All in the Tone

With the rise in GLP-1 weight loss injections, address post-inch loss skin deflation with smoothing, tightening and toning solutions.

As a beauty professional, you can’t help but have seen and heard the buzz around weight loss injections. Whilst primarily designed for the treatment of medical conditions caused by obesity, there may be clients of yours who have made a lifestyle choice to use GLP-1 medicines for aesthetic reasons.

However, despite the well-documented effectiveness of these drugs, unwanted side effects of skin laxity, more visible lines and wrinkles and loss of volume and plumpness can mean that clients still haven’t achieved their desired aesthetic.

According to data published by IQVIA, approximately 1.4 million people in the UK have private prescriptions for weight loss injections every month*. With the NHS rolling out the prescribing of such medicines, millions more people in England, Wales and Scotland could be eligible.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1s, are licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK for weight loss alongside a reduced calorie diet in people with obesity, or people who are overweight with weight-related health problems.

You may know these drugs better by their brand names Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus (the drug semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Liraglutide.

“As medical weight loss therapies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (including Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy) become increasingly popular, more patients are achieving transformative results,” says Dr Vijay Nayar, GP at Healthium Clinics (healthiumclinics.com).

“However, while the benefits of these medications are welldocumented, ranging from improved metabolic health to significant fat reduction, there is a growing awareness of a common aesthetic challenge: skin laxity, particularly on the face and body.”

“GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescribed to support sustainable weight loss by regulating appetite and improving blood sugar levels,“ Dr Nayar continues. “As patients lose fat rapidly, especially in the face, arms, abdomen and thighs, they may notice a loss of

Skin tightening and Toning volume and tone in the skin. This is commonly referred to as ‘Ozempic face’ or ‘skin deflation’, where the underlying fat diminishes but the skin does not contract proportionately.

“While this is a natural and expected response, it can be distressing for individuals who’ve worked hard to reach their goals.”

“Even after the numbers on the scale drop, many are left with lingering concerns: stubborn fat pockets, loose or crepey skin and uneven contours that don’t reflect how they feel inside.” say inch loss experts Tibby Olivier (pro.tibbyolivier.com).

“Even if you haven’t used or experienced Ozempic, losing weight quickly can often lead to loss of facial volume.” explains Dr Simon Ourian, Co-Founder of Simon Ourian MD. “Classic signs are typically sagging or gauntness and loss of volume.”

Provide the solutions

Whilst clients should be accessing medical support from their GP or private prescriber, providing solutions to their aesthetic concerns as their body shape changes puts you, as a beauty professional, in a great position.

“Our role is to offer clinical-grade, non-invasive treatments that complement their weight loss journey and help them feel confident in their skin,” Dr Nayar suggests. Topical products can assist by tightening loose skin and improving elasticity whilst plumping skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Look for those formulated with ingredients such as niacinamide for strengthening the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid to plump the skin through hydration and bakuchiol, which improves the quality of skin texture and the appearance of skin firmness. Stabilised vitamin C can be used to energise skin cells through ATP production whilst peptides will support the skin’s natural regeneration.

“Consider using products with retinoids, peptides and collagen-boosting ingredients. These can help to increase skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of sagging,” adds Dr Ourian.

However, the application of topicals alone may not be effective enough and therefore the addition of electrotherapies and other in-salon treatments should be contemplated.

Dr Ourian continues: “Consider treatments like microneedling, laser therapy or radio frequency skin tightening. These procedures can stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.”

“My all over no downtime skin tightening treatment is High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and it’s brilliant for tightening and lifting skin without any needles or downtime,” suggests Gemma Luxton BDc (Hon), founder of RejuvaLux (rejuvalux.co.uk). “It works by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production in the deeper layers, the same ones a surgeon would target in a facelift, but without the scalpel!

“Instead of cutting, HIFU gently heats the tissue, triggering the body to produce fresh collagen and elastin… Results show your skin gets firmer, tighter, naturally lifted and looking healthier and younger.”

Alternatively, Dr Nayar suggests: “JetPeel™ Facial [is a] needle-free, transdermal treatment that exfoliates, hydrates, and delivers oxygen and active ingredients into the skin, enhancing radiance and tone.”

“These non-invasive options can be combined into a personalised postweight loss care programme to help patients regain tone and definition.”

Dr Ourian also recommends that clients drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet. “Foods high in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, can improve skin elasticity and eating a high protein diet (1-2 grams of protein for every kg of your ideal body weight per day),” he says. “Importantly, ensure [clients] get enough sleep and manage stress effectively, too. Both are crucial for maintaining overall skin health.”

QVIA data, April 2025.