What Is an Ozempic Face: Signs, Prevention & Treaments

What is an Ozempic face? How do you know if you have it? Can it be avoided? 

Lately, you might have heard about the term “Ozempic face” coined in various news articles on websites and social media. What does it mean? Ozempic face is what a lot of people, dermatologists included, call the distinctive facial appearance associated with the use of the medication drug Ozempic (semaglutide). Ozempic is an off-label drug prescribed to people with type two diabetes, but some also use it for weight loss measures. How do you know if you have an Ozempic face? What can you do to avoid it?

What Is an Ozempic Face?

The medication drug Ozempic (semaglutide), manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is injected once a week to manage insulin levels. It’s approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration when it comes to type two diabetes. Yet, according to Medical News Today, many people also take the medication without a prescription in order to reach their desired body goals. These users have noticed certain side effects when it comes to the structures of their face after the use of the drug. Among them include:

• An older appearance: saggy skin, more wrinkles and fine lines
• A hollowed-out look of the face
• Lipodystrophy: A disorder that affects how the body accumulates & stores fat

What can be the cause of these side effects?

Ozempic is safe to use with a doctor’s recommendation, but it can also lead to rapid weight loss that can often be more pronounced on the face. The fat stored in the face is connected to its elasticity and aesthetics. Rapid weight loss can cause dermatological changes and shrinking, as the fat that used to stretch and cushion the skin is no longer there. Losing weight for a short period of time can also reduce levels of collagen and elastin in the skin that your face depends on for structural integrity.

How to Identify If You Have an Ozempic Face?

If you’ve been using Ozempic and fear that you may be experiencing some of its facial side effects, here is what you need to look for:

• More prominent cheekbones: You will notice an increased visibility and prominence of your cheekbones, which will make your face look more sculpted.
• A more hallowed appearance: The area around the temples can appear sunken or hollow. This will contribute to the overall change in your facial contour.
• Defined jawline: Users of the Ozempic drug can also experience signs of definition for their jawline caused by the reduced fat padding around the lower part of the face.
• Loss of facial fat leading to sagging skin: You may be experiencing an overall reduction in facial fat that can lead to looser and sagging skin.

How to Avoid the Side Effect Caused by the Ozempic Drug?

According to Medical News Today, if Ozempic is prescribed to you for health-related purposes, you may not have a choice when it comes to preventing the facial side effects. Yet, there are some actions that a doctor can recommend if you feel concerned about the situation. You can:

• Reduce the dosage of the drug
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Try a protein-rich diet
• Change to a different medication
• Use dermatological fillers

What to Do If You Are Experiencing Any of the Facial Side Effects?

Forbes Health informs that if individuals are not satisfied with the facial side effects brought up by the usage of Ozempic, there are medical measures that can be taken to combat them. These include:

• Dermal fillers: These will help to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines caused by the rapid weight loss.
• Microneedling: These promote collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of saggy and loose skin.
• Polydioxanone (PDO) threads: This procedure helps to tighten and lift the skin of the face.

Natural Measures You Can Try Against an Ozempic Face

While the results may not be as evident as compared to those of a medical procedure, there are some natural remedies you can try to limit signs of accelerated aging caused by taking the Ozempic medication. Here is a list:

• Stay away from direct sunlight exposure. Wear hats and long-sleeved clothing.
• Apply at least a SPF30 sunscreen all year long and even in cloudy weather.
• Focus on a diet rich in foods with minerals like selenium and zinc. Examples are almonds, beans, oatmeal, etc.
• Always remember to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated.
• Use skincare products with aloe vera gel and vitamin A-derived retinoids, antioxidants and collagen.
• Practice face massages by applying firm pressure with your fingers to the sides of the face and using circular motions.

Also read: Taking Care for Your Skin During Menopause: Include in Your Diet Collagen Supporting Foods