GLP-1s and Acne Flare-Ups? Anyone else?

M

Morgan2000

Member
Hey everyone,

I've been taking a GLP-1 agonist since late summer, and I've dropped around 28 pounds. I feel fantastic and am thrilled with my progress. The only downside is my acne has exploded! It's definitely hormonal (worse before my period, those deep cystic pimples, etc.). I'm pretty sure it's related to hormone changes from losing weight and my metabolism shifting.

Has anyone else experienced this? Does it eventually resolve itself? I'm hesitant to spend a lot on skincare since I'm almost certain my hormones are the underlying problem.
 
I remember reading somewhere that fat cells store hormones, so shedding pounds releases those hormones into your system.

I just did a quick search, and here's what I found: "Toxin/Hormone Release: Fat cells accumulate toxins and excess hormones that can be released into the bloodstream as fat cells shrink."
 
Semaglutide definitely worsened my acne right away. I woke up with several new pimples after my very first dose, which I thought was strange. It's still happening now. Just putting it out there as a 40-something who's battled acne since they were a kid. My sema doesn't contain any added B vitamins either and that comes up a lot on acne threads.
 
That's got to be annoying, especially when you're happy with the other changes. Hormonal acne from weight loss is a known issue. Body fat changes can cause hormone fluctuations, and your skin can react until everything balances out. If it's worse around your cycle and feels cystic, it probably is hormone-related and not just skin.

For many people, once weight gets more stable, it settles down. It can take time, but it should improve. If it gets worse or feels unmanageable, talk to a doctor instead of trying a million different products.
 
Thanks for the input everyone! @Heal_Girl That's kind of what I figured.

@MetabolicMindset No B12 or B6 in my shot, so I don't think that's it. @Petal Ugh, that's what I was afraid of! How long have you been taking it? Has the acne gotten any better over time, or is it still just as bad?
 
To @Morgan2000 it has gotten somewhat better, but it still flares up, especially around my period. I've been on it almost a year now.
 
I'm dealing with some stubborn fat myself, even with the GLP-1. I've been reading about sermorelin. I saw on another forum that some people use it to help target stubborn fat. One user said, "I have seen even further reduction in body fat...got rid of the stubborn spots, put on even more lean muscle mass and generally feel stronger and better."
 
I saw someone mention they are taking a stack of supplements, but still experiencing hair loss and other issues. It reminded me of how easy it is to overdo supplements. Def worth checking with a doc. There's a potential risk of B6 toxicity. Many vitamins contain more than the daily recommended dose and it’s not always labeled. High B6 causes toxicity that leads to neuropathy in some people.
 
I upped my water intake and added a probiotic, and it seemed to help a little bit. I'm thinking the water helps flush everything out, and the probiotic might assist with hormone regulation indirectly through gut health? Just a guess!
 
Did KPV three months. No flares when opening, thought not much change month one. Real improvement showed after 30 days. Off a month now and thinking another round since elbows and knees back to rough shape - normal for me means not great.
 
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