Targeted Skincare, Dermabrasion Show Skin Quality Improvements During Medical Weight Loss

Two clinical studies presented at the 2026 Science of Skin Summit evaluated whether targeted topical skincare and dermabrasion may improve skin quality among individuals taking medical weight loss (MWL) medications, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs).

The studies, announced by Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, assessed changes across the face, neck, upper inner arms, and distal thighs. Investigators reported statistically significant improvements in selected measures of skin quality, including dryness, skin tone evenness, crepiness, roughness, lines and wrinkles, and texture. However, both were small, single-center studies, with 9 participants completing the 12-week skincare study and 11 completing at least 1 post-treatment assessment in the 6-week dermabrasion plus skincare study.

The findings are being presented at the Science of Skin Summit, held September 17 to 20, 2026, in Austin, Texas.

Evaluating Skin Changes During Medical Weight Loss

Rapid or substantial weight loss can be accompanied by changes in skin appearance, including concerns related to laxity, firmness, and crepiness. With increasing use of medical weight loss therapies, researchers have begun examining approaches for addressing these aesthetic concerns.

The first study evaluated a 12-week topical skincare regimen consisting of a growth factor serum, neck cream, and firming and toning body lotion.

According to Allergan Aesthetics, investigator assessments identified statistically significant improvements in selected skin quality measures beginning as early as week 2. Outcomes varied according to the treatment area and assessment time point.

Participants also reported high levels of satisfaction with several aspects of their skin following treatment.

At week 4, participants using the growth factor serum twice daily perceived their facial skin as appearing approximately 10 years younger. This outcome was based on participant perception rather than an objective measure of biological skin aging.

Dermabrasion Combined With Topical Skincare

A second study evaluated the topical regimen in combination with DiamondGlow dermabrasion over 6 weeks.

Investigators reported improvements in selected skin quality measures immediately following dermabrasion treatment. After 3 DiamondGlow treatments and 6 weeks of topical skincare, participants perceived their facial skin as appearing approximately 7.5 years younger.

As with the first study, participant satisfaction varied according to the treatment area, measure, and assessment time point.

“As medical weight loss therapies continue to transform patient health, there is growing interest in understanding associated changes in skin quality, including firmness, laxity and crepiness,” Elizabeth Makino, a co-author of both studies and director of clinical development and global scientific affairs, skincare research and development, Allergan Aesthetics, said in a news release.

Makino noted that larger studies will be needed to further characterize the findings and determine how these approaches could fit into aesthetic care for patients using medical weight loss medications.

Small Studies Provide Early Data

The findings provide early clinical data on nonsurgical approaches to skin quality concerns in individuals taking medical weight loss medications, but the small study populations limit the conclusions that can be drawn.

Only 9 participants completed the 12-week skincare study, while 11 participants in the combination study completed at least 1 assessment after treatment. Both investigations were also conducted at a single center.

Additionally, the reported reductions in perceived skin age represent subjective participant assessments and should not be interpreted as evidence that the interventions reversed biological skin aging.

The 2 studies will be presented as e-posters during the 2026 Science of Skin Summit. The first, “Skin Quality Improvements With a Skincare Regimen in Individuals Taking Medical Weight Loss Medication,” evaluated the topical regimen alone. The second, “Skin Quality Improvements With Dermabrasion and a Skincare Regimen in Individuals Taking Medical Weight Loss Medication,” evaluated the combination approach.

Together, the early findings add to a growing area of aesthetic research examining how dermatologic and cosmetic interventions may address changes in skin appearance accompanying medically assisted weight loss.

References

1. Alexiades, M., et al. (2026). Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on skin quality: A comprehensive review of the literature. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. PubMed
2. Dayan, S. H., et al. (2026). The potential role of topical skincare approaches after glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use and rapid weight loss. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. PubMed