"Ozempic face": what's happening to your skin and what's evidence-based

What people mean by "Ozempic face"

The phrase took off on social media to describe how some people's faces change after starting semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or similar medicines. Cleveland Clinic endocrinologist Vinni Makin, MD, describes it as "gauntness, sunken cheeks, new wrinkles and loose skin on the face and neck." Cleveland Clinic lists other common changes:

• Wrinkles and fine lines that seem to appear suddenly
• Sunken eyes, as the fat pads around the eyes shrink
• Thinner lips
• Sagging skin on the cheeks, jaw and neck
• More prominent bones in the cheeks and jawline

The AAD says patients describe less plumpness in the face, sagging skin, wrinkles and a crepe-like texture.

Is it the drug or the weight loss?

Mostly the weight loss, according to the experts who've weighed in.

• Cleveland Clinic says "Ozempic face" "isn't a side effect of the medication itself" but of the rapid weight loss it can bring. The same changes can follow bariatric surgery or any very fast weight loss.
• Mayo Clinic endocrinologist Aoife Egan told Mayo Clinic Press in 2023 that "there is nothing specific in the medications that's targeting fat loss in the facial area." She also called the term misleading and said it adds to weight stigma.
• The AAD adds a nuance. Dermatologists say the look is partly caused by rapid weight loss, but GLP-1 drugs also "affect your collagen and muscles, along with your fat cells," which can make the face look older.

So the honest summary is that fast weight loss explains most of it, and researchers are still working out whether the drugs add anything on top.

Why fast weight loss shows in the face

Your face gets much of its shape from fat just under the skin. Cleveland Clinic explains three things that happen when that fat disappears quickly:

1. Less padding. Losing subcutaneous fat from the face and neck causes hollowing and sagging.
2. Faster-looking aging. Everyone loses some facial fat with age. Rapid weight loss can speed that up and mimic aging.
3. Less elastic skin. Rapid weight loss lowers levels of elastin, which keeps skin stretchy, and collagen, which gives it support.

Age plays a part too. MedlinePlus says connective tissue changes with age reduce the skin's strength and elasticity, and sun exposure is the biggest single factor in how skin ages. Cleveland Clinic notes that older adults are more likely to see facial changes because they start with less fat under the skin. Dr. Egan made a similar point: "Particularly as we get older, our skin and subcutaneous tissue is less able to adjust well to large changes in subcutaneous fat."

What may help, according to dermatologists and doctors

No skin care product puts lost fat back. What the sources support is caring for the skin you have and talking with your prescriber about the pace of change.

Talk about pace, not your dose on your own. Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Egan both say slower, steadier weight loss may mean fewer facial changes, though Dr. Egan says some of it may be unavoidable. How fast you lose is a conversation for your prescriber. Never change your dose on your own.

Use gentle skin care. The AAD recommends a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer with ceramides and antioxidants, applied to your whole body while your skin is still damp. It also says retinoids may help with signs of skin aging, but they can cause irritation and flaking if your skin is already dry. Our guide to dry skin on a GLP-1 covers what to look for on a moisturizer label.

Protect your skin from the sun. The AAD recommends shade, sun-protective clothing and a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin. Cleveland Clinic also lists daily sunscreen.

Eat enough protein and drink enough fluids. Cleveland Clinic suggests enough protein to help build muscle as you lose fat, and staying hydrated. The AAD also suggests drinking plenty of fluids to keep skin hydrated and using a humidifier at home.

These are daily habits, and that's where a health companion app can help. Olive checks in with you every day, looks at what you eat, and helps you build small habits that hold, like getting protein and fluids in on low-appetite days. It doesn't diagnose or treat anything.

For a basic routine you can build on, see our simple skincare routine by skin type.

What about procedures?

Cleveland Clinic says "Ozempic face" won't fade with time if you keep the weight off. The AAD lists cosmetic procedures dermatologists offer, including soft tissue fillers, fat transfers, laser treatments and platelet-rich plasma treatments. Dr. Egan noted that procedures can be costly and "aren't without risk."

This guide doesn't recommend any procedure. If you're considering one, the AAD says a board-certified dermatologist is the right expert to see.

What isn't evidence-based

Be skeptical of these claims you'll see online:

• "This cream reverses Ozempic face." No source we reviewed shows a skin care product restores lost facial fat. Moisturizers and sunscreen care for the skin's surface.
• "The drug attacks your face." The experts quoted above say the drugs don't specifically target facial fat.
• "Everyone on a GLP-1 gets it." Dr. Egan said she'd never had a patient raise concern about facial fat loss in years of prescribing these drugs for diabetes. Your age, how much you lose and how fast all play a part.

Other skin, hair and nail changes

The AAD says GLP-1 drugs can affect skin, hair and nails in both directions. Some conditions, like psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa, may improve, while hair loss and facial appearance may get worse. If you're noticing shedding, see our guide to GLP-1 hair loss.

Use cases: what to do in common situations

• You just started a GLP-1 and worry about your face. Start a gentle routine with moisturizer and daily sunscreen, and tell your prescriber about your concern.
• You've lost weight fast and your face looks older. Keep up skin care and sun protection, and talk with your prescriber about pace. If you want to explore procedures, see a board-certified dermatologist.
• Your skin feels dry or flaky. Skip harsh products and see our dry skin guide for label tips.
• You're losing hair or seeing nail changes. Our hair loss guide explains what's common and when to see a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is "Ozempic face"?

It's a social media term, not a medical one, for facial changes after rapid weight loss: hollow cheeks, sunken eyes, thinner lips, new wrinkles and loose skin. Cleveland Clinic says it can follow any very fast weight loss, not just Ozempic.

Does Ozempic cause it directly?

Experts at Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic say it comes mainly from rapid weight loss, not from the drug targeting the face. The AAD notes GLP-1 drugs also affect collagen and muscle, which may add to an older look.

Does Ozempic face go away?

Cleveland Clinic says it won't fade with time if you keep the weight off. If you regain weight, your face may look fuller again. Skin care can help your skin's surface but doesn't restore lost fat.

Can I prevent it?

Not entirely. Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic experts say slower weight loss may mean fewer changes, but some may be unavoidable. Talk with your prescriber about pace, and never change your dose on your own. Sunscreen, protein and fluids support your skin.

What skin care helps?

The AAD recommends a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer with ceramides and antioxidants applied while skin is damp, and broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Retinoids may help with signs of aging but can irritate dry skin.

Should I get fillers or other procedures?

That's a personal decision. The AAD lists fillers, fat transfers, laser and platelet-rich plasma treatments, and says a board-certified dermatologist is the right expert to see. Procedures can be costly and carry risks.

Build the daily habits that support your skin

Protein, fluids and a steady routine are easier with a little support. Olive checks in with you every day and helps you build small habits that actually hold.

If steady habits haven't moved stubborn weight, Olive's Protocol is one option to look into.

See how Olive works →

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your clinician or a board-certified dermatologist about your own situation, and don't start, stop or change any medicine without your prescriber.