Navigating the New Era: The Impact of GLP-1 Medications

As a nurse injector and prescriber, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of GLP-1 medications on patients’ lives. These treatments can lead to significant weight loss, but they also introduce a variety of skin challenges, such as increased dryness, reduced elasticity, and other aesthetic concerns. Understanding these changes is crucial for us as medical injectors, as we play a vital role in guiding our patients through tailored treatment pathways that support their overall health and aesthetic goals.

Evolving Beauty Formulations

With the increasing popularity of GLP-1 medications, certain brands are adapting their formulations to address the specific skin challenges that arise. Many patients on these medications report issues such as dryness, sensitivity, and changes in skin texture. Consequently, we see some brands launch their own GLP 1 ranges: such as the product created by plastic surgeon Marc Ronert who has created a face cream which is to be used twice a day to combat the issues we see with GLP-1 users; we see the favourite ingredients listed: Hyaluronic acid, bakuchiol which is an up and coming ingredient we see often compared to retinol and promises to offer the same benefits to our skin without the harshness. It also contains plant collagen fragments, which claim to mimic and support the skins own product of collagen. The feedback I have seen so far has been promising in terms of hydration but up to now that is the only positives I have seen, so for me until something new comes to the market which has the evidence to substantiate the claims, I will be working with my patients and giving them specific and tailored programmes.

The key elements I am looking to incorporate are;

- Hyaluronic Acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that acts as a powerful humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, which helps keep it hydrated, plump, and youthfull. In patients experiencing dryness due to reduced caloric intake, products with hyaluronic acid can help restore hydration and plumpness.

- Peptides: These short chains of amino acids serve as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin structure and elasticity. For patients taking GLP-1 medications, peptides can support collagen production and aid in healing, making them beneficial for those who may experience skin sensitivity or irritation.

- Ceramides :These lipid molecules are crucial for maintaining the skin's barrier and retaining moisture. For GLP-1 users, ceramides help strengthen the skin's natural defenses, preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental irritants. By incorporating ceramides into their routine, patients can combat the dryness often associated with medication- in my clinic I often recommend Cellderma GF5 but if patients are on a budget - good old faithful cerave can help! There is a solution for all our patients!

Integrating light therapy, particularly with devices like the Dermalux MD Tri-Wave, can further enhance these formulations. This device utilises specific wavelengths—such as red and near-infrared light—to stimulate collagen production and improve skin hydration, effectively counteracting the adverse effects of GLP-1 treatments in a holistic manner.

Why do we need to offer our patients personalised skincare?

The advent of GLP-1 medications has significantly shifted patient demographics and their skincare demands. As caloric intake is reduced, patients often experience negative impacts on their skin and hair health. Key concerns include:

- Dehydration: Inadequate caloric intake can lead to insufficient hydration, resulting in dry, flaky skin and a lackluster complexion. It's essential for us to work closely with our patients to develop tailored skincare routines that address these issues- assessing our patients skin with a skin scanner can help too! Infact we have been doing this with all our patients using the Pro A skin analysis system.

- Reduced Elasticity : A lack of essential proteins, including collagen and elastin, can cause decreased skin elasticity. Younger patients, in particular, may find this distressing- by introducing regular Dermalux light therapy sessions, we can mitigate these effects while the patient navigates their GLP-1 journey.

- Increased Sensitivity: Nutritional deficiencies can compromise the skin's barrier function, leading to heightened sensitivity and vulnerability to irritation. We can address this by implementing near-infrared light therapy sessions twice weekly, focusing on gentle yet effective treatments that respect the skin's natural barrier- also these deficiencies can also lead to hair thinning and loss so it’s important to have tools to support them with this: my go to in the past has been PRP and polynucleotides.

It’s essential to emphasise that maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial for supporting not only overall health but also the health of the skin and hair. Unfortunately, many patients purchasing GLP-1 medications online may not receive the necessary medical oversight, leading to potential complications.

The Need for Bespoke Treatments

Ageing is a multifaceted process, and individual experiences vary widely. Factors such as diet, lifestyle, genetics, and overall health influence how we age. This variability underscores the necessity for bespoke treatment plans tailored to the unique concerns of each patient.

When working with GLP-1 patients, it’s vital to create individualised plans that address their specific needs. Regular assessments and adjustments to treatment protocols will ensure that we effectively address any emerging skin conditions, enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes.

What do we do in our practice?

We have developed a comprehensive GLP-1 program specifically designed to support patients on their weight loss journeys. This program incorporates a tailored approach that includes two weekly sessions of the Dermalux Tri Wave therapy. Each session is customised to meet individual skin needs, with patients reviewed after every four treatments. This adaptability allows us to address specific concerns as they arise. For instance, if a patient presents with inflammatory skin conditions, we can promptly shift focus to alleviate those issues. As the treatment progresses, our goal may evolve toward enhancing overall collagen and elastin production. In such cases, we can adjust the program from near-infrared light therapy to a regimen that emphasises red light, a clinically proven wavelength known to improve blood circulation, stimulate collagen and elastin growth, and enhance skin health.

Additionally, our program includes a course of Jalupro: an amino acid replacement therapy. This injectable treatment supplies essential amino acids—such as glycine, leucine, and proline—that serve as the building blocks for proteins. These amino acids play critical roles in protein synthesis and various metabolic processes, making them particularly vital for patients undergoing GLP-1 treatment. We often combine this therapy with energy-based devices like Neogen, which utilises nitrogen plasma therapy. This customisable treatment is suitable for all skin types and ages, making it an ideal option for our diverse patient demographic.

Neogen works by delivering thermal energy into the skin tissue, promoting crucial processes such as neocollagenesis and angiogenesis. Neocollagenesis, the formation of new collagen, and angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels, are both essential for tissue repair, regeneration, and combating the effects of aging. Angiogenesis ensures that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to support cell proliferation and differentiation, while neocollagenesis provides the necessary structural framework for the repaired tissue.

As we continue to explore and implement these advanced treatment options, our commitment remains focused on providing personalised care that meets the unique needs of each patient, enhancing both their aesthetic outcomes and overall skin health.

Future Trends in Skincare

Looking ahead, I believe the demand for personalised skincare will continue to grow. As we develop specific beauty programs tailored to GLP-1 users, we may witness the emergence of hero products designed to address their unique challenges. These innovations will likely focus on hydration, barrier strength, and collagen support, providing comprehensive care for patients navigating the complexities of weight loss and skin health and most importantly making sure we are always responsive to the needs of our patients!

As medical injectors, we bear a responsibility to educate our patients about the implications of GLP-1 medications on their skin health. By understanding the challenges they face and creating tailored treatment pathways, we can help them achieve optimal outcomes while enhancing their overall well-being.

I’m interested to know who else is offering GLP- 1 pathways to their patients?