Yes, GLP-1s Affect Your Skin. Here’s How to Address It

What Is Ozempic Face?

As much as you might have heard about it, “Ozempic face” isn’t a medical condition. It simply describes the facial changes that can come with rapid weight loss when using GLP-1 medications. “Weight loss due to [semaglutides] causes loss of fat all over the body, including the face,” says Dr. Evans. Because the medication helps you lose a lot of weight in a relatively short period of time, “patients can tend to appear more gaunt, with sunken cheeks and eyes, compared to when they had more fat in general and especially more facial fat,” she adds. 

How (and Why) Do GLP-1s Affect the Skin?

The main reason why Ozempic face happens is because of how fast you lose weight when taking a semaglutide. When GLP-1 medications break down fat and protein in your body, they also break down the collagen and elastin found in skin—essentially accelerating the aging process. Dropping pounds so swiftly doesn't always allow skin the time or sufficient elasticity to retract, particularly in thinner areas like the face. 

That means your skin might be showing more wrinkles or appearing to droop. “Fat is so important in the face that its loss can make patients appear older than their actual age,” says Dr. Evans. In her patients, she’s noticed skin that appears slightly more dull, or even a grayer hue. That said, weight loss-related changes vary by person, and can be influenced by factors including age, genetics, and even sun exposure. (Here’s your reminder to wear sunscreen daily!)

What Can I Do to Counter GLP-1 Skin Effects?

To be clear, a healthy weight far outweighs any appearance-related concerns—but there are steps you can take to feel, and look, your best.

A 2023 survey from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) found that 15% of facial plastic surgeons recommend treating Ozempic face exclusively with facial filler, 12% recommend face and neck lifts, and 2% recommend fat grafting. 

New biostimulatory fillers, such as Sculptra or Radiesse, can promote collagen synthesis without patients looking over-filled, says Dr. Evans. Meanwhile, neuromodulators—which alter nerve activity and muscle contraction, like Botox—can help counter the aging effects, especially when paired with injectable peptides such as Daxxify, she says. 

“Morpheus, a microneedling treatment with radio frequency, promotes skin tightening and collagen synthesis and can also help minimize these side effects,” she adds. “I recommend doing this process with the addition of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), [which] helps to maximize growth factors and anti-aging.” 

Whether you choose to go the surgical route or not, a great skin routine is key. Retinoids, such as tretinoin, can help manage early aging effects like wrinkles, says Dr. Evans. She also recommends exomes—like Plated—which are rich in proteins and enzymes, providing a natural, powerful defense against the signs of aging.

Personally, we love the MURAD Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, which uses a combination of fast-acting retinoid, a time-release retinol, and a retinol booster to help your skin look smooth and glowy. For a more moisturizing option, check out the BYROE Pumpkin Pro-Retinol Cream. Packed with skin-brightening pumpkin and high-performance actives—including smoothing retinol, firming bakuchiol, and nourishing ceramides—it’s an anti-aging powerhouse. 

Final Thoughts

GLP-1s are an effective way to lose weight and manage several health concerns, but they may come with unexpected side effects like premature aging and flat-looking features. To combat the appearance of “Ozempic face,” you can chat with a plastic surgeon about treatments like fillers or microneedling, or invest in a robust skincare routine including retinoids and exomes. At the end of the day, the point is to feel as good as you look—so do you.