Facials, spas, and massages aside, there’s a new addition to the beauty regime: intravenous fluids. Most people know that IV therapy is the way fluids and medications are administered to patients in hospitals.
This medical technique is now being used for beauty treatments all over the world, with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Adele taking the lead in the Western world. The trend has also spread to India, with many beauty and health clinics offering the treatment for those looking to achieve glowing skin, boost their immunity, reduce hair loss and have anti-ageing benefits.
If you casually come across a photo of someone with a needle in their arm and an IV bag, there’s a good chance they don’t have a health concern and are simply receiving IV treatment to improve their skin, immunity, overall wellbeing, or to treat a hangover.
When actor Arjun Kapoor shared this kind of picture on social media in June this year, fans were concerned. However, it was taken during a vitamin therapy session. Vitamin therapy involves injecting high concentrations of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream. As it bypasses the digestive process, IV therapy allows for quicker and better absorption of vitamins and minerals.
These infusions have a positive effect on the skin, as skin care correlates with internal health. Living a healthy lifestyle and eating foods rich in antioxidants is said to help you achieve glowing skin.
What is IV Beauty Therapy?
“IV beauty drips are infusions that deliver a mix of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, aiming to improve skin health, make you look younger and improve your overall health. These drips are created to hydrate the skin, slow down ageing and give it a healthy glow,” says Dr Venu Jindal, dermatologist and founder of RasaDerm Clinic, Delhi. India Today.
Different vitamin mixes and ingredients are used for different purposes – for example, glutathione is popular in IV beauty treatments.
“Glutathione has been shown to reduce pigmentation and enhance radiance. When it comes to beauty infusions, glutathione is the most popular,” says Dr Kiran, MD, founder of Isha Aesthetics, New Delhi, who claims to have brought beauty infusions to India.
Besides glutathione, other nutrients commonly used in these infusions include vitamin C, B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), biotin, magnesium, calcium, and zinc.
Dr Vivek Nigam Jagmohan, a Mumbai-based aesthetician and plastic surgeon, explains how these ingredients can benefit your skin:
- Vitamin C: It boosts collagen production, improves skin texture and brightens the complexion.
- Glutathione: An antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress, evens skin tone and enhances skin radiance.
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): It is essential for energy production, reduces inflammation and promotes healthy skin.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): It improves skin elasticity, reduces inflammation and brightens the skin.
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): It moisturizes the skin, reduces fine lines and improves skin elasticity.
- Vitamin B6: It plays a role in collagen production, reduces inflammation and promotes healthy skin.
- Biotin: Strengthens hair, nails and skin and improves skin elasticity.
- zinc: It is essential for wound healing, reduces inflammation and promotes healthy skin.
Dr Manu S Walia, lead dermatologist at Myrah DermaMed, Mumbai, says drops are suitable for a wide range of people as they provide vital nutrients, essential hydration and electrolytes. Talking about the different types of drops that are popular at her clinic, she says:
- Immune Booster Infusions add essential nutrients to your body, such as glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin B complex, to jumpstart your defense system and promote healing to take care of your body.
- InstaGlow IV contains a blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals for smoother, more even skin.
- Athletic Recovery Boost IV is a carefully designed solution to improve performance and speed recovery after tough training.
There are specialized infusions for boosting collagen, fast hydration, anti-aging, multivitamin supplementation, and on the health front, customized infusions for migraine prevention, stress, sleep disorders, gastroenteritis, colds and flu, and metabolism boosting.
Risks and Prevention
But are IV cosmetic infusions as effective as advertised, are there any risks to be aware of, and most importantly, is this treatment right for you?
Firstly, “IV beauty therapy is only for healthy people. It should be avoided by those with kidney, heart or liver problems,” says Dr Kiran.
“Infusions can be an option after consulting a qualified medical professional,” Dr Walia adds. Excessive intake of certain minerals and nutrients can lead to side effects and put strain on organs. Patients should disclose any pre-existing conditions or allergies to reduce the chances of complications.
Therefore, it is always best to consult a medical professional before undergoing vitamin infusion therapy. A medical professional may recommend blood tests to know which nutrients and how much your body needs. The plan should be customized accordingly. The cost of one beauty infusion can range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 22,000, depending on the ingredients and clinic.
“Before starting cosmetic IV treatments, you’ll need to undergo blood tests and a medical exam. These tests will show which nutrients you’re deficient in, how much of each nutrient you’re getting, and whether IV treatment is safe and right for you,” says Dr. Jindal.
“You’re already energy depleted and not getting enough from your diet, so certain actives and ingredients can help you look better,” says Dr Kiran.
It’s also important not to overdo your IV therapy sessions. Typically, sessions are once a week to once a month. In the beginning, you may need more frequent sessions, two to three times a week, depending on your body’s needs.
“For most recovery and illness treatments, a single infusion is all that is needed. For beauty drugs, metabolism boosters and migraine medications, doctors prescribe short courses customised to suit the client’s lifestyle and goals,” said Taniya Khubchandani, founder and CEO, Elixir Wellness. Harper’s Bazaar India Edition (June to July 2024).
IV cosmetic treatments are generally quick. Each session takes around 40-50 minutes to complete. There is no downtime or recovery time. However, if not performed in a medical facility or by a trained professional, there is a risk of infection, bruising, or phlebitis (infection of the veins).
Other potential side effects of IV therapy include dizziness, electrolyte abnormalities, and allergic reactions.
It’s important to stay hydrated and eat something before getting your serum injected: “Eat a light meal before the injection to prevent dizziness, and avoid strenuous exercise immediately after the injection,” says Dr Kiran.
Just a short-term solution
In terms of effectiveness, the effects of infusion beauty therapy are short-term, so follow-up treatments are necessary. Infusion therapy is effective when combined with other skin treatments, but is only somewhat effective on its own.
You will get better results by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, staying hydrated and following a good skin care routine.
