Besides performing the usual roster of aesthetic procedures this summer, Encino, CA plastic surgeon George Sanders, MD is seeing a new type of patient seeking his expertise: GLP-1 users looking to make modifications to their skin-care routine.
“With the use of GLP-1 agonists, rapid weight-loss frequently occurs, leading to loose and stretched skin,” he says. “These patients should incorporate the daily use of retinoids and vitamin C into their skin-care program to stimulate collagen.”
Featured Experts
- George Sanders, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Encino, CA
- Elizabeth Houshmand, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Dallas
- Dr. Karan Lal is a board-certified dermatologist in Phoenix
On the in-office side, Dr. Sanders also recommends two go-tos: “Microneedling and/or radiofrequency treatments will also tighten lax skin, and the use of fillers to provide necessary soft tissue support is also helpful.”
On the derm front, Dallas dermatologist Elizabeth Houshmand, MD is seeing it, too, and calls out this interesting study, published by Dermatology Times, which holds promising results for these specific patients: “A novel skin-care treatment has been developed for patients with reduced facial skin quality due to the use of Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and SGLT-2 inhibitors. The topical serum, GLPSGLT, showed improvements in thinning, elasticity and other factors of accelerated skin aging after just six weeks of treatment.”
Something to consider, Dr. Houshmand stresses, with typical weight-loss-related skin laxity, the skin quality remains more intact, but the skin of patients on GLP-1 medications often seems to have gone through an accelerated aging process most liley due to the rapid weight loss.
One of her doc-approved products: “I like SkinMedica HA 5 ($184). It is gentle enough for all skin types and ages and helps to restore and replenish the skin barrier and offers plumping,” she says. “The ingredients include a technology that harnesses potent antioxidants found in Vitis Flower Stem Cell Extract, Peptide Complex to support rejuvenation and hydration, and Polysaccharides from French Polynesia for healthy-looking skin, all working to support skin’s ability to replenish its own hyaluronic acid for overall skin health.”
Another favorite for Dr. Houshmand is Sisley Paris Double Tenseur Instant & Long-Term ($250). “This one helps to prime the skin care with botanical extracts. This gel delivers a more lifted and smoothed appearance on the skin’s surface. I like the botanical ingredients like oat seed extract which creates a stretchy ‘3D mesh’ on the skin’s surface which gives an immediate lifting sensation. At the same time, the combination of rhatany and lemon extracts help hydrate the skin.”
Phoenix dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal is seeing similar inquires, and has found great success when suggesting SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced + Serum ($295). “This is a twice-a-day product with a unique growth factor blend that has been shown to significantly improve the appearance of sagging skin after eight weeks.”
He also points to the Hyaluron Activ B3 Renewal Firming Cream ($40) by Avène—”after 15 days of use, 83 percent of subjects experienced firmer skin with regained elasticity”—as well as this drugstore favorite: “Cetaphil Skin Activator Hydrating and Firming Cream ($17). Cetaphil’s anti-aging cream powered by Skin Activator technology is clinically proven to deliver AHA (Mandelic Acid) and encapsulated CICA (Centella Asiatica) deep into the surface skin layers to help activate cells that go to sleep as we age.”
Another must on Dr. Lal’s list: Filorga LIFT-DESIGNER serum ($109). “LIFT-DESIGNER ultra-lifting serum is infused with Plasmatic Lifting Factors to tighten and plump for a sculpted appearance and a visible lift, perfect for those seeking firmer, more youthful skin.”
In terms of skin care, Montclair, NJ dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD praises the new Provoque serum, which boasts a proprietary secretome technology. “It is really working very well for my patients on all these weight-loss medications. This new product has topical exosomes, peptides and growth factors. It is improving the texture of the skin, decreasing fine lines, wrinkles and helping with overall radiance and skin clarity.”
