Written by the GLP1 Era editorial team — we compile real routines and products tried by our community of GLP-1 users. This is a personal-experience account, not medical advice.
Once I started noticing my skin looking a little more hollow and less bouncy after losing weight on a GLP-1 medication, I went down a Korean skincare rabbit hole. The hydration-first, gentle-layering approach made a lot more sense to me than harsh treatments, and I paired it with an oral collagen supplement a few months in. Here’s the full routine as it looks today.
Why I Turned to Korean Skincare
“Ozempic face” is the nickname for the sagging or hollowed look some people notice after losing a lot of facial fat. Korean skincare is built around hydration, gentle multi-step layering, and long-term barrier health rather than aggressive one-step fixes, which felt like the right fit since a weaker skin barrier can make volume loss and fine lines more noticeable.
The Steps I Actually Use
- Toner: a hydrating, low-pH liquid right after cleansing to rebalance skin
- Essence: a lightweight hydrating layer between toner and serum
- Serum or ampoule: my targeted step for hydration and firmness
- Moisturizer: seals everything in and supports the barrier
- Sunscreen (mornings only): non-negotiable for me at this point
- Sheet masks: a few times a week for an extra hydration boost
My Morning Routine
- Gentle water-based cleanser (or just a water splash on drier days)
- Hydrating toner with my hands or a soft cotton pad
- Hydrating essence or serum
- Moisturizer, then sunscreen
My Night Routine
- Double cleanse if I’ve worn sunscreen or makeup
- Hydrating toner, then an essence or treatment serum
- Facial oil or a richer night cream to support my skin barrier overnight
- Sheet mask two to three times a week instead of the serum step
Ingredients I Look For
- Hyaluronic acid — helps skin attract and hold onto moisture
- Ceramides — support and repair the skin barrier
- Niacinamide — helps with tone and texture
- Centella asiatica — soothing, especially on more reactive skin days
- Peptides — I look for these in firming serums
- Collagen — both topically and in the collagen peptides I take orally
Tips I’ve Picked Up Along the Way
- Introducing one new product at a time, since my skin got more reactive during rapid weight changes
- Leaning toward hydration and barrier support over exfoliating acids when my skin feels tight or dry
- Never skipping sunscreen — sun damage does more visible aging than almost anything else
- Adjusting richness of products seasonally as my skin’s needs shift
- Not forgetting the inside-out part: water, protein, and a generally balanced diet alongside the routine itself
Questions People Ask Me
Can skincare actually help with Ozempic face? In my experience, a consistent, hydration-focused routine supports how my skin looks and feels, but it doesn’t bring back lost facial volume — think of it as support, not a fix.
Do I really do all seven steps every day? Honestly, no. Busy days I simplify to cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen, and save the full routine with masks for a few times a week.
Are sheet masks actually necessary? Not necessary, but I like the extra hydration boost, especially on drier weeks.
Should I change my routine as I keep losing weight? I’ve had to reassess mine a few times as my skin’s hydration and sensitivity needs shifted — worth checking in periodically.
Can collagen supplements replace my topical routine? Not in my experience — I treat them as complementary, working through different pathways rather than one replacing the other.
This is my personal experience and what worked for me, not medical advice. A dermatologist can help tailor a routine to your specific skin type and needs.