Do You Need to Change Your Skincare Routine If You Start Ozempic?

The influence of GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, on the beauty industry is notable, with brands developing skincare products specifically for users of these drugs due to observed changes in skin quality. Users have reported rapid weight loss effects that include a gaunt appearance, often termed “Ozempic face,” due to reduced facial volume. Companies like Clinique are marketing products to address these concerns by offering solutions for lifting and smoothing the skin.

Plastic surgeons have noticed skin differences in patients using GLP-1s, such as weakened collagen and elastin fibers. Users often experience textural changes, fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness. Research suggests that GLP-1 usage reduces collagen and moisture in the skin, possibly due to the loss of adipose-derived stem cells which aid in maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. This reduction may result from the depletion of dermal white adipose tissue, contributing to a decrease in the skin’s youthfulness.

Maintaining skin health while on GLP-1s could involve nutritional support, as rapid weight loss and suppressed appetite might lead to nutrient deficiencies that affect skin quality. Combining these medications with a nutrient-rich diet could help preserve skin integrity, though some patients may experience diminished skin quality over time.