evening and start at lower concentrations and increase as tolerated. To build your retinol routine, consider the two Revision Retinol Complete products:
Peptides & Growth Factors for Firmer Skin
To improve skin firmness, look for skincare products with peptides and growth factors. These products encourage collagen production to improve skin firmness and smoothness and encourage rejuvenation. Featured skincare products with peptides and growth factors include:
Lipid-Rich Moisturizers Help Strengthen the Skin Barrier
Skin dryness related to rapid weight loss is very common. Dry skin can lead to skin barrier damage, inflammation, and irritation. For this reason, it’s essential to find a lipid-rich moisturizer to restore hydration while strengthening skin’s barrier. Lipid-rich moisturizers fill in gaps within the skin’s barrier to prevent moisture loss and keep skin hydrated. With proper moisture and hydration, skin maintains elasticity and smoother texture. Below are two of the top dermatologist-recommended moisturizers for hydration and skin barrier repair:
Daily Sunscreen Is Essential
Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature skin aging. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays when skin is under stress during weight loss can increase inflammation and dryness and make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher each day prevents collagen damage and premature aging while improving skin health. For patients using retinols, sunscreen is even more important as retinol makes skin more susceptible to sun damage. Dermatologist-recommended sunscreen options include:
- EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen
- Revision Skincare Intellishade Clear SPF 50
Can Skincare Restore Lost Facial Volume?
Patients should always approach skincare changes with appropriate expectations. Skincare cannot completely restore skin elasticity and volume loss. However, choosing the right, high-quality skincare products and using them consistently improves hydration, elasticity, and skin texture. Additionally, the right skincare products may temporarily increase facial fullness. Certain anti-aging skincare ingredients are also known to reduce the appearance of fine lines with consistent use.
When Cosmetic Treatments May Help
It may take more than skincare after weight loss to restore lost volume and skin health. In some situations, more advanced dermatologic treatments are recommended. Some of the most common treatments dermatologists recommend in conjunction with consistent skincare include:
- Dermal fillers – these treatments are injected to replace lost volume.
- Sculptra – this product and other biostimulatory injectables naturally rebuild lost facial volume by stimulating collagen and elastin production.
- Collagen-stimulating treatments – microneedling, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, and laser resurfacing are all procedures that stimulate the production of collagen to improve skin fullness and elasticity.
- Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling – by combining collagen-stimulating microneedling with radiofrequency to tighten skin, dermatologists fight two side effects of rapid weight loss.
Building a Simple GLP-1 Skincare Routine
Skincare for weight-loss skin changes should be simple and include high-quality, gentle products. Consistency is much more important than complexity when it comes to building your skincare routine, so choose good products that you’ll use consistently. Below, we outline a basic morning and evening skincare routine:
Morning Routine
- Gentle cleanser
- Vitamin C serum
- Hyaluronic acid
- Moisturizer
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen
Evening Routine
- Gentle cleanser
- Retinol (if tolerated)
- Peptide or growth factor serum
- Lipid-rich moisturizer
Skincare to Navigate Weight Loss-Related Skin Changes
Skin changes occur during periods of rapid weight loss but developing and maintaining a consistent GLP-1 skincare routine that boosts collagen production, increases hydration, and strengthens the skin barrier can mitigate many side effects. Skincare won’t permanently restore lost facial volume, but it may improve skin’s elasticity. You can explore more dermatologist-recommended skincare products at DermSkincare.
Schedule a Dermatology Consultation
If you’re interested in dermatologic treatments or you’re looking for professional skincare recommendations, consider scheduling a dermatology consultation with the team at U.S. Dermatology Partners. Take just a few moments to submit a scheduling request form online and a local team member will reach out to finalize the details.