Skin and Hair
Dermatology Trends for 2027: What Derms Discussed at ASDS 2026 (GLP-1 Face, Menopause Skin, New Toxins)
What skin treatments are dermatologists talking about for 2027? At the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery meeting in San Diego, November 5 to 8, 2026, the big topics were more injectable choices, how GLP-1 weight loss changes the face, menopause and skin quality, and faster healing lasers, according to NewBeauty's recap. [1] Here is what that means if you are thinking about any of them.
Short answer
- More toxin choices, including short acting and long acting options in the pipeline.
- GLP-1 face: doctors are planning treatment before patients reach their goal weight.
- Menopause skin is getting its own treatment plans.
- Lasers with smaller openings and quicker healing.
- Your rule: early data is early data. Ask what is FDA approved and for what.
More injectable options
NewBeauty reported there are now six FDA approved cosmetic neurotoxins in the US. One new toxin, already approved in Europe and Canada, is made to work faster and wear off in weeks, not months. Another, available abroad, has shown results lasting up to six months in studies and is being pursued for US approval. [1]
What this means for you (original): a short acting option could be a lower risk way to try toxin for the first time. But "approved elsewhere" is not the same as approved where you live. Ask your injector which product they are using.
The GLP-1 effect
One dermatologist said, "your weight loss doesn't stop at your jawline." [1] As people lose facial fat, more doctors start treatments before goal weight. In an early look at one study, 95.7% of 25 patients on GLP-1 drugs were satisfied they still looked like themselves after filler. NewBeauty noted the group was small and more data is needed. [1] That study was run by a filler maker.
What this means for you (original): if you are losing weight, you do not have to rush. Your face may settle. If you do get filler, ask for a small amount and a follow up visit.
Menopause and skin
Researchers looked beyond wrinkles to skin thickness and quality. In one trial, the order of two treatments seemed to matter, but those uses are not FDA approved in the US. [1] Another dermatologist said estrogen plays a big role in skin collagen and thickness. [1]
What this means for you (original): if your skin changed fast in your 40s, it may be hormones, not your products. Raise it at your next checkup.
Faster lasers
One dermatologist said a newer laser makes smaller openings that heal in about five or six days in his experience. [1] Others are using patterns that speed up full face resurfacing. [1]
Korean devices
Doctors expect more interest in Korean devices, partly because some are "a lot more affordable than their U.S. equivalent." [1]
Why clinics are everywhere
Kearney's November 2026 outlook said clinical and aesthetic services are a monthly habit for more than a third of consumers in its survey, with US respondents scoring high on cosmetic dermatology and IV therapy (47% each). [2] Kearney's survey is commercial.
Before you book anything (original checklist)
- [ ] Is the person treating me a licensed doctor, nurse or PA, and who supervises them?
- [ ] What exact product is being used, and is it FDA approved for this area?
- [ ] What are the real risks? For fillers, that includes lumps, infection and, rarely, blocked blood vessels that can damage skin or vision.
- [ ] What happens if I hate the result? Can it be reversed?
- [ ] What is the total cost for a full year, not one visit?
Red flags at a clinic
- Treatments at parties or in homes.
- Prices far lower than everyone else's.
- No questions about your health history.
- Pressure to buy a package today.
What still works without needles (original)
Sunscreen every day, a retinoid at night if your skin tolerates it, moisturizer, and not smoking still do more for skin aging than most treatments. They also cost far less.
Words you will hear in 2027 (original)
- Neurotoxin: a product like Botox that relaxes muscles to soften lines.
- Filler: a gel, often hyaluronic acid, that adds volume. Hyaluronic acid filler can usually be dissolved.
- Biostimulator: a product injected to make your body build collagen over months.
- Resurfacing: lasers or peels that remove the top layers of skin so new skin grows.
- Skin longevity: a marketing phrase for keeping skin healthy as you age. It has no set meaning.
Questions to ask about "new" treatments
- How many people has this clinic treated with it?
- Is the research from the maker of the product?
- How long does it last, and what does it cost to keep up?
- What happens if I stop?
New is not always better. A treatment that has been around for years has more safety data than one launched last month.
Quick takeaway
2027 derm buzz: more toxin options, GLP-1 face planning, menopause skin, faster healing lasers.
Much of the new data is early, small or industry funded.
Ask what product, who is injecting, and whether it is FDA approved for that use.
Sunscreen and a retinoid are still the cheapest anti aging plan.