The rise of GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists has revolutionized weight loss management, but rapid reduction in body mass often leads to unintended aesthetic consequences, such as “Ozempic Face”. This condition is characterized by a significant loss of subcutaneous fat, reduced collagen density, and diminished skin elasticity, which accelerates the visual signs of facial aging. Traditional topical therapies, like retinoids and antioxidants, typically only provide superficial benefits and fail to restore lost volume in deeper skin layers. To address this, a multi-ingredient topical cream (Vol.U.Lift) was developed, combining ingredients like bakuchiol and hyaluronic acid for superficial repair with deeper-acting components like kangaroo paw extract and L-ornithine, which aim to boost fibroblast activity and retain adipocyte fat.
Methods
In this 12-week open-label clinical study, 33 participants aged 35–65 with a history of ≥10% weight loss applied a multi-ingredient volumizing cream twice daily. Researchers utilized ultrasound imaging to measure skin and subcutaneous thickness, a VapoMeter to track transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and a Cutometer to evaluate skin elasticity and firmness. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12 to monitor changes in wrinkle severity and biophysical skin properties.
Key Findings
• Wrinkle Severity: Participants saw a significant reduction in dermatologically graded wrinkle appearance by 14.5% at week 4 and 20.7% at week 12.
• Facial Volume: Ultrasound measurements revealed an increase in skin and subcutaneous thickness of 17.3% at week 4 and 20.1% at week 12.
• Elasticity and Firmness: By the end of the study, net elasticity improved by 23.2% and skin firmness increased by 22.5%.
• Skin Barrier and Hydration: TEWL decreased by 12.7%, indicating a strengthened skin barrier, while skin hydration increased by 21.8% at week 12.
• Tolerability: The formulation was well-tolerated, with 100% of participants reporting no itching, burning, or stinging by the study’s conclusion.
The novelty of this research lies in its focus on a specific, difficult-to-treat population: individuals actively undergoing pharmacologic or surgical weight loss, where traditional topicals often fall short. It is the first clinical study to demonstrate that a synergistic, multi-level topical approach can successfully counteract the volume loss and skin laxity associated with “Ozempic Face”. Future implications include the potential for using this cream prophylactically before weight loss begins and expanding its use to treat standard age-related volume loss in the general population.
Link to the study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocd.70681
In the image : Facial photography with close-up views of the face. (A) Female, 61 years old, 5 months on a GLP-1 agonist. Images shown from top to bottom at baseline and week 4. (B) Female, 44 years old, 15 months on a GLP-1 agonist. Images shown from top to bottom at baseline and week 8. (C) Female, 46 years old, 9 months on a GIP/GLP-1 co-agonist. Images shown from top to bottom at baseline and week 12.