GLPs like semaglutide, tirzepatide and ozempic have been in use for a long time to manage insulin and glucose issues in those with diabetes. In recent years, we have seen this became a somewhat mainstream medication for weight loss and while it has some overall health benefits, it does have some impacts on our skin's overall health and functionality.
We have heard the term "ozempic face" but what does that actually mean? Ozempic face refers to the hollowed out, gaunt, drooping facial appearance that has become associated with GLP users due to fast weight loss.
What it is is actually a bit more complex. This drastic change to the face happens most of the time when the person is dosing up too fast and losing weight too fast (defined generally as losing MORE than 1-2LBS per week). Weight loss beyond 2LBS per week usually results in more dramatic, visible changes to the face and body such as loose skin, drooping and sagging skin, heavy lines and wrinkles. This overall change can make someone look much older than their actual age.
What do GLPs do to our skin?
GLPs regulate glucose by stimulating insulin secretions. This is the quickest definition of what these meds do to our body to stimulate weight loss.
What does this mean in regards to our skin?
PUBMED is a great place to keep up with studies on GLP medications and what I type today may very well change in 6 months due to ongoing and extensive research but, what we are seeing now is that this medication is impacting our skin's FAT STEM CELLS and causing them to essentially shut off and what that does to our skin is it increases GLYCATION in our skin, thins our skin, reduces functionality in our skin which does not support COLLAGEN. Glycation is a change in our skin related to insulin and the way sugar binds to our cells - what GLP does is it speeds up glycation in our skin which shows up as rapid aging - wrinkles, lines, sagging skin, dull skin and more.
When we shut down the mechanics in our skin that create and boost collagen, this is where we get laxity and droop but, its not just our skin - these medications are impacting the stem cells in our hair system (which is why many GLP users have hair thinning and hair loss) and also reduces muscle volume which further makes skin look saggy and draggy and wrinkled.
So what do GLP users need to do?
Get a great nutritionist.
A lot of people on GLPs are not eating enough due to medically induced food aversions, restricting calories intentionally to lose more weight and not eating the right foods which are nutrient dense enough to support critical body processes.
Get supportive skin care!
This looks different at different ages and how aggressively someone is losing weight but, we do have skincare that supports the GLP journey in that, they help firm skin and stimulate collagen.
My List of GLP Skin Care Essentials:
Cleansers - use what you have, no need to swap out in regards to GLP usage.
Eye cream: yes, with weakened skin cell functionality, weakened collagen production, those eyes will take a hit. I recommend our HEVATOX Eye Cream. Firming, lifting, loaded with tox-like protein peptides to smooth our lines and 24K gold.
Volume boosting serum, with topical filler (PLLA) - this serum is a must for all GLP users concerns with facial volume loss and lines. CaviPLLA Volumizing Serum
For all skin types, I recommend everyone -GLP user or not - use a barrier healing serum and this is my favorite. GLPs reduce skin cell functionality and weakens the skin barrier making it more reactive, this serum helps build up and heal what has been lost. SIV BIOME BALANCE SERUM.
For all skin types, I recommend adding this cream in 1-2 times a week. Start once weekly, after 2 weeks increase usage to twice a week. Think of this as your BOOSTER CREAM, not a daily cream. Spicules massively feed essential vitamins and minerals to your skin and stimulate collagen. MESO Spicule TOX Cream
For all skin types, I recommend adding in this spicule, same reasons as above, spicules massively stimulate collagen and feed your skin very needed essential minerals and vitamins. I recommend using this 1-2 times a week at most. This will be the last serum you apply, followed by a moisturizer. If you are using this serum, you do not need to add in the MESO Spicule Cream. If you overuse spicules, you can irritate your skin. O2 TOX PEEL SPICULE SERUM
For those over 35, with no acne issues: LUPINE 3D Cream
For those over 30, with acne prone skin: Lift, Rejuvenate and Tone Cream