Key points:

• What GLP-1 and Ozempic skin sagging is.
• Why weight loss medications cause skin sensitivity.
• How to rejuvenate lax, hollow, sensitive, and dehydrated skin.

In the excitement of finally shedding the weight that’s crept on over the years, or that you’ve carried for decades, comes the side effects of GLP-1 face. This side effect alters the shape of your face and negatively impacts skin quality. For some of my clients, the changes are so extreme it adds years to their appearance, or leave them feeling like they don’t look like themselves. Below, I explain why the changes to your skin are so drastic and how to respond. This includes a skincare protocol to restore volume loss, calm inflammation, and improve your skin’s response to weight loss medications. 

WHAT IS GLP-1 FACE AND BODY?

Also referred to as “Ozempic face”, this side effect causes skin laxity and facial hollowing. Skin sagging occurs anytime you lose a significant amount of weight gradually or rapidly, including after giving birth. For some clients, their skin sinks in, creating a guant effect. For others, the volume loss is so extreme that it causes preexisting lines and wrinkles to sink in. These changes occur from head to toe, but since your face is front and center, it can’t be disguised with clothing.

Common skin changes with weight loss medications include:

• Crepey
• Dull
• Inflamed/sensitive
• Intensified lines and wrinkles
• Sagging
• Shallow
• Sunken/hollowed

HOW WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATIONS IMPACT SKIN BEYOND VOLUME LOSS

Beyond volume loss, many of my clients display compromised skin barrier, dehydrated skin, and inflammation. These side effects are often linked to nutrition. You’re eating less, but if you haven’t adjusted your diet, you may not be consuming the skin-healthy vitamins your body requires. Work with your physician or nutritionist to adjust your diet, as topical application of vitamins and minerals isn’t enough to restore barrier function. Essential, but not enough to counterbalance decreased nutrient intake.

SKIN DEHYDRATION

In addition to eating less food, you may be drinking less water on GLP-1s. Water is crucial for optimal skin health and cellular performance. It hydrates skin, supports barrier function, increases cell volume to plump out skin, and circulates nutrients throughout the body. Increasing hydration is easy, drink approximately 1 ounce of water per day per pound of body weight.

INFLAMMED SKIN

Extreme skin sensitivity is a rare side effect of GLP-1 agonists. Although hypersensitivity is rare, many of my clients are experiencing increased day-to-day skin sensitivity. Or increased post-treatment or product sensitivity. Even to products and treatments that are gentle, or that they’ve used previously without sensitivity. This is likely due to the combination of dehydration and decreased nutrient intake. On the flip side,  studies find that they can improve some inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis.

SIGNS OF GLP-1 SKIN SIDE EFFECTS:

• Dull or lackluster skin caused by internal dehydration.
• Increased reactivity to gentle skincare products and physical exfoliators.
• Increased reactivity to chemical peels, harsh topicals, and harsh treatments.
• Slower than usual recovery after facials and high-heat skincare devices.

SKINCARE PROTOCOL FOR “OZEMPIC FACE”

The NeoGenesis skincare protocol below works for any type of GLP-1 skin reactivity. It’s a results-driven protocol, and it’s an investment. NeoGenesis’s products fall under the growing range of medical-grade skincare as they contain patented S²RM® technology. Their technology is infused with resident skin stem cells. Their topical stem cells are so effective at restoring damaged skin that they’re oncology-approved for radiation burns. For best results, utilize this protocol ongoing. To be economical, use it for 90 days, then scale back to 1 or 2 stem-cell infused products per day.

STEP 1: CLEANSE

Transition to the gentle, hydrating, and pH-balancing  NeoGenesis Cleanser. This formulation dissolves makeup, oil, and grime without further stripping or irritating your skin.

STEP 2: EXFOLIATE

Switch from physical exfoliators to gentle chemical exfoliators, such as the  Enzyme Rescue Multi-Purpose Mask. In addition to lifting dead cells, this formulation tones skin, refines pores, and soothes irritation.

STEP 3: MIST

NeoGenesis Moisturizing Mist restores hydration and preps your skin to improve the product penetration of the next steps in your GLP-1 skincare routine.

STEP 4: SERUM

NeoGenesis Recovery is a dream for calming inflammatory pathways that leave your skin red, irritated, or more sensitive than before. It also supports cellular repair to thicken thin skin and brighten dull skin. Focus more on areas with damage or sensitivity.

STEP 5: LED THERAPY

NeoGenesis and LED therapy are the perfect duo. Together, they elevate and accelerate rejuvenation. LED wavelengths activate your cells and increase circulation. Stem cells instruct your skin on how to calm, repair, and increase collagen production.

I suggest using the  Omnilux Face Mask 2 to 3 days a week for 10 minutes, working gradually up to 5 times a week. The combination of red and near-infrared wavelengths reduces inflammation, improves skin laxity, brightens skin, evens out skin texture, and reduces lines and wrinkles. Omnilux also has a  Neck & Décolleté Mask!

STEP 6: POST-LED NEOGENESIS BOOSTER SERUM

LED treatments leave your skin in a “high-uptake, high-repair” state. The bio-signaling NeoGenesis Booster Serum capitalizes on this increased receptivity by directing cells to repair and calm inflammation.

STEP 7: MOISTURIZE

NeoGenesis Barrier Renewal Cream is your AM/PM moisturizer. This hydrating formulation seals the skin, creating a protective barrier. Creating a protective barrier is essential for restoring a damaged skin barrier and healing inflamed skin.

STEP 8: PLLA-INFUSED SPF PROTECTION

The weight loss medication skincare protocol above can’t achieve maximum efficacy if you aren’t protecting your skin from UV rays. This includes the sun’s rays and indoor rays from electronics and lighting. I suggest a range of multi-tasking sunscreens, but if volume is your objective, apply  HOP+ PLLA-Infused Sunscreen.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) is a key ingredient in dissolvable sutures, surgical mesh, and dissolvable stents. It’s a biocompatible biostimulator that the healthcare industry has turned to for over 30 years. This means your skin recognizes the PLLA, and that it prompts repair. It absorbs deep into your skin and wraps around your hair follicles. This prompts a steady stream of collagen production creating a lifting and firming matrix underneath your skin. For maximum results, you must apply at least one PLLA product per day, preferably twice per day. Feel free to apply one of  House of PLLA’s Facial-Filling Moisturizers as your PM moisturizer in Step 7.

Bonus Tip:

• NeoGenesis Body Cream: To fill and firm GLP-1 body laxity, spot treat or apply this hydrating and rejuvenating cream to your body.
• Glow Younger TriLight LED: Consider alternating the Glow Younger TriLight with the Omnilux mask, or using it instead of the mask. This pro-grade device combines Amber/Yellow, Red, and Infrared wavelengths to support deeper tissue repair and circulation. Apply 2 to 3 days a week to spot-treat your face and body. This lightweight device is 5 inches long and 2-3/4 inches wide and contains 120 bulbs. It only takes 3 to 5 minutes per treatment.

LET’S DISCUSS HOW ELSE TO TAILOR YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

The protocol above addresses a wide range of skin conditions, but you may have other skincare concerns. Consider joining the  CBE Rewards Club. As a member, you’ll receive $10 in cash rewards each month, 10% off CBE Botanicals products, and exclusive BOGO events, flash sales, contests, and prizes. Membership includes access to the Rewards Club Lounge, where you can ask me your most pressing skincare questions!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is GLP-1 face more common for those over the age of 40?

In our 40s, the gradual decline of collagen and elastin production intensifies lines and wrinkles. At the same time, peptide production slows, and the fat pads in our face begin to shrink. These factors increase lines, wrinkles, laxity, and hollowness.

How long before my skin responds to this weight loss medication skincare protocol?

Maximum efficacy requires a minimum of 90 days of use, applied at least twice per day. Expect increased hydration and a calming effect on redness and irritation within the first week of use. Between weeks 2 and 4, you can expect an improvement in skin texture and barrier repair.

Will your skin laxity restore on its own after weight loss?

Yes, but not all. The faster you lose weight, the longer it takes to tighten back up. The more weight you have to lose and the longer you carry the weight, the less your skin will tighten and firm without esthetic intervention.

What topical stem cell products work?

NeoGenesis is also the only topical stem cell formulation I’ve found that works. Many skincare brands chop up stem cells and put them in their products. Chopped-up stem cells die. Some products contain live stem cells, but lack a delivery system to activate your cells. This is why other stem cell products you’ve tried didn’t work.

Stem cells can also be injected, but with  NeoGenesis you can skip painful injections and optimize benefits with daily application.