Skin appendage disordersOct 8, 2025

Skin-related effects of medications that activate glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Jan 1, 2026

Abstract

GLP-1 receptor agonists may cause significant skin-related side effects, including injection-site reactions and hair loss.

Injection-site reactions and immune-mediated responses, such as hypersensitivity and urticaria, are associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Facial fat loss, referred to as 'Ozempic face,' has been noted as a cosmetic effect related to these medications.
Hair loss, particularly telogen effluvium, may occur and is potentially linked to rapid weight loss caused by GLP-1 receptor agonists.
GLP-1 receptor agonists may have potential benefits for wound healing and treating inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis.
Clinicians are encouraged to monitor for dermatologic side effects in patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists and to refer to dermatology when necessary.

Simplified

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are an innovative class of medications primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. These agents not only improve glycemic control but also promote significant weight loss and reduce cardiovascular risk.

SUMMARY: GLP-1RAs are associated with various dermatologic effects, including injection-site reactions and immune-mediated responses such as hypersensitivity, urticaria, and bullous pemphigoid. "Ozempic face," a term describing facial fat loss, has gained media attention due to its cosmetic implications. Additionally, hair loss, particularly in the form of telogen effluvium, has been observed, potentially linked to rapid weight loss from GLP-1RA use. Emerging evidence also highlights the therapeutic potential of GLP-1RAs in enhancing wound healing and treating inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis.

KEY MESSAGES: With the increasing use of GLP-1RAs for weight management, clinicians should remain alert to dermatologic side effects and consider appropriate dermatologic consultations when needed. Further research is essential to optimize the safe and effective use of GLP-1RAs, ensuring therapeutic benefits are maximized while minimizing adverse dermatologic outcomes.

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Competing interests

Dr. Antonella Tosti has the following conflicts of interest to declare: she serves as a consultant for DS Laboratories, Almirall, Thirty Madison, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Myovant, Bristol Myers Squibb, Ortho Dermatologics, and Sun Pharmaceuticals LLC. Additionally, she is a principal investigator for Eli Lilly and Concert. Prof. Tosti was a member of the journal’s Editorial Board at the time of submission. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

PubMed

Skin-related effects of medications that activate glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors

Abstract

Full Text

Funding

Competing interests

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Abstract

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