GLP-1 targeting medicines such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have revolutionised medical weight management. These treatments mimic the effects of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone to regulate appetite, blood sugar and insulin levels. Their effectiveness in promoting weight loss has also drawn attention to cosmetic side effects such as facial hollowing or sagging, often described as “Ozempic face”. Now, as more people complete or pause their therapy, another set of questions are being raised about what happens to the skin after stopping treatment. In this article we explore the effect of stopping GLP-1 drugs on the skin and how to prevent “Ozempic rebound face”.
Why Skin Changes with Weight Loss
GLP-1 drugs work through a number of mechanisms including appetite suppression and boosting insulin. This results in weight loss. When body weight decreases quickly, the layer of fat under the skin reduces across the body, including the face. Fat cells act as natural cushions that provide support to the skin’s surface. Loss of this volume alters the contours of the cheeks, temples and jawline. This gives the face a more deflated or drawn appearance. At the microscopic level, a sudden reduction in fat also changes the mechanical tension within the skin. This can reduce fibroblast skin cell activity thereby reducing collagen production. There is also an increase in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, which breaks down existing collagen. Together, these effects reduce elasticity and firmness.
Rapid weight loss can also influence blood flow, nutrient delivery and hydration. Inadequate protein or micronutrient intake, particularly vitamin C, zinc and essential fatty acids, further limits collagen repair. The result is skin that may feel thinner, drier or more fragile. These skin changes occur after any type of rapid weight loss and are not unique to GLP-1 drugs.
What Happens to Your Skin When You Stop GLP-1 Treatment?
After stopping GLP-1 therapy, appetite and metabolism gradually return to their pre-treatment state. If your calorie intake rises faster than the energy you burn, weight regain may occur. This GLP-1 metabolic rebound can affect the skin in several ways:
- Uneven Fat Redistribution: Returning fat often deposits unevenly. As such it may result in restoring fullness to some areas of the face more than others. This can create puffiness or asymmetry.
- Reduced Elasticity: After repeated stretching and shrinking, collagen fibres can lose recoil. This may result in skin laxity or fine lines.
- Skin Barrier Imbalance: Hormonal and metabolic shifts alter oil gland activity. This affects the skin barrier and leading to temporary dryness or breakouts.
- Texture Variation: Collagen degradation during weight loss can leave residual unevenness or roughness.
Hormonal changes in insulin and leptin levels often accompany GLP-1 withdrawal. These can also briefly influence microcirculation and oil production. Thus is why skin texture may fluctuate in the first few months. Again although these effects are being labelled “Ozempic rebound face”, they are largely linked to fluctuations in weight rather than any direct pharmacological effect of GLP-1 drugs on the skin.
Can Skin Recover Naturally?
The skin continually repairs itself. With time, most people will notice gradual improvement in firmness and tone as collagen production adjusts to the new body composition. Collagen turnover averages around 3-4 months in the skin. This means that early recovery can be visible within 3-8 months once weight stabilises. Also, younger skin, often rebounds more quickly as it has more active fibroblasts (collagen making cells) and better elasticity. However, after the age of thirty, natural collagen production slows down. As such, full recovery may not be possible and some skin laxity and volume loss may persist.
The key thing to support recovery is to avoid rapid weight fluctuations. Eating a balanced diet with adequate protein, vitamins A, C, D and zinc also helps promote collagen synthesis. Regular hydration and protection from ultraviolet light will protect the skin and reduce collagen breakdown. Lastly, gentle resistance exercise can enhance circulation and help maintain muscle tone that supports facial structure.
Treatments for Post GLP-1 Skin Changes
If your skin isn’t recovering by itself, there are a range of non-surgical treatments that can help tackle any lingering GLP-1 rebound skin changes. The best treatment(s) depends on the the nature and severity of skin changes as well as your personal preferences. Below are the main treatments that can help get rid of “Ozempic rebound face”:
- Skincare: Topical retinoids such as Tretinoin or Retinol increase collagen production, smooth texture and clear acne. Peptides and antioxidants like Vitamin C can complement this effect by reducing oxidative stress and supporting the skin barrier. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen prevents photo-induced collagen loss.
- Dermal Fillers: Hyaluronic acid fillers can restore volume in areas like the mid-face. This can provide temporary fullness and a more lifted appearance.
- Skin Tightening: Energy-based treatments such as radiofrequency microneedling and ultrasound stimulate fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin. This can reduce laxity and firm up the skin.
- Biostimulators: Injectables like polynucleotides, Profhilo and other collagen stimulators can improve skin elasticity and hydration.
Lifestyle changes can also help boost the effects of these treatments. Resistance training, sufficient sleep and stress management enhance circulation, hormonal balance and tissue repair. This can help reduce breakouts, support the skin barrier and enhance elasticity.
How to Prevent “Ozempic Rebound Face”
There are a number of ways to reduce the risk of “Ozempic rebound face”. The key is gradual discontinuation under medical supervision as this can help minimise rapid weight fluctuations. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein and essential fatty acids helps support collagen production and prevents excessive sagging. Regular strength training can also help sustain lean muscle that underpins facial structure.
Consistent skincare can also help prevent GLP-1 rebound skin changes. Support and protect the skin barrier with a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturiser and a broad spectrum sunscreen. Look for products with hydrating and nourishing ingredients like ceramides, centella and propolis. Actives like retinoids, vitamin C and niacinamide stimulate collagen production and provide additional protection against oxidative stress.
Skin changes after stopping GLP-1 drugs are mainly due to fluctuations in body fat rather than direct drug effects. Rapid fat loss can hollow the face, while quick regain may cause puffiness, asymmetry, acne or uneven texture. Most of these changes are temporary and improve with stable weight, balanced nutrition and consistent skincare. When laxity persists, non surgical skin treatments can help restore firmness, elasticity and volume. Although changes in facial appearance may feel discouraging after significant weight loss, they represent normal physiological adjustment and usually resolve as the skin remodels. Its important to work with your doctor to ensure gradual withdrawal from GLP-1 and transition to maintenance to reduce the risk of “Ozempic rebound change”. Lastly, it’s worth noting that at present, few high-quality studies directly assess facial changes after discontinuing GLP-1 therapy. As such further research is needed to identify if any drug-specific mechanisms exist.
At City Skin clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare. Our virtual skin clinic offers safe and effective custom skin treatments. Where appropriate our doctors use ingredients such as Tretinoin and Hydroquinone to treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. Start your online consultation today. The journey towards great skin starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical provider for any medical concerns or questions you might have.
