Experiencing ‘Ozempic Face’? Dermatologists Say You Need These 3 Plumping Ingredients

Fix facial volume loss with these expert-backed skincare tips for ‘Ozempic face.’
By Laura Beck | September 7, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • “Ozempic face” refers to the hollowed, tired appearance and skin laxity caused by rapid weight loss on GLP-1 medications outpacing skin adaptation.
  • Topicals cannot rebuild lost facial fat pads or underlying bone structure, but they can significantly improve skin hydration, elasticity, and dermal collagen.
  • Dermatologists recommend retinoids, humectants (hyaluronic acid and glycerin), and peptides—plus morning sunscreen—to support skin plumpness during weight loss.
Most people who start a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic are not thinking about their cheekbones. They’re thinking about their health, blood sugar, energy levels, or maybe a new pair of jeans. But a few months in, something shifts in the mirror. The weight loss is working, but the face in the reflection looks a little hollowed out and tired. The smile lines may be deeper, and cheeks that used to be full look visibly different.
This is what’s become known as “Ozempic face.” While the name is informal, the experience is very real for a significant number of people on GLP-1 medications.
To sort through what’s actually happening and what you can do about it, we spoke with six leading skin experts: Dr. Robert Schwarcz, Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Dr. Mike Ellis, Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, Dr. Chang Son, and Dr. Kenneth Mark.

What Is ‘Ozempic Face’ and Why Does It Happen?

“Ozempic face” isn’t a formal medical diagnosis. Instead, it’s a colloquial term for what happens when rapid fat loss outpaces the skin’s ability to adapt. As cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Mark explains, the face loses fat alongside the rest of the body, and “that can become especially noticeable in people who have lost weight quickly.”
However, the mechanism goes deeper than simple fat loss:
  • Cellular Signaling: Dr. Jodi LoGerfo notes that GLP-1 receptors exist in both fat cells and skin-supporting cells. When activated, they may decrease the production of substances that normally protect and repair skin.
  • Dermal Adipose Tissue: Dr. Kseniya Kobets points to research on dermal white adipose tissue—a thin, biologically active fat layer that communicates with skin cells and releases collagen-supporting signals.
  • Speed of Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss causes facial fat to diminish before skin can retract. Losing the same weight slowly typically results in far fewer noticeable changes.
“Ozempic face is probably not just one thing,” says Dr. Kobets. “Overall weight loss remains the main driver, but emerging research suggests GLP-1 medications may also influence the biologically active fat and signaling systems that help support the skin.”

What Does Ozempic Face Look Like (And Is It Permanent)?

The physical presentation is consistent across patients:
  • Hollowed cheeks and temples
  • Sunken-looking under-eye areas
  • Deeper nasolabial folds and marionette lines
  • More prominent facial bone structure
  • Skin laxity along the jawline and neck
Dr. Mike Ellis, medical director of Keep Glowing Medical Spa, adds that GLP-1 medications can suppress appetite to the point of dehydration. “We get about 20% of our daily hydration from our foods,” Dr. Ellis explains. Dehydration creates its own category of fine lines on top of structural volume loss.

Is it permanent?

Dehydration and mild skin barrier issues can improve once weight stabilizes. However, for structural changes, Dr. LoGerfo recommends waiting at least 3 to 6 months after weight has stabilized before seeking in-office cosmetic procedures, as GLP-1 drugs remain in circulation for about five weeks after the last dose and facial changes continue to evolve.
“If you start facial work before the weight is stabilized, you are chasing a moving target,” Dr. LoGerfo warns.

Can Topicals Fix Structural Facial Volume Loss?

The short answer is no. Topical products work within the skin’s outer layers—they cannot replace lost fat pads, rebuild retaining ligaments, restore muscle, or reverse bone changes.
“Skincare can improve the quality of the fabric, but it cannot rebuild the scaffolding underneath it,” explains Dr. Kobets.
What skincare can do is improve the skin envelope over those structures. Hydration, barrier repair, softer fine lines, and collagen support within the dermis help the face look smoother and more refreshed.
Note on Volufiline: Dr. Kobets cautions against products claiming to grow facial fat. “There is currently no strong independent human evidence that topical sarsasapogenin, marketed as Volufiline, meaningfully restores facial adipose tissue.”

The 3 Plumping Ingredients Dermatologists Recommend

1. Retinoids

Retinoids are the most evidence-backed ingredient for collagen support in the dermis. While prescription tretinoin has the strongest clinical data, over-the-counter retinol is a great starting point.
  • How it works: Retinoids stimulate collagen production, reduce collagen breakdown, and increase dermal thickness over time.
  • How to use: Dr. Robert Schwarcz recommends starting with a low concentration (such as 0.1%) a few nights a week, always followed by a rich moisturizer. Apply only at night, and use sunscreen every morning.

2. Humectants (Hyaluronic Acid & Glycerin)

Humectants provide immediate visible plumping by drawing water into the skin’s surface layers.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and retains water, instantly softening fine lines. Apply to slightly damp skin for optimal absorption.
  • Glycerin: Dr. Kobets calls glycerin “one of the most reliable and underrated ingredients for improving hydration and supporting the skin barrier.”

3. Peptides

Peptides complement retinoid routines by signaling skin cells to rebuild structural matrix components.
  • Copper Peptides: Dr. Ellis highlights GHK-Cu, a copper peptide that supports fibroblasts involved in collagen and elastin production while simultaneously calming skin inflammation.
  • Overall benefit: While peptides have less long-term data than retinoids, they provide excellent complementary support for skin affected by rapid weight loss.

Honorable Mention: Vitamin C

Dr. Chang Son and Dr. Mark both highlight Vitamin C as a key bonus ingredient. As an essential cofactor in collagen synthesis, Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection against oxidative stress that accelerates collagen degradation. Apply in the morning before SPF.

How to Build Your Daily Plumping Skincare Routine

Morning Routine (Protection & Hydration)

  1. Gentle Cleanser: Cleanse without stripping skin lipids.
  2. Vitamin C Serum: Apply for antioxidant and collagen support.
  3. Hyaluronic Acid: Apply to slightly damp skin to trap moisture.
  4. Ceramide Moisturizer: Lock in hydration and repair the barrier.
  5. Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+: Crucial, as UV rays break down collagen.

Evening Routine (Collagen Stimulation & Repair)

  1. Gentle Cleanser: Remove daily buildup.
  2. Peptide Serum: Apply first to support structural matrix repair.
  3. Retinoid: Apply to dry skin 2–3 nights weekly, building frequency gradually.
  4. Barrier Moisturizer: Rich in ceramides and glycerin.
Pro Tip: For sensitive skin, Dr. Kobets suggests the “sandwich method”—applying moisturizer, then retinoid, then another layer of moisturizer to prevent irritation. Don’t forget to extend your routine down to the neck and chest!

When to See a Dermatologist for In-Office Treatments

While daily skincare handles surface texture, structural volume loss requires professional evaluation:
  • Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Provide immediate volume to structural hollows. Dr. Mark recommends targeted fillers like Voluma for cheeks and temples, and Volux for jawline definition.
  • Biostimulatory Injectables: Options like Sculptra or hyperdilute Radiesse gradually stimulate the body’s natural collagen production over several months.
  • Energy-Based Devices: Radiofrequency microneedling and ultrasound devices help tighten mild skin laxity and improve texture.
  • Surgical Options: For significant loose skin, Dr. Schwarcz notes that a facelift or neck lift yields better long-term results than overfilling with injectables.
Dr. Son advises consulting a dermatologist when starting a GLP-1 medication rather than waiting until noticeable changes occur, allowing you to establish a proactive maintenance plan early.

Experts Featured

  • Dr. Robert Schwarcz, double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, New York City
  • Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care
  • Dr. Mike Ellis, DO, licensed internal medicine physician and medical director of Keep Glowing Medical Spa
  • Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, DCNP, celebrity skin expert
  • Dr. Chang Son, MD, board-certified dermatologist
  • Dr. Kenneth Mark, MD, cosmetic dermatologist
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Keep Glowing Medical Spa in Tinton Falls, New Jersey 

Dr. Michael Ellis, DO, is a licensed physician clinically trained in internal medicine. After years of serving as a hospitalist and front-line provider during the COVID-19 pandemic, he

shifted his focus to wellness and aesthetics—helping clients feel healthier, more confident, and comfortable in their own skin. He believes that everyone deserves access to tools that help them feel and look their best. His mission is simple: educate clients on safe and effective treatments, deliver personalized plans tailored to individual needs, and foster a supportive environment where clients feel respected, empowered, and never judged. 

At Keep Glowing, his focus is on combining medical expertise with spa-like comfort—ensuring every client leaves feeling renewed, confident, and cared for. Located just minutes from the Garden State Parkway, our highly qualified, experienced, and dedicated team is ready to greet you with top-notch services. Find out today what makes Keep Glowing Medical Spa the best spa in Monmouth County and get on track to feeling like your best self!

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