Quick answer: Skin changes during GLP-1 weight loss, often nicknamed "Ozempic face," are mainly caused by losing weight quickly, not by the medication itself. When facial fat shrinks faster than skin can adapt, the face can look thinner, looser or more lined. You can't fully control genetics or age, but steady weight loss, enough protein, plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables, good hydration, daily sun protection, sleep and not smoking all support healthier-looking skin. Supplements can complement, but never replace, these basics.
GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide help many women lose a meaningful amount of weight. As the number on the scale changes, many also notice changes in the mirror: hollower cheeks, more visible lines, or skin that feels less firm. This guide explains what is actually happening and what you can do, starting with food and daily habits.
Why skin can change during GLP-1 weight loss
It's about the speed of weight loss, not the drug
Cleveland Clinic describes "Ozempic face" as facial changes from rapid weight loss, such as gauntness, sunken cheeks, new wrinkles and looser skin on the face and neck. Its endocrinologist notes the same changes can happen after bariatric surgery or any lifestyle change that causes very rapid weight loss. In other words, the medication is not doing something unique to skin; the pace and amount of fat loss are what matter.
Plastic surgeons have also noticed the trend. A 2025 systematic review in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum looked at the published literature on GLP-1-related weight loss and facial changes, along with the surge in public interest. Online searches for "Ozempic face" rose together with searches for facial fillers.
What is happening under the surface
- Facial fat loss: The fat pads under your skin give the face its fullness. When they shrink quickly, the skin above has less support.
- Collagen and elastin decline with age: These proteins keep skin firm and springy. Levels naturally fall over time, so skin in your 40s and 50s "bounces back" less than it did in your 20s.
- Lean tissue changes: In the STEP 1 trial of semaglutide 2.4 mg, average weight loss was close to 15%. Body composition improved overall, but some of the weight lost was lean tissue, which is why protein and strength training matter (see our muscle health guide).
- Eating less overall: A smaller appetite can mean fewer servings of the foods that supply the nutrients skin relies on, such as protein, vitamin C and healthy fats.
Food-first ways to support your skin
1. Prioritise protein at every meal
Skin, hair and muscle are all built from protein. A 2025 joint advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association and The Obesity Society warns that eating less because of reduced appetite can lead to low protein intake and contribute to muscle loss. It recommends sufficient protein and resistance training during GLP-1 therapy.
Practical tips: start each meal with the protein portion; choose easy-to-eat options like Greek yogurt, eggs, tofu, fish, chicken, lentils or cottage cheese; and ask a registered dietitian for a personal target if you are unsure how much you need.
2. Eat vitamin C every day
Vitamin C is essential for building stable collagen and acts as an antioxidant that helps protect cells from free-radical damage. According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, adult women need 75 mg per day (85 mg in pregnancy, 120 mg while breastfeeding). The Linus Pauling Institute notes that observational studies link higher dietary vitamin C with less skin wrinkling.
In a study of 4,025 American women aged 40 to 74, lower dietary vitamin C was associated with a more wrinkled appearance and age-related skin dryness. Easy sources: kiwifruit, strawberries, citrus, bell peppers and broccoli. One kiwi or half a red pepper goes a long way, even when your appetite is small.
3. Fill half your (smaller) plate with colourful vegetables
In a study of 716 Japanese women, a higher intake of green and yellow vegetables was linked to fewer facial wrinkles. A 2026 review of lifestyle factors and skin aging concluded that plant-rich, antioxidant-rich diets appear protective, while diets high in sugar and salt were linked to faster skin aging in laboratory models. Think spinach, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, kale and tomatoes.
4. Include healthy fats
Your skin barrier relies on fats to hold in moisture. In the study of American women, higher intake of linoleic acid (found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils) was associated with less skin dryness and thinning. Vitamin E, another antioxidant, comes from the same foods: almonds, sunflower seeds, and leafy greens. The NIH lists 15 mg per day as the vitamin E requirement for adults.
5. Stay hydrated
Cleveland Clinic includes good hydration in its tips for supporting skin elasticity during weight loss, and the joint advisory encourages adequate fluids, especially because nausea, vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Sip water steadily through the day, and add soups, fruit and herbal teas if plain water is hard to drink.
Daily habits that protect skin as you lose weight
- Aim for steady, not crash, weight loss. Cleveland Clinic suggests about 1–2 pounds (roughly 0.5–1 kg) per week. Talk with your prescriber if you are losing much faster.
- Use sunscreen every day. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin. UV exposure is one of the biggest drivers of premature skin aging.
- Strength train 2–3 times a week. Resistance exercise supports muscle, and the 2026 lifestyle review reports that exercise was associated with thicker skin and more collagen production.
- Protect your sleep. Poor sleep has been linked to higher signs of skin aging and slower recovery of the skin barrier.
- Don't smoke, and limit alcohol. Both are strongly linked to premature aging. The AAD notes alcohol dehydrates the skin.
- Keep skincare simple. Cleanse gently, moisturise daily, and stop products that sting or burn.
Where Beauty Secret® 20+ fits
Beauty Secret® 20+ (Sachet) is a powdered supplement for adult women, made in Canada and licensed by Health Canada (NPN 80073784). Each 10 g serving provides vitamin C (100 mg), vitamin E (40.5 mg), vitamin D3 (400 IU), coenzyme Q10 (30 mg) and astaxanthin (5 mg), together with soy seed powder, chaga mushroom mycelia and botanicals including dong quai, red peony, garcinia and kale.
What it is: Within its approved claims, it helps maintain good health, is a source of antioxidants, and is a source of fungal polysaccharides with immunomodulating properties. For women who are eating smaller portions, it can be a convenient way to add antioxidant nutrients, including vitamin C and vitamin E, to a daily routine.
What it isn't: It is not a treatment for "Ozempic face," wrinkles or loose skin, and it cannot prevent facial volume loss or muscle loss. It is not a meal replacement and is not a meaningful source of protein, iron, calcium, vitamin B12 or folate. It is not required alongside a GLP-1 medication. Protein, colourful foods, sun protection and sleep remain the foundation.
Because it contains vitamin E and botanicals such as dong quai, check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before use if you take blood thinners or other medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Product availability and labelling may vary by country.
Signs to discuss with your healthcare provider
- Losing weight much faster than your provider expected, or more than about 1 kg (2 lb) per week for several weeks
- Struggling to eat enough protein or food overall because of nausea or low appetite
- Very dry, itchy or easily bruised skin, wounds that heal slowly, or bleeding gums
- Noticeable hair shedding, brittle nails, or ongoing fatigue
- Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dark urine or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Distress about changes in your appearance; a dermatologist can discuss safe, evidence-based options
Frequently asked questions
Does Ozempic cause wrinkles or saggy skin?
The medication itself is not thought to damage skin. Facial changes come mainly from losing weight quickly, which reduces facial fat and leaves skin with less support. The same changes can happen after bariatric surgery or other rapid weight loss.
Can I prevent "Ozempic face"?
You can't control age or genetics, but you can lower the impact: lose weight steadily, eat enough protein, include vitamin C-rich and colourful foods, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen daily, strength train, sleep well and avoid smoking.
Which vitamins matter most for skin during weight loss?
Vitamin C is essential for collagen formation, and vitamin E and other antioxidants help protect cells from damage. Protein and healthy fats are equally important. Aim to get these from food first; a supplement can help fill small gaps if your provider agrees.
Do antioxidant supplements reverse skin aging?
No supplement has been shown to reverse skin aging. Research on diet and skin is mostly observational, and oral vitamin C raises skin levels only up to a point. Supplements are best viewed as a complement to a nutrient-rich diet and daily sun protection.
Will my skin recover after weight loss?
Skin often adapts gradually, especially when weight loss is steady and you are younger. Recovery varies with age, sun exposure, genetics and how much weight was lost. A dermatologist can advise on options if changes bother you.
The bottom line
Skin changes during GLP-1 weight loss are common, and they are driven by fast fat loss and natural aging, not by something unique to the medication. The most effective support is simple and consistent: steady weight loss, protein at every meal, vitamin C-rich and colourful foods, healthy fats, water, sunscreen, strength training and good sleep. A supplement such as Beauty Secret® 20+ can be a convenient source of antioxidants within that routine, but it works alongside these habits, not instead of them.
Want to go deeper on nutrition? Read our guide to GLP-1 and micronutrients: key vitamins and minerals for women.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace the advice of your doctor, pharmacist, dietitian or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you are taking a GLP-1 medication or other prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition. Beauty Secret® 20+ is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. "'Ozempic Face': What It Is and How To Avoid It." March 5, 2025. health.clevelandclinic.org/ozempic-face
- Daneshgaran G, Shauly O, Gould DJ. "Ozempic Face" in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature on GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Mediated Weight Loss and Analysis of Public Perceptions. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2025;7:ojaf056. PubMed 40626110
- Wilding JPH, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1). N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989–1002. nejm.org
- Endocrine Society. "Semaglutide reduces excess body fat in people with obesity" (STEP 1 body composition analysis, ENDO 2021). endocrine.org
- Mozaffarian D, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Obesity. 2025. doi:10.1002/oby.24336
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C: Fact Sheet for Consumers. ods.od.nih.gov
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin E: Fact Sheet for Consumers. ods.od.nih.gov
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. Vitamin C and Skin Health (updated January 2026). lpi.oregonstate.edu
- Cosgrove MC, et al. Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86(4):1225–1231. ajcn.nutrition.org
- Nagata C, et al. Association of dietary fat, vegetables and antioxidant micronutrients with skin ageing in Japanese women. Br J Nutr. 2010;103(10):1493–1498. cambridge.org
- Nwaopara A, Woolery-Lloyd H. A Review of the Effects of Lifestyle Factors on Skin Aging. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2026. doi:10.1177/15598276261450495
- American Academy of Dermatology. 11 ways to reduce premature skin aging. aad.org