Cutaneous Effects and Aesthetic Management of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: A Narrative Review

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are among the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, with expanding indications beyond type-2 diabetes mellitus to include obesity, cardiovascular risk reduction, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. As their utilization increases, the dermatologic effects of these agents become increasingly relevant to clinical practice. This narrative review examines the cutaneous effects of GLP-1RAs across six domains: facial volume loss and accelerated skin aging, changes in hair density, wound healing, striae distensae and body skin laxity, cutaneous adverse events, and emerging therapeutic benefits in inflammatory skin disease. Herein, we review proposed mechanisms and evidence-based management strategies for each domain, including biostimulatory fillers, energy-based devices, nutritional optimization, and pharmacologic interventions. Prospective, large-scale clinical studies are needed to clarify mechanisms of GLP-1RA modulation in skin and to guide management of these AEs as next-generation agents enter clinical practice.