While an intravenous infusion of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants might be a preventive and holistic way of looking after one’s wellness, its safety concerns mustn’t be overlooked
If you weren’t already privy to the existence of IV (intravenous therapy) drips that claim to render healthier skin, you probably know of it now, if you’ve watched the recently released second season of Amazon Prime’s Made in Heaven. The character of Sarina Kapoor, played by Zayn Marie Khan, in the second episode of the series, was constantly made to feel lesser about herself, owing to her dusky complexion, which drove her to the dermatologist’s office, who then put her on glutathione drips. Glutathione is just one of the many ingredients administered into your body, through the agency of IV drips. Traditionally used to supply potent medicines into your bloodstream at a faster pace than ingestible tablets, IV drips have now entered the world of beauty, thanks to the inside-out holistic approach that has taken the industry by storm.
While celebrities and beauty enthusiasts such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, Kendal Jenner, Hailey Bieber and Cindy Crawford have jumped on the bandwagon, the trend has picked up pace in India too. The service is not only available at a slew of dermatologists’ clinics but also at contemporary wellness clinics. According to data by The International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group (IMARC), the Indian intravenous solution market size, which touched US$1.7 billion in 2022, is poised to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8 per cent between 2023 and 2028 and reach US$2.4 billion by 2028.
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Hailey Bieber and Kendal Jenner were seen bonding over a NAD (short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) IV therapy session in the second episode of The Kardashians, streaming on Disney+. Image: Instagram.com/haileybieber
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According to data by The International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group (IMARC), the Indian intravenous solution market size is poised to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8 per cent between 2023 and 2028. Image: Instagram.com/revivindia
How do beauty IV drips work?
“Beauty drips, also known as IV infusions, are cosmetic procedures involving the intravenous infusion of various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients directly into the bloodstream. These treatments are administered in clinical or spa settings by healthcare professionals,” says New Delhi-based celebrity dermatologist and founder of Isya Aesthetics, Dr Kiran Sethi.
Talking about why they are often marketed as boosters for improving skin health and energy and enhancing overall wellness, Sethi attributes it to the delivery of customised blends of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that such IV drips entail. “It’s paramount that every beauty drip should be customised, considering every person has a different medical history,” cites Dr Sakshi Sitaniya, M.D. in Dermatology and in-house doctor at Elixir Wellness. However, beauty drips mainly comprise varying quantities of ingredients such as glutathione, vitamin C, collagen, B complex, zinc and hyaluronic acid, depending on the person’s requirements, adds Sitaniya.
“WHEN THE COCKTAIL OF NUTRIENTS IS DELIVERED INTRAVENOUSLY, THEY BYPASS THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AND ARE ABSORBED DIRECTLY INTO THE BLOODSTREAM. THIS ALLOWS FOR HIGHER CONCENTRATIONS OF NUTRIENTS TO BE DELIVERED TO CELLS THROUGHOUT THE BODY, INCLUDING THE SKIN”
Dr Kiran Sethi
Explaining the trajectory of IV drips, Sethi says, “When the cocktail of nutrients is delivered intravenously, they bypass the digestive system and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This allows for higher concentrations of nutrients to be delivered to cells throughout the body, including the skin.” Magnesium and amino acids are two other commonly injected minerals through IV drips.
“At Elixir, each client first gets a doctor consultation to understand their lifestyle, habits and wellness, health or cosmetic goals. We also look at their personal medical history to rule out any allergies. We make sure our client does not go for the drip with an empty stomach. The doctor then customises the therapies specific to the client, and the technicians prepare the same and then administer it to the client after checking their vitals. Post the consultation, the therapy takes an average of 20-25 minutes,” says Sitaniya.
What are the benefits?
“Beauty IV therapy stimulates cellular repair, helps in detoxification by improving blood circulation and restores collagen and elastin production, which can help strengthen your hair and nails and give you a fresher look,” shares Sitaniya. “Therefore, it helps tackle the signs of ageing and provides a range of other beauty benefits without harmful side-effects.”
“Besides improved skin complexion, IV drips also provide increased energy, enhanced hydration and support for overall wellness,” says Sethi. However, the unique selling proposition of beauty IV drips is the pace and intensity of the delivery of nutrients. Talking about how these vitamin, mineral and antioxidant beauty drips fare in comparison to skincare products with the same ingredient compositions, Sethi says, “While both approaches can be beneficial, IV infusions can provide a more immediate and systemic effect, making them appealing to individuals looking for quick fixes, or those with specific health or nutritional needs.”
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“Beauty IV therapy stimulates cellular repair, helps in detoxification by improving blood circulation and restores collagen and elastin production, which can help strengthen your hair and nails and give you a fresher look,” shares Dr Sakshi Sitaniya. Image: Freepik
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“Besides improved skin complexion, IV drips also provide increased energy, enhanced hydration and support for overall wellness,” says Dr Kiran Sethi. Image: Pexels
Are beauty IV drips failproof?
Owing to the success rate and host of benefits of IV drips, the caveats associated with the treatment are seldom canvassed. However, just like most of the other beauty treatments, you must pursue beauty IV drips with caution—the tribulation that Kendal Jenner went through in 2018 right after undergoing a beauty IV therapy is a testament. According to a 2018 article published by People, “Kendall Jenner was reportedly hospitalised shortly before her red carpet appearance at Vanity Fair’s Oscars Party after suffering a bad reaction to a vitamin IV drip.” This is just one of the many instances that came to the public’s notice. Beauty IV drips can, therefore, be a slippery slope, especially if executed inappropriately or by an inexperienced individual.
It is crucial for the IV drip solution—a single ingredient or a combination of many—to be approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). “The IV insertion itself can also lead to complications, including infection, bruising, bleeding, and in extreme cases, blood clots and inflammation of the veins,” Dr Ehsan Ali, a primary care physician based out of Beverly Hills Ali told Refinery29. “The blood is supposed to form a small clot following the treatment, but patients who are prone to more dangerous clots should discuss the treatment with their doctor before moving forward,” he says.
According to Ali, individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, shouldn’t receive an IV vitamin treatment because it can put added strain on their hearts. “Those with certain medical conditions, allergies, or sensitivities should avoid them and pregnant or breastfeeding women should first check with their doctors,” adds Sethi.
The do’s and don’ts
Do consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing a beauty drip to determine if it’s appropriate for you. A healthcare provider will assess your medical history, current health status, and specific needs before giving you the go-ahead.
Don’t rely solely on beauty drips for your skincare needs; a comprehensive skincare routine is essential.
Make sure that the facility administering the drip follows proper hygiene and safety protocols.
Ensure to maintain optimum hydration levels before and after the treatment.
“Beauty drips can provide benefits for some individuals, particularly when used as part of a broader wellness strategy. However, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and their safety and effectiveness depend on individual health factors and needs,” concludes Sethi.
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