GLP-1 medications have become a part of many of my clients’ wellness journeys, and as an esthetician, I’ve started noticing some interesting patterns in the skin of clients who are taking them. These medications can be incredibly helpful for some people, but whenever something changes appetite, food intake, digestion, hydration, and body composition, I think it’s worth looking at what that change might mean for the skin, too.
Here are a few things I’ve been noticing.
Dehydrated, less resilient skin
One of the first things I notice is skin that looks a little more depleted.
When appetite decreases, overall food intake often decreases with it. That can mean eating fewer fruits, vegetables, soups, and other foods that naturally contribute to daily fluid intake. Some people also simply drink less because they are eating and drinking less overall. The skin can reflect that.
Dehydrated skin may look dull, feel tighter, show fine lines more prominently, or simply have less of that plump, healthy appearance we associate with well-hydrated skin.
An actionable place to start is to intentionally add water-rich foods back into your day. Think berries, cucumbers, leafy greens, melon, soups, or other foods that provide both fluid and nutrients. Pair that with consistent water intake throughout the day rather than trying to catch up all at once.
Topically, the goal is to support the barrier and reduce unnecessary irritation while the rest of the body adjusts. A simple, barrier-supportive routine with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and daily SPF can give the skin a stable foundation while you work on hydration from the inside out.
Changes in facial fullness and collagen
Another change that can become noticeable during significant weight loss is a loss of facial fullness.
Some of this is simply a change in facial fat. When the body loses fat, the face can lose some of its volume as well. The result can be more visible hollowness around the cheeks, temples, eyes, or lower face.
But there is another conversation worth having: collagen. As we age, collagen production naturally declines. Rapid or significant weight loss can also make changes in facial structure more apparent because there is less underlying volume supporting the skin. This is one reason I like the idea of being proactive rather than waiting until you notice significant laxity or a change in texture.
If you're just starting a GLP-1 and know that weight loss is going to be part of your journey, this can be a great time to start thinking about collagen support. Microneedling is one of the treatments I use for this. By creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, microneedling stimulates the skin's natural repair response and supports new collagen and elastin production over time. And if you're already further along in your weight-loss journey, there is no reason to think you've missed your window. You can start supporting your skin's collagen production now.
More breakouts and changes in the skin
The other thing I’ve been noticing is an increase in breakouts for some clients. This is an area where I think it is especially important not to oversimplify the relationship between GLP-1 medications and acne.
GLP-1 medications can change appetite, food intake, digestion, and gastrointestinal motility. Significant changes in nutrition and body weight can also affect the hormonal environment. The gut and skin are closely connected, and changes in digestion can sometimes show up in the skin. If someone is eating substantially less, getting less fiber or protein, becoming constipated, or experiencing other digestive changes, I pay attention to what is happening both inside and outside the skin.
Hormonal fluctuations can also influence oil production and inflammation, which may contribute to breakouts in some people. That doesn't mean every breakout is caused by a GLP-1. Skin is always multifactorial. But if your skin suddenly changes after starting a medication or going through a period of significant weight loss, I think it is worth looking at the whole picture rather than simply adding stronger acne products.
So what can you actually do?
Microneedling
If you're beginning a GLP-1 and anticipate significant weight loss, I would consider starting a microneedling series sooner rather than later.
The goal isn't to prevent your face from changing. It's to support the quality and resilience of the skin as your body changes. Microneedling can help stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of texture, fine lines, and overall skin quality. And if you've already lost weight, it's still a worthwhile time to begin.
Chemical peels
When breakouts, congestion, pigmentation, or uneven texture become more noticeable, chemical peels can be a useful part of a corrective treatment plan.
The type and strength of peel matters. I don't believe in aggressively exfoliating already depleted skin. The goal is to choose an approach that addresses what the skin actually needs while keeping the barrier intact.
DMK Enzyme Therapy
DMK Enzyme Therapy is another treatment I love for clients whose skin is looking depleted, congested, or generally out of balance. The treatment is designed around supporting the skin's natural functions, including circulation and lymphatic activity, while working with the skin rather than constantly stripping it.
For someone going through a major change in their health or body composition, I often prefer treatments that support the skin's overall function instead of simply chasing one symptom.
CO2 Carboxy Mask used in our Sculpt & Glow Facial
For clients who are dealing with dullness, puffiness, or a tired-looking complexion, my Sculpt & Glow facial incorporates CO2 carboxy therapy to encourage circulation and oxygenation while supporting a brighter, more refreshed appearance.
It can be a beautiful option when someone isn't necessarily looking for an intensive corrective treatment but wants their skin to look more alive.
The bigger picture
The skin is part of the body. It doesn't exist separately from what is happening with your hormones, digestion, nutrition, hydration, sleep, stress, or medications.
If you're taking a GLP-1, I don't think the answer is to panic about what might happen to your skin. I think it's to be a little more intentional about supporting it.
Pay attention to hydration. Make sure you're still getting enough protein, fiber, and nutrients. Don't ignore changes in digestion. Keep your skincare routine supportive rather than overly aggressive. And consider building treatments like microneedling into your routine before you start noticing significant changes in your skin.
Your body is changing. Your skincare approach can change with it.