GLP-1 Drug Effects on Hair, Skin, and Nails

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Skin

Quick and significant weight loss from GLP-1 use has been associated with decreased facial volume, skin thinning, loss of collagen and elastin, and decreased skin elasticity, which can increase the appearance of signs of aging.

This has led to the emergence of terms like “Ozempic face,” which may be offensive to some. “I would retire the term ‘Ozempic face’ if I could because it makes this sound like a unique toxic effect of one drug when, for the most part, we are describing the consequences of significant weight loss,” says Friedman.

 

As Friedman explains, your face has superficial and deep fat compartments that maintain facial structure. A significant weight loss causes the body to lose fat all over — and that includes in your face. “If that happens rapidly, the overlying skin and supporting structures may not accommodate the change as seamlessly, so [facial] hollows become more apparent, folds may look deeper, and skin laxity can become more noticeable,” he says.

What to Do About It

There isn’t a specialized GLP-1 skin-care routine that will compensate for weight-induced changes to the face, says Friedman. The basics remain the recommendation, he says: Wash with a gentle cleanser, moisturize, and use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 regularly. In addition, eat enough protein and calories, and stay hydrated. Good hydration is important, but Friedman points out that drinking more water isn’t going to prevent volume loss in your face.

Research also suggests that maximizing your nutrient intake so that you get enough of the nutrients involved in collagen stimulation, such as vitamin D, iron, B12, folate, zinc, copper, and protein may help maintain skin structure to offset some of the effects of weight loss.

 This can be challenging when you’re eating fewer calories, so talk to your doctor about supplementing, if necessary.

If you’re looking for a dermatological procedure to counter loss of volume or sagging, Zeichner says that injectable fillers and skin-tightening treatments like Sofwave, a noninvasive ultrasound procedure, may be worth discussing with your dermatologist.



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