What is Ozempic Face?

Ozempic face can occur during use of this weight loss drug.

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Ozempic is a medication commonly prescribed to individuals with type 2 diabetes, but also used for weight loss, when medically indicated. While it can provide numerous health benefits, some patients may experience skin issues known colloquially as "Ozempic Face." This condition results from the rapid loss of fat in the face that can lead to reduced volume and appearing gaunt. Patients who use this drug are now looking for solutions to address the changes they see in their faces.

If you've been prescribed Ozempic and are worried about its potential effects on your face, we've taken a look at how to manage Ozempic Face. In this article, we'll delve deeper into the key considerations for treating Ozempic Face and recommend specific products and treatments that can help restore your skin's fullness.

The three layer approach to treating Ozempic Face

What is the Best Treatment for Ozempic Face?

The skin is made up of three layers that each serve an important purpose. To treat Ozempic Face, you need to optimize fullness in all three layers of the skin.

The top layer is called the epidermis. It acts as a barrier to protect the body from germs and also helps keep in moisture. The epidermis contains melanin, which gives skin its color and blocks harmful UV rays from the sun.

Under the epidermis is the dermis, which is found beneath the epidermal layer. The dermis contains tough connective tissues like collagen and elastin, hair follicles, and sweat glands. Collagen provides strength and structure to the skin. The dermis also gives the skin elasticity.

Deepest down is the hypodermis, which is made mostly of fat and connects the skin to the muscles and bones. The hypodermis, located below the dermis, insulates the body and provides padding and shock absorption. Together, these three layers allow the skin to protect the body, regulate temperature, and allow us to sense touch and pain.

1. Hydration is Key

The first line of treatment for Ozempic Face involves good skin hydration. Staying well-hydrated keeps the epidermis moisturized making it look plumper, smoother, and more radiant. When the epidermis is optimally hydrated, skin cells mature and shed at a normal, steady rate, avoiding a buildup that makes skin look flaky or scaly. Proper hydration also reinforces the epidermal barrier function, locking in moisture and creating a smooth, supple skin texture that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Drinking plenty of water and eating fruits and vegetables with high water content are effective ways to keep skin hydrated from the inside out. While most patients remember to use moisturizers, it's important to hydrate your skin throughout the steps of your entire skincare routine as well.

Cleansing is a foundation for most skincare routines, and double cleansing is an approach that supports the skin barrier for good skin hydration. Double cleansing starts with using an oil or balm cleanser to effectively break down and remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum without stripping the skin of its natural oils. This keeps the skin hydrated by preserving the skin barrier. The second step is using a water-based cleanser to remove any residue left behind without drying out the skin. Look for double cleansing products made with oils that promote skin ceramides, and hydrating ingredients like glycerin in the second cleanser.

Toners provide an extra layer of hydration and help balance skin's pH after cleansing. Look for toner formulas containing humectants like hyaluronic acid that draw moisture into the skin and soothing ingredients like aloe vera that prevent moisture loss. Avoid toners with alcohol, which can be drying. Serums contain a high concentration of powerful ingredients that penetrate deeply to hydrate skin. Hydrating serums typically include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, glycerin, and oils that reinforce the skin's moisture barrier, plump up skin cells, and smooth fine lines. Apply toner after cleansing and follow with a hydrating serum before moisturizer to maximize hydration benefits for supple, quenched skin.

Lastly, always use moisturizer and look for lotions, creams and ointments that contain humectant ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides that all help prevent water loss through the epidermis. If you are in a very dry region, or the weather is cold and you are using using humidity-reducing heating elements, consider using moisturizers with occlusive ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, and dimethicone to create the ultimate protective barrier on your skin's surface to retain and boost hydration.

Boost Skin Hydration With Our Double Cleansing Kit

Our Double Cleansing Oil Skincare kit deeply cleans your skin without over stripping. The first step is our oil cleanser, infused with nourishing Sunflower and Moringa oils, followed by our mild and pH-balanced Hydrating Gel Foam Cleanser. Complete the process with our Balancing pH toner, and you'll have the ideal canvas for the remainder of your skincare routine.

Learn more about what is double cleansing, as well as its benefits for your skin.

build collagen and elastin to counter ozempic face

2. Build Collagen in

the Dermis to Firm Skin

The second line of treatment for Ozempic Face is to support collagen and elastin in the dermis, which are responsible for maintaining the skin's firmness and elasticity. Both collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis layer of our skin play a crucial role in maintaining a youthful appearance. Collagen makes up about 70-80% of the dermis, and provides structure and strength to the skin, while elastin provides flexibility and elasticity. As we age, the production of these proteins decreases, leading to the formation of wrinkles and sagging.

Boosting collagen and elastin production starts with a diet that is high in antioxidants. Foods with Vitamin C specifically help boost collagen production, while other antioxidants protect both collagen and elastin fibers from damage. You may have considered collagen supplements, but the final word from research on whether collagen supplements work is still not clear. While studies on collagen supplements remain limited, some suggest collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen in oral supplement form may help stimulate collagen synthesis and slow its breakdown in the skin, but the biggest impact has been on skin hydration. More robust clinical studies are still needed to fully establish the efficacy and optimal dosing of collagen supplements for skin health.

When it comes to skin care products, retinol and topical Vitamin C are two of the most researched ingredients for boosting collagen production in the skin. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, works by increasing cell turnover and stimulating fibroblast cells in the dermis to produce more collagen fibers. Over time, retinol used consistently can thicken the dermis layer of the skin by promoting collagen growth, leading to firmer, more youthful looking skin with fewer wrinkles. Similarly, Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. It provides antioxidant protection against free radicals that damage collagen, and also helps regulate enzymes involved in collagen production. When used together, the antioxidant and collagen-stimulating properties of vitamin C complement the effects of retinol to maximize collagen regeneration in the skin for a smoother, more supple complexion.

In addition to using skin care products with retinol and Vitamin C, consider red light therapy and microneedling. Red light therapy delivers wavelengths of natural light that stimulate fibroblasts and increase collagen production in the skin. Using red light therapy regularly can thicken the dermis by gradually increasing collagen levels. Microneedling creates small channels deep in the skin that trigger the body's wound healing response and collagen regeneration in the treated areas. Combining these two therapies leverages the collagen boosting and skin rejuvenating effects of each, providing a non-invasive way to improve skin texture, tone, and firmness through new collagen synthesis.

Don’t forget the essential lifestyle habits that protect your collagen. These include:

Protecting your skin from sun damage, as UV rays break down existing collagen. Use sunscreen everyday - whether you go outside or not.
Do not smoke. Tobacco smoke depletes collagen levels and damages skin.
Make sure you get enough rest. Lack of sufficient, quality sleep can lead to increased inflammation and oxidative stress in the body which damages collagen and slows its production.
Manage your stress. Prolonged periods of high stress can deplete collagen reserves, thin the skin, and inhibit new collagen production.

Rebuild Collagen With Our Skin Refining Night Oil

Our Retinol Plus Vitamin C Skin Refining Night Oil rejuvenates the skin, enhancing brightness, smoothing texture, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, uneven skin tone, loss of firmness, and dark marks. This potent antioxidant combination, endorsed by dermatologists, serves both skin health and aesthetics as a formidable anti-aging duo.

Retinol stimulates collagen synthesis in the skin to improve firmness and elasticity. This process results in a more radiant complexion and a firmer skin texture.

Vitamin C, renowned for its antioxidant properties, fortifies the skin against stressors, diminishing the appearance of dark marks, enhancing skin luminosity, and promoting an even skin tone, which contributes to a more youthful appearance. Additionally, as a potent antioxidant, Vitamin C shields Retinol from oxidation, thereby amplifying its anti-aging efficacy.

Our formulation includes a blend of natural oils abundant in skin-nourishing essential linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) fatty acids. These essential fatty acids fortify the skin's moisture barrier and provide deep hydration, resulting in a plump, revitalized complexion.

3. Restoring Lost Volume with Injections and Dermal Fillers

Ozempic Face is the result of a noticeable loss of volume in the cheeks and other areas of the face when the stores of fat on the face are gone. Professionally delivered fillers get to the actual cause of Ozempic Face by bringing back carefully placed volume that was depleted from weight loss. Injectable dermal fillers and botox are injected into the dermis. The hypodermis underneath the dermis is not typically injected with dermal fillers or botox. However, there are some exceptions, which should only be recommended by a qualified skin care professional.

To receive fillers you will need to consult with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who can assess your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Dermal fillers, such as those made with hyaluronic acid or poly-L-lactic acid, can help restore lost volume and promote collagen, providing a more youthful appearance. These treatments are typically administered in a medical setting and require careful evaluation and skillful injection techniques to achieve natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing results.

Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations

While skincare products and treatments are vital components of managing Ozempic Face, it's equally important to address lifestyle and dietary factors that can influence your skin's health. And since many people are using Ozempic to lose weight, adopting healthy lifestyle habits supports both skin and overall health goals. Here are some key considerations:

Hydration: Stay well-hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water daily. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining skin moisture and helps with weight loss for overall health.

Diet: Incorporate fruits and vegetables and other foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals into your diet. These foods support skin health and can complement your skincare routine, while offering nutrient-rich, low calorie food options.

Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate skin issues and create high levels of cortisol that leads to fat retention. Also, people often manage stress with unhealthy eating habits. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to support your skin and overall body health.

It's important to note that addressing Ozempic Face may take time, and results can vary from person to person. Be patient and consistent with your skincare and treatment routine, as it can take several weeks or even months to see significant improvements in your skin's condition.

Additionally, keep in mind that maintaining overall health and well-being is crucial for achieving the best outcomes. Ensure you are following your healthcare provider's recommendations for Ozempic use, weight loss and diabetes management.

AbsoluteJOI Skincare

by Dr. Anne

AbsoluteJOI is a physician-founded skin care brand with a science-based approach to the needs of people over 35 with all skin types and tones. Developed by physician researcher, Dr. Anne Beal, our products are formulated and tested for sensitive skin, while addressing dyspigmentation, the first sign of aging for many people. Our philosophy is not to focus on anti-aging, but to celebrate all ages and stages and to help our customers age beautifully, while celebrating the confidence and wisdom they’ve gained with time.