Improved Skin Appearance
Users on Reddit report a variety of skin changes while on GLP-1 medications, including both positive improvements and some negative effects, often related to rapid weight loss. They also share remedies and preventative measures.
Positive Skin Changes:
Cessation of Compulsive Skin Picking: A notable positive effect for some has been the reduction or cessation of compulsive skin picking. One user shared, "it dramatically decreased my compulsive skin picking issue that I'd struggled with since I was a kid... I can wear sleeveless shirts for the first time... because my upper arms aren't covered in bloody scabs. "[2] Another simply said, "It cured my compulsive skin picking. "[3]
Negative Skin Changes and "Ozempic Face":
While not an "improvement," these are significant reported experiences that users seek to remedy:
Plastic surgeons have observed that the skin quality of some GLP-1 patients can resemble an "'old, overused rubber band'" and that the SMAS layer of the face can appear "'thinner and weaker,'" leading to sagging. [4]
Users have reported experiencing "somewhat of an “Ozempic face” at times"[5] or general "Loose skin". [6]
One user noticed "very slight signs of creping" on their stomach. [7]
Acne: Some users have experienced new or worsened acne.
One user reported, "Weirdly I got awful acne. "[8]
Another on Saxenda (a GLP-1) also experienced "acne". [10]
Dry Skin:
A user on Mounjaro mentioned, "My skin gets a little dry if I don't drink enough water". [11]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended by Users:
Moisturizing: Regular moisturizing is suggested. One user recommended "keeping skin moisturized - lotion after every shower. Moisturizing face and neck before bed every night. "[12] Another uses "a daily regimen of some kind of lotion my wife recommended that helps renew the skin and avoid wrinkles. "[7]
Hydration: Drinking enough water is emphasized for cellular regeneration. [12]
Collagen Supplements: Some users take collagen. One user stated, "I have taken daily supplements of BioTrust Multi Collagen while on Ozempic, and I do not have any hanging or abnormally loose skin. "[5] Collagen was also mentioned by another user for hair loss prevention, which may be perceived as beneficial for skin. [14]
To Address Acne:
Topical Treatments/Medications: One user who reported "awful acne"[8] was using laser treatments for the resulting hyperpigmentation and considering Accutane or spironolactone. A reply to this user suggested that "compounded medication with Vitamin B mixed" might have caused the acne. [9]
Nuderma Device: A user mentioned a device called "Nuderma... uses neon and argon and electrical stimulation to treat skin and hair. It seems to be most noticeably effective for people with cystic acne". [15]
To Combat Dry Skin:
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is the primary recommendation: "My skin gets a little dry if I don't drink enough water". [11]
General Skin Health (often mentioned alongside hair health):
Biotin and Tretinoin: While discussed for hair loss, these are also known for skin benefits. One user mentioned supplementing with "biotin" and using "tretinoin + minoxidil on my scalp".
Positive Skin Changes:
- Reduction in Psoriasis: Some users with psoriasis have seen significant improvements.
Negative Skin Changes and "Ozempic Face":
While not an "improvement," these are significant reported experiences that users seek to remedy:
- "Ozempic Face" and Loose Skin: This is a common concern, often linked to rapid weight loss.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended by Users:
- To Mitigate Loose Skin and "Ozempic Face":
- Gradual Weight Loss: Losing weight slowly is recommended.