GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are becoming increasingly popular for weight management, often leading to significant and rapid weight loss. While these medications may offer substantial health benefits, their use also brings about notable changes in skin health, particularly concerning skin laxity, facial and neck appearance. Let’s explore the relationship between GLP-1-induced weight loss and skin, along with strategies for managing skin changes.
How GLP-1 Medications Facilitate Weight Loss
GLP-1 medications mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. They work by suppressing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and increasing feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake and sustained weight reduction.
How GLP-1 Medications Impact the Skin
GLP-1 medications can impact the skin both positively and negatively. According to recent research on the medication, GLP-1’s can help to reduce systemic inflammation, improving conditions like psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa through cytokine modulation and enhanced wound healing ( SpringerLink, JCAD). However, rapid weight loss driven by GLP 1 therapies can cause facial volume loss, skin sagging, reduced elasticity, and so-called “Ozempic face” appearance (MDAiRE™).
Weight Loss & Skin Laxity or Sagging Skin
One of the most discussed cosmetic side effects of rapid weight loss with GLP-1 medications is loose and sagging skin, often called "Ozempic face" or "GLP-1 Face." This is not caused by the medication itself, but rather by the speed and extent of fat reduction. When weight is lost quickly, the skin may not have enough time to adjust to the body's new contours.
Several factors contribute to this skin laxity:
- Rapid Fat Loss: Fat provides structural support beneath the skin. When this volume diminishes quickly, the skin loses its underlying support, leading to a hollowed, gaunt, or deflated appearance, especially in the face. This can manifest as sunken cheeks and eyes, more visible lines and wrinkles, and overall sagging.
- Decreased Collagen and Elastin: Collagen and elastin are vital proteins for skin elasticity and firmness. As we age, their production naturally decreases, making it harder for the skin to retract after significant weight changes. Rapid weight loss exacerbates this.
- Age and Genetics: Younger skin typically responds better to weight loss due to higher collagen and elastin levels. Genetics also play a significant role in an individual's predisposition to skin laxity.
While "Ozempic face" refers to facial concerns, skin laxity can affect various body areas, including the neck, upper arms, abdomen, and thighs. The emotional impact of these skin changes can be significant, sometimes affecting self-esteem even after achieving weight loss goals.
Potential Positive Effects of Weight Loss on Skin Health
Beyond the challenges of skin laxity, overall weight loss, including that achieved with GLP-1s, can offer several positive impacts on skin health:
Improved Circulation: Weight loss enhances cardiovascular health, leading to better blood flow, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells for a healthier, more radiant complexion.
- Reduced Inflammation: Excess weight often contributes to chronic inflammation, which can manifest as skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Losing weight can help reduce this inflammation, leading to clearer skin.
- Enhanced Hydration and Collagen Production: Some studies suggest that GLP-1 medications may improve skin hydration and even influence collagen synthesis by skin fibroblasts, potentially leading to improved skin firmness and elasticity over time.
Skincare during weight loss
Caring for your skin is crucial not only after achieving weight loss, but also throughout the entire process. As the body adapts rapidly, it experiences a cascade of internal shifts—from heightened stress responses to significant hormonal fluctuations. These changes can directly manifest as alterations in your skin's health and appearance. By committing to a consistent and thoughtful skincare regimen, you can proactively maintain your skin's equilibrium, helping to prevent unnecessary concerns like breakouts or other undesirable changes, and ensuring its vitality every step of the way.
Science-backed Skincare Solutions for GLP-1 Related Skin Concerns
As GLP-1 treatments gain popularity, there's a clear need for skin solutions that effectively counter the visible signs of premature aging caused by rapid weight loss. Our science-backed solutions are specifically formulated to visibly diminish the appearance of aging around the eyes, face, and neck, while simultaneously restoring the skin's hydration for a healthy, youthful-looking complexion.
GLP-1 treatments and rapid weight loss can make existing fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes (like crow's feet) more prominent, and new ones may appear or deepen. Powered by patented CORExtract biotechnology, proprietary InterFuse Technology, and a neuro-calming peptide, our skin-renewing trio featuring BioRewind skincare supplement, InterFuse Treatment Cream FACE & NECK, and Interfuse Treatment Cream EYE was curated to harmoniously address the side effects of GLP-1 treatments, target the root cause of skin aging, combat the appearance of crow's feet, and restore skin firmness.
Hydrate & Rewind RegimenGLP-1 treatments and rapid weight loss can make existing fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes (like crow's feet) more prominent, and new ones may appear or deepen.
Powered by patented CORExtract biotechnology, proprietary InterFuse Technology, and a neuro-calming peptide, our skin-renewing trio featuring BioRewind skincare supplement, InterFuse Treatment Cream FACE & NECK, and Trio Luxe Moisture Treatment was curated to harmoniously address the side effects of GLP-1 treatments, target the root cause of skin aging, combat the appearance of crow's feet, and restore skin firmness.
Firm & Rewind RegimenGLP-1 treatments can cause skin on the face and neck to feel drier, appear less vibrant, and exacerbate the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
The delicate skin of the neck is particularly prone to sagging after rapid weight loss. This can manifest as excess loose skin, horizontal neck bands, and a less defined jaw-neck angle. Powered by patented CORExtract biotechnology and our proprietary InterFuse Technology, this fine line and wrinkle-reducing trio featuring BioRewind skincare supplement, InterFuse Treatment Cream FACE & NECK, and InterFuse Intensive Treatment LINES was curated to harmoniously address the side effects of GLP-1 treatments by targeting the root cause of skin aging, combating the appearance of expression lines, and restoring skin firmness.
Glow & Rewind RegimenGLP-1 treatments can have an indirect effect on the look of pores in relation to rapid weight loss.
When skin loses its firmness and support, pores can sometimes appear more prominent or enlarged because the surrounding tissue is less taut. Powered by patented CORExtract biotechnology, proprietary InterFuse Technology, and our proprietary P.A.T.H. Technology, this skin-balancing trio featuring BioRewind skincare supplement, InterFuse Treatment Cream FACE & NECK, and Mystro Active Balance Serum, targets the dermatological challenges often associated with GLP-1 treatments, harmoniously addressing the root cause of redness, combating signs of aging, and reducing the look of pores.
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Firm & Rewind
This fine line and wrinkle reducing trio harmoniously addresses the root cause of skin aging, combats the appearance of expression lines and restores skin firmness.
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Glow and Rewind
This skin-balancing trio harmoniously addresses the root cause of skin aging, combats the appearance of redness and visible pores and restores skin's firmness.
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Hydrate and Rewind
This hydrating trio harmoniously addresses the root cause of skin aging, combats sagging skin and wrinkles, and restores moisture balance.
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Brighten and Rewind
This skin-renewing trio harmoniously addresses the root cause of skin aging, combats the appearance of crows feet, and restores skin firmness.
Solutions for Managing Skin Changes from GLP-1 Medication
Managing skin changes during and after GLP-1-induced weight loss often requires a multifaceted approach:
Nutrient-Rich Diet: Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can improve skin elasticity and firmness. Adequate protein intake is also crucial to prevent muscle loss, which provides underlying support to the skin.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining skin health and elasticity.
Regular Exercise: Incorporating regular exercise, especially strength training, can help preserve muscle mass, which provides structure and tone to the body and can reduce the appearance of sagging skin.
Sun Protection: Protecting skin from prolonged sun exposure can help maintain its elasticity.
Gradual Weight Loss: Losing weight more gradually can give the skin more time to adjust and potentially minimize laxity.
References for this information:
- GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications and Their Impact on Skin Elasticity - Atlanta Liposuction
- Skin Laxity After Weight Loss: Navigating the GLP-1 Era | Dr. Tina Sauerhammer
- Uncovering the Impact of GLP-1 Medications on Skin Health: What You Need to Know about Weight loss and Skin – Elless
- How GLP1s Affect Your Skin Laxity - Keller Aesthetics
- Ozempic face (and other GLP-1 side effects) - UCLA Health
- How GLP-1 Medications Impact Your Skin & How to Counteract Aging Effects – MDAiRE
- The Role of GLP‐1 Agonists in Esthetic Medicine: Exploring the Impact of Semaglutide on Body Contouring and Skin Health - PMC - PubMed Central
- Treatments for Loose Skin After Weight Loss with Ozempic ® , Wegovy ® , and GLP-1s
- How to Tighten Sagging Skin Caused by Weight Loss Injections - Doctor Nyla Medispa
- Cosmetic Surgery After GLP-1 Weight Loss: What To Know - Westlake Dermatology
- The Hidden Challenges of GLP-1 Agonist Weight Loss Medications: Muscle Loss, Sagging Skin, and How to Prevent Them - Nava Health
- How GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications are Sparking a Skin Tightening Boom
- The Skin-Deep Benefits of Weight Loss and How GLP-1 Medications Can Help Accelerate Progress | 1 Smile Wellness & MedSpa
- What to Know About GLP-1 for Weight Loss - Skin Clique
- The Untold Truth About GLP-1 Medications and Skin Health: What is “GLP Face”?
