Skin Thinning / Altered Skin Texture
Users on Reddit have reported various experiences regarding skin changes while on GLP-1 medications, including observations from medical professionals and personal anecdotes. Some users also offer advice on how to potentially mitigate these issues.
Experiences with Skin Thinning / Altered Skin Texture:
Some users attribute skin changes like sagging to rapid weight loss, which can lead to a loss of collagen, rather than a direct effect of the GLP-1 medication itself. [2, 3] One user stated, "GLP-1 is known for rapid weight loss which has a different effect on skin versus slower weight loss. You are going to have a higher loss of immediate collagen in your skin which will cause it to \"behave\" differently and cause more sagging. "[2]
One user on Mounjaro reported, "My skin gets a little dry if I don't drink enough water. "[4]
Another user taking compounded semaglutide for 10 months mentioned, "The only place my skin has gotten loose is an area on my upper thighs where the skin was damaged in my late 20’s and again in my early 30’s... I do not look flabby from rapid weightloss. "[5]
Some users experience injection site reactions that can look like a "little red bump almost like a mosquito bite and then it fades away a few days later into like a scar. "[6] These reactions are reported by about 8% of users and typically disappear over time. [7, 8]
One user on Wegovy reported "awful acne. "[9]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
To avoid loose skin, a user suggested: "gradual loss due to a very very slow ramp up of the meds • keeping skin moisturized - lotion after every shower. Moisturizing face and neck before bed every night. • keeping up water intake so cellular regeneration is also supported from the inside. "[5]
Managing Injection Site Reactions:
Some people apply "anti-itch or antihistamine ointments to control it after the injection. "[7]
Moving the injection site around each week is also practiced, though one user still experienced bruising even when switching between arms and stomach. [10]
Addressing Acne:
For acne, one user mentioned they were "currently doing laser treatments for my hyperpigmentation (caused by acne) so until I can get on accurate or spiron or something, I won't go back to Wegovy. "[9] Another user suggested that compounded medication with Vitamin B mixed in might cause acne. [11]
It's important to note that some users and medical professionals emphasize the need for more scientific studies to definitively link GLP-1 medications directly to skin changes beyond those associated with rapid weight loss.
Experiences with Skin Thinning / Altered Skin Texture:
- Plastic surgeons have noted changes in the skin of patients on GLP-1s.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Hydration and Moisturization:
- To prevent dry skin, one user recommended drinking enough water.
It's important to note that some users and medical professionals emphasize the need for more scientific studies to definitively link GLP-1 medications directly to skin changes beyond those associated with rapid weight loss.